Rainbow Tree Craft
This rainbow handprint butterfly tree made from construction paper is so pretty and easy to make! We used a butterfly paper punch to cut out the butterflies and folded them in half to make them look 3D. This craft takes about 30 minutes to complete. Gluing on all the butterflies definitely takes a bit of time. But it’s also super relaxing and really fun to watch it come together! Plus when you’re done, it’s a really pretty keepsake you can put on display somewhere.
Video Tutorial: Rainbow Handprint Butterfly Trees
*Note: Scroll down for the step-by-step photo tutorial.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
Paper Strip Rainbows (My new favourite!) Handprint Spring Lilies How to Make a Paper Boat
Construction Paper – assorted colours Butterfly Punch – 1 inch Tacky White Glue Pencil Scissors
We used almost every single colour of construction paper in our pack. You’ll need all the colours of the rainbow, plus white for the background and brown for the tree.
What’s the best way to glue the butterflies to the paper?
I recommend using Aleene’s Tacky Glue if you have it. It does a great job of holding the butterflies upright as they dry. There are two ways you can glue the butterflies to the paper. Then use a mechanical pencil or a toothpick to press them onto the paper.
How old should kids be to make this tree craft?
All three of my kids made one of these trees. Just to give you an idea of the skill level it takes:
My 10 year old made hers completely by herself. My 7 year old thoroughly enjoyed punching the butterflies and laying them out on the handprint tree trunk, but she wanted my help with the gluing. And my 5 year old needed a bit more help. He donated his handprint but he made me do the rest. (But he’s not big into crafts!)
It took me a few tries to get this craft right. The first time I made it, I had all the coloured butterfly “branches” coming out of the tree in straight lines. My 7 year old looked at it and said, “That doesn’t look anything like a tree!?” lol Thanks kid. So her advice was to make the rows of butterflies curved to make it look more like a tree. And she was right! With a slight curve, it looks way better!
These rainbow trees are such a great construction paper craft and a super fun kids craft for spring and summer.
Here’s even MORE easy and fun paper craft ideas:
Paper Strip Rainbows
Handprint Spring Lilies
How to Make a Paper Boat
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
