Send a Monarch to Mexico!

Folded Paper Butterfly

Artist: Karen Wilkensen, Science Museum of Minnesota

Materials:

• Butterfly pattern
• Paper (8 1/2" x 11")
• Scissors
• Glue
• Materials for decoration
  Instructions:

1. Click here to view, then print and make copies of the butterfly pattern. (This pattern is designed to fill a standard letter sheet of paper. If you find the pattern prints too small or too large, it may require adjusting the print size either before printing or at the copy machine)
2. Cut along the solid lines with scissors.
   (If you want to use other construction paper, trace the pattern on your paper of choice.)
3. Fold in half along the center dotted line. Then fold down each wing along the dotted lines where the wing meets the body. The paper will now be folded in the 'w' shape. The butterfly's body will be folded to hang below the wings. Place a small amount of glue inside the body area and press until dry.
4. Decorate only one side of your butterfly. The other side will be left blank for a Mexican student to decorate. Be creative, using colors, tissue paper, etc.
5. Write a message of friendship and conservation on your butterfly, so it can serve as an ambassador of goodwill. Please print your message on a computer, so it's easy to read. Be sure to include your name and address.

Suggestions:

You might want to include these things in your message:
• The distance your butterfly will travel to Mexico City (in km and miles).
• Your e-mail address.
• Your latitude and longitude.
• Your location (school, science museum, nature center, etc.)
• For extra writing space: Make a 2-layered butterfly and write your message inside the wings.
• Make a tiny envelope and glue it under the butterfly's wing. Insert a letter inside.
• For fun: "Tag" your butterfly the way a real monarch is tagged. (A self-adhesive label would work well.)
• Include some Spanish in your message!

  © Journey North 1997