Butterfly Balloons
Butterfly balloon sculpting is a fun butterfly activity for both the sculptor and those who get to watch. And while balloon sculpting looks hard, it's really easy! All you need to know is a few of the basics.
 Butterfly Balloon Butterfly Activity |
Before you begin, it's important for parents and kids to learn some general balloon sculpting safety tips:
- Always stretch the balloon first to make it easier to inflate.
- Always inflate at a downward angle to lessen the risk of popped balloon hitting someone in the face.
- Keep your hands open while inflating to help mask part of your face.
- An adult should always be present and supervise children, whether they are playing with the balloons or learning how to twist them.
And now for some butterfly balloon magic!
What You'll Need:
- 2 pencil balloons
How to Make a Butterfly Balloon:
 Inflate balloons, leaving a 4-inch tail. |
Step 1: Begin by inflating two balloons, leaving a 4-inch tail on each.
 Pinch and twist a bubble. |
Step 2: On the first balloon, pinch and twist a round bubble.
 Fold, pinch, and twist-lock. |
Step 3: Fold the balloon as shown, pinch, and twist-lock. On the second balloon, repeat steps 2 and 3 once to make the other back wing.
 Twist-lock the two balloons. |
Step 4: Twist-lock the two balloons together at the same junction, as shown.
 Pinch and twist-lock a bubble. |
Step 5: Pinch and twist-lock a 1-inch bubble (both balloons together).
 Pinch and twist-lock two bubbles at the ends. |
Step 6: Pinch and twist-lock two round bubbles at the ends of the balloons.
 Pull the ends of the balloon down and twist-lock the two loops. |
Step 7: Pull the twist-locked ends of the balloons down to the twist-lock described in step 5. Twist-lock the two loops.
 A fully sculpted butterfly balloon. |
Now your child's butterfly balloon is ready to play and flutter away!
The next butterfly activity will show kids how a caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly. Learn how to create a caterpillar hatchery in the next section.
For more fun activities and crafts for kids, see:
