Making a Butterfly net is a great way to get get kids outside! It is a fun kids activity that will keep kids moving and exploring all summer long. If you are looking for more boredom busting ideas check out all our summer crafts and activities ideas to keep kids active and entertained this summer! The best craft bloggers are sharing fun kids crafts! From Rubberband Chinese Jump Rope to Puffy Finger Paint Recipe you will find fun creative ideas!
Growing up, I use to love to catch bugs and create a fun little home for them. Complete with a bedroom and swimming pool.
A couple of weeks ago I remembered just how much I loved catching bugs as a child when I visited a butterfly house. It was amazing to watch all the beautiful butterflies and decided it would be fun to create a DIY butterfly net. It is perfect for kids so they can check out butterflies in their net rather than harming them by touching them. If your kids love to dress up how about this easy butterfly costume. How cute is that!
Supplies:
- 1 yard tulle
- 1 embroidery hoop
- 1 dowel
- spray paint/regular paint
- ribbons & hot glue gun (optional)
- drill and drill bits
The first step is to paint the dowel. I painted mine white with spray paint. Paint the dowel several times until the paint coverage is complete. I would paint one side. Let it dry then paint the other. I repeated this about four times.
After the dowel is dry, it is time to drill a hole through the dowel to attach the embroidery hoop.
Measure where to drill the hole on the dowel. The dowel should fit right up against the inner hoop (see photo above). If it is not flush against the hoop it will not be as stable.
Drill a hole the same size as the screw on the embroidery hoop so that the dowel will fit on the hoop.
Next, take the tulle and fit it into the embroidery hoop, creating the net. Push as much tulle in the hoop as possible to create a net. Make sure that the tulle goes around the whole hoop without any openings. There will be excess tulle (don’t worry cut it off later). Add the dowel onto the hoop and tighten the hoop with the tulle in place.
Cut off the remain tool around the edges. Now it is the fun part, to decorate the net. Let the kids get creative they can paint the handle or glue on ribbons.
I used four colors of ribbons and alternated them with an inch in between around the hoop.
Use a dab of hot glue to attach the ribbons. They add whimsy to the butterfly net.
Let the glue and extra paint dry and the butterfly net is all done.
I love the fun flair the ribbons added to this beautiful butterfly net. I can’t wait to try it out with my nieces.
It is almost like a ribbon baton and butterfly net all in one.
This is great for boys too, just leave off the ribbons. It is perfect for catching all sorts of flying insects.
If you loved this idea check out some of my other fun ideas for kids:
Hey, I’m Emily. I am a wife to an amazing, crazy, and fun husband who keeps me on my toes. I love to craft, celebrate, cook, thrift, read, shop, and decorate. I enjoy working on projects and finding ways to share them. I hope you enjoy my simple ideas and are inspired to create along with me. When I’m not blogging, I’m normally reading a good book or out shopping. Learn more about me and my projects by visiting my blog, The Benson Street or following me on Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter.
Wonderfull idea ! I love it !