Paper butterflies are not only beautiful and cute, but also fun to make. Try the origami style to make it. Or if you're new to crafts, just make a simpler version with pretty pleats. When you're done, use the butterflies as decorations or give them to friends and family as gifts.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Folding Origami Butterfly
Step 1. Fold the paper in half, then unfold and fold again on the other side
Press both folds so that the lines are clearly visible. Align the edges as you fold the paper to make sure the crease is centered.
If the color or pattern on both sides of the paper is the same, it doesn't matter which side you start with. However, if one side is white -or the back is plain - start by laying that side up
Choosing Good Paper for Making Butterflies
If you are a beginner, choose large origami paper. Wider paper will be easier to work with.
For easy folding, use origami paper because it is thinner than regular paper.
If you want to add visual appeal, Choose a textured paper such as linen or felt cardstock.
For a dramatic accent, choose foil paper with a shiny metallic color.
Step 2. Fold the paper in half diagonally, unfold it, then fold the other side diagonally as well
Pull the two opposite corners together to make a fold. Press firmly so that the folds are clearly visible. Repeat this step on both diagonal folds. Open the paper and lay it flat after folding.
The four folds should cross each other right in the middle of the paper
Step 3. Bring the right and left sides together to form a triangle
With the paper lying flat in front of you, press the right horizontal crease toward the left. When you do this, the paper will fold in the middle and form a triangle along the diagonal crease you made.
- Press the triangle to emphasize the line after the paper is folded to the center.
- If the paper doesn't fold perfectly, repeat the initial folds you made. If the folds are not firm enough, it will be difficult to fold the paper in the middle to form a triangle.
Step 4. Fold the top two corners in half
When you make a triangle shape, the paper will form in two layers. Take the two corners of the top layer and align the edges with the crease in the middle of the triangle.
Align the two corners to the center crease evenly so they don't overlap or so that there isn't a large gap between the edges in the middle
Step 5. Turn the triangle over and fold the bottom up and leave a bit of the edge showing
Paper should not be folded in half. Instead, from the base of the triangle fold it about up. Use your hands to gently hold the crease in place.
Do not press the fold
Step 6. Bend the top layer from the top of the triangle downwards
There are two layers of the apex of the triangle. Lift the top layer and fold it into a wide triangle underneath, the part you're holding. The apex of this triangle will be the head of the butterfly.
Press the top crease of the triangle you made. This will help keep the butterfly's body in place and prevent it from unraveling
Step 7. Pull two pieces of paper from the bottom layer to make the bottom wing
With the top layer folded, unfold the two strands of the bottom layer in opposite directions. The ends of the two triangular sections should point downwards away from the folded head.
- Hold the folded head with your thumbs while pulling the undercoat so that the butterfly doesn't unravel.
- If necessary, re-press the crease after the lower wing has been opened.
- Cut off the tips of the wings if you want the butterfly to be smaller.
Method 2 of 2: Making a Butterfly out of Pleated Paper
Step 1. Fold a rectangular sheet of paper in half and press the crease firmly
Align the edges of the paper when folded so that the line is right down the middle. Press firmly with your fingernail so that the folds are clearly visible.
- Use any type of paper you like, whether it's origami paper, colored cardboard, or even pretty gift wrap.
- Paper size doesn't matter as long as it's rectangular. If you have rectangular paper, just cut it so that they are all the same length.
Step 2. Unfold the paper and cut along the side of the fold
Use scissors to cut the paper in half. The crease line can guide the scissors to cut straight across the paper.
- Make sure the scissors are sharp so the paper doesn't tear or wrinkle.
- If you're having trouble cutting straight, hold the scissors on something with a straight edge when cutting, such as a ruler.
Step 3. Make accordion-like folds with one of the paper
Fold the paper into a thin rectangle, then turn it over and fold it inward again. Continue to fold back and forth like this until all the paper is used up. Think of this movement as making pleats or a paper fan.
- The thickness of the folds can be adjusted according to your taste.
- Keep the thickness the same, regardless of how wide or thin the folds are.
Step 4. Take the other piece of paper and fold it in half lengthwise
Lay the two longer edges on top of each other. Then, draw a firm line by pressing your finger along the folded part.
Make sure the folds are as straight and even as possible so that the paper is split in two firmly
Step 5. Unfold the paper and fold the four corners to the center of the crease line
Align the edges with the crease. The paper will now form a hexagon with two pointed ends formed by the folded corners.
Keep the corners folded. If it doesn't stay in place, apply double-sided tape or a little glue under the "wing"
Step 6. Turn the paper over and make accordion folds on each side
Fold the paper in half towards the center. After that, repeat on the other side. This will be the upper wing of the butterfly.
Make the folds as thick or thin as you like, depending on the size of the paper
Step 7. Fold the two folded papers in half
Press the two pieces of paper together and hold it between your thumb and forefinger. Fold one end to the other carefully, pressing the crease firmly.
The paper won't sit still, but that's okay. You just need to make a crease line so the paper forms a V shape
Step 8. Lay one paper on top of the other and tie it in the middle
Arrange the two papers to form a butterfly. Pinch them together as you tie string or twine around them.
- To bind the two papers together, you can add a dab of craft glue or hot glue to the center.
- Asking a friend to hold the paper while tying the string will make it easier for you to make a strong knot.
- You can also use tape or pipe cleaner instead of thread.
Step 9. Pull the seams to open the wings
The shriveled pleats will not resemble a pretty butterfly. Carefully unfold the paper so that the two halves of the paper look like 1 wing wide on each side, rather than two separate sections.
Be careful not to tear the paper when you unzip
Fun Ways to Use Butterflies
Hang it on string or ribbon to make it a beautiful decoration in the room.
Glue the butterfly onto a piece of paper or canvas as 3D art.
Give as a gift on the holidays.
Place it on a bookshelf or coffee table as a decoration.
Make butterflies as Christmas tree ornaments.
