Summer brings warm sunshine and endless opportunities for creativity. When school lets out, kids need fun ways to channel their energy and express themselves. We love bright art projects that keep little hands busy and spark imagination. This simple craft combines two beautiful signs of the season: colorful kites and fluttering butterflies.
Using just a few basic supplies, children can design their own vibrant scene. The best part involves using little thumbprints to create unique paper bugs and butterflies. It is a wonderful way to capture a snapshot of how small their hands are right now while making a festive decoration for the house or classroom.
Craft Supplies:
Gather these supplies before you begin:
- White Cardstock Paper
- Blue Cardstock Paper
- Our Free Kite Printable – on box.com/password is GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS2026
- Crepe Paper (for the kite tail streamers)
- Wooden Craft Stick (to use as the handle)
- Crayons, Oil Pastels, or Markers
- Washable Ink Pads (in bright colors like pink, orange, and yellow)
- Black Fine-Tip Marker
- Child-safe Scissors
- Glue Stick or School Glue
Directions:
- Start off by downloading our free kite printable listed above in the supply list.
- Let your child color the kite design however they like. When they are done, help them trim it out, as well as the summer phrase.
- Next up – the thumbprint butterflies! Grab the blue cardstock paper and ink pads.
- Have your child press their thumbs onto a washable ink pad and stamp one print right on the blue paper. Have them repeat this step several times to make a whole bunch of butterflies.
- Once the ink dries completely, grab your black marker. Draw a tiny head, some curly antennae, and simple wings to turn those colorful thumbprints into sweet little butterflies and bugs. Trim out each piece.
- Next up – cut three long strips of yellow crepe paper. Staple or glue them to the bottom or side corner of the decorated kite to create trailing streamers. The crepe paper adds a fun, crinkly texture that mimics a real kite flying in the wind.
- Take your wooden craft stick and glue it to the bottom right corner of the kite, tucking it slightly underneath the crepe paper tail. This serves as a sturdy little handle for the craft.
- Finally, arrange the thumbprint butterflies around the scene. Glue them directly onto the crepe paper streamers so they look like they are catching a ride on the breeze. At this point in time you can add the wording cutout wherever you like. I did ours on directly on the kite but you can put it anywhere.
- Add any other embellishments you see fit. Let it dry completely before handling.
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