Ingredients
- 3 sheets of 8.5 by 11 inch medium-weight cardstock in two or three colors
- 1 sheet of 8.5 by 11 inch dark cardstock for the bodies
- 1 pair of 6 inch craft scissors with sharp, comfortable handles
- 1 pencil with a clean eraser
- 1 small ruler at least 6 inches long
- 1 bottle of 4 fluid ounces of white craft glue, such as Elmer's
- 1 small paper plate or scrap of cardboard for glue
- 1 small flat paintbrush, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 small bottle of metallic or opaque acrylic craft paint, 2 fluid ounces (optional)
- 1 black fine-tip marker, 0.5 to 0.8 millimeter tip
- 6 small beads or paper dots, about 1/4 inch wide (optional for body details)
- 1 clean 12 by 18 inch piece of scrap paper or newspaper for table protection
- 1 pair of lightweight craft gloves, optional for people who prefer extra grip
- 1 roll of 1/2 inch removable painter's tape for hanging or holding folds
- 3 pieces of clear thread, each 24 inches long, if you want to hang the dragonflies
Instructions
- Clear a flat work surface and cover it with the 12 by 18 inch scrap paper or newspaper.
- Choose three sheets of colored cardstock for the wings and one dark sheet for the bodies.
- Use the ruler and pencil to mark three wing rectangles, each 3.5 inches wide by 5 inches long.
- Cut out the rectangles, then round the two outer corners of each piece with the scissors.
- Fold each wing rectangle into an accordion, making each fold about 1/2 inch wide.
- Open each folded piece halfway and pinch the center crease gently to form a fan shape.
- Make the lower wing pieces in the same way, using three more 3.5 by 5 inch rectangles.
- Cut three body strips from the dark cardstock, each 3/4 inch wide by 4.5 inches long.
- Round one end of each strip, then fold the strip lengthwise down the middle.
- Place one upper wing and one lower wing behind each body strip, centering the narrow ends.
- Add a thin line of white glue along the folded body ridge and press the wings into place.
- Let the wings rest flat for 10 minutes, then check the balance of each dragonfly.
- Use the black marker to draw two short antennae on each body and add small lines along the ridge.
- If desired, brush a narrow line of metallic acrylic paint down each body.
- Attach a 1/4 inch bead or paper dot near the rounded end of each body with a dot of glue.
- Leave the pieces undisturbed for 30 to 45 minutes until the glue feels clear and firm.
- When fully dry, attach a 24 inch piece of clear thread to the back of each body.
Notes
Keep the scissors pointed down when carrying them and cut away from fingers. Supervise children ages 8 and up.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
