By: J.J. Kuspira
What an absolutely beautiful time of year. June is the start of summer, and there are so many wonderful things which invite us to pause, breathe and smile. The grass begins to grow, flowers bloom, and animals start to wake up and greet us with chirps, squeaks and silent stares from the branches of the trees.
Today’s post is a poem and a craft to pay tribute to one of the most magical and beautiful signs of summer, the butterfly. Here are some butterflies to keep an eye out for as you take a stroll through a park or are relaxing in your yard. These are known as “JUNE” butterflies.
June
Welcome June, come on in and stay for a while.
We have missed you, your friends, your beautiful style.
Thank you, June, for the green grass and leaves.
The flowers you grow are vibrant yellows, blues and pinks to see.
Grateful to you June, for the friends you keep,
Groundhogs in the fields while Robins sing their songs that are so sweet.
Welcome June, you inspire such beauty even in the sky.
We marvel at all the magic you invite, especially that of the butterfly.
*** NOTE: I forgot to add pipe cleaners, scissors and paper towels ***.
Select as many coffee filters as you want. One filter equals one butterfly.
Pick 3 or 4 or your favourite coloured markers
Scribble and colour as much of the filter as you want. Be sure to get colour on the edge of the filter -- do your best to not leave too much white space
Place your coffee filters on top of some paper towel. (this speeds up the drying)
Fill your spray bottle with water.
Hold 2-3 inches above the filter and spray; be sure to cover the entire filter.
Wait for the filters to dry and the colours to spread. (average time is about 20 minutes)
Fold the filter. You can either do it in an accordion-style or bunch it all together.
Pinch the middle with your thumb and finger; you will start to see the wings.
Grab one of the clothespins and open it.
Place the pinched part of the filter into the first hole, the larger hole in your clothespin.
Be sure to have it all in the hole and that the top of the pin closes.
Plug in the glue gun (*The Glue Gun will require adult supervision)
Select the pom-poms you want
Cut two pieces of pipe cleaner (approx 1”)
*Put hot glue in space at top of the clip (see insert photo), and place pipe cleaners in glue.
*Put hot glue on the body; place two or 3 pom-poms on glue.