There’s something magical about dragonflies. Those shimmery wings, the way they zip across a summer pond, the pop of color as they catch the light. Kids love spotting them, so why not bring a little of that wonder indoors?
This craft is one of my favorites for busy days. It uses supplies you probably already have tucked away in a drawer, and it comes together in just a few minutes. Best of all, there’s no glue and no mess to scrub off the table afterward. Just torn crepe paper, a bit of painter’s tape, and a metallic marker on dark paper for that gorgeous glowing effect.
Whether you’re a parent looking for a quiet afternoon activity, a teacher planning a nature unit, or a caregiver wanting a fuss-free project, these little dragonflies are ready to fly. Let’s make some!
Craft Supplies:
Gather these simple items before you start:
- Black construction paper (one sheet per child works great as the “night sky” background)
- Crepe paper streamers in a bright shade of yellow
- Painter’s tape or masking tape in a matching or contrasting color
- A metallic marker in silver or gold (for antennae, eyes, and sparkle)
- Scissors (optional, since kids can tear the crepe paper by hand)
That’s it! Four main supplies and you’re set.
Directions:
Follow these easy steps, and feel free to let the kids take the lead wherever they can.
Step 1: Tear the Wings
Pull a long piece of crepe paper off the roll and tear it into short strips, roughly two to three inches long. Don’t worry about making them perfect. Torn edges give the wings that soft, papery, fluttery look that makes this craft so charming.
Step 2: Shape the Wings on the Paper
Lay your black construction paper flat. Arrange your crepe paper strips on the paper. Gently pinch or crinkle the center of each strip to give the wings some texture and lift.
Step 3: Add the Body with Tape
Tear off a strip of painter’s tape about three to four inches long. Press it down vertically, right over the center of the crepe paper “wings.” This tape becomes the dragonfly’s long, skinny body and holds every wing in place at the same time. Smooth it down with a fingertip so it sticks nicely.
Step 4: Draw the Details
Now for the fun finishing touch! Grab your metallic marker and draw two curved antennae reaching up from the top of the tape body.
Step 5: Fill the Sky
Repeat the steps to add a whole swarm of dragonflies across your black paper. Three, four, five, or more! Scatter them at different angles so it looks like they’re darting around at dusk. Use a mix of crepe paper colors for a rainbow effect that really pops against the dark background.
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And there you have it, a whole flock of glowing dragonflies made from bits of torn paper and a little tape. Simple supplies, big imagination, zero glue. That’s the kind of craft I love sharing.
Hang your finished art on the fridge, tape it to a window, or use it to decorate a bug-themed bulletin board. However you display them, these dragonflies are sure to bring a little summer sparkle to your day.
If you make this project, we’d love to see it! Snap a photo and tag us @GluedToMyCrafts so we can cheer on your creative crew. Happy crafting, friends!
