Naw Ruz Butterflies

by Leanna

This is a fun craft for spring! We did these for Naw Ruz, but they would be great for anyone looking to celebrate the arrival of spring.

I got the idea here. I had been searching for a spring craft, since Naw Ruz (the Baha’i new year) falls on the first day of spring. My little Monkey loves butterflies, so when I saw these, I knew we had a winner! Also, I loved that I didn’t have to buy a lot of supplies – I already had the construction paper, so it was just a matter of picking up some pipe cleaners.

(Just a note: I found the pipecleaners in the craft section, under the label “fuzzy sticks”!)

For each butterfly, cut out two squares, one approximately 5 in x 5 in, and one approximately 4 in x 4 in. I actually just approximated this, to make it easier and because I knew that if I pulled out a ruler it would soon be commandeered and made into a drumstick/digging stick/flying object. The important thing is to have two squares, one a bit larger than the other.

Fold each square accordion-style from one corner to the other. Stack them on top of each other, larger square on top. Fold a pipe cleaner in half and place the folded squares inside, about halfway up. Twist the pipe cleaner above and below the squares, then fluff the squares into a wings by flattening out the accordion folds a bit. Twist the ends into antennae (and to hide the sharp ends).

You can make all sorts of color combinations. My husband also had the idea to cut two pipe cleaners in half and twist the pieces together to make color-swirled butterfly bodies.

My little Monkey’s main role in all of this (besides stopping in occasionally to view my work and make observations such as, “Mommy, turn turn” and “Butterfly!”) was to hand out the butterflies to our friends on Naw Ruz.

Since so many activities in our community take place in the evening, when it is difficult for us to attend, this year we decided to invite everyone to join us at a local restaurant for lunch. We had a wonderful turnout and gorgeous weather to sit out on the patio.

I was so proud of my little Monkey, who very graciously handed out the pipe cleaner butterflies to all of our “guests.” I am so happy he has such a generous heart and is already learning about serving others.

What a perfect way to start the new year!