What you need

• colored paper

• ruler

• scissors

• ribbon or string

Directions

1.
Cut two rectangles out of paper. Make them each 6 by 3 inches (15 by 7.5 cm).

2.
Valley fold one of the rectangles in half lengthwise. Unfold.

3.
Valley fold each corner to the center crease.

4.
Refold the paper along the center crease.

5.
Accordion fold each half of the paper. Start at the crease and work outward. Make the folds about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) wide.

6.
Fold the paper in half. This is the top half of the butterfly. Set it aside.

7.
Accordion fold the other rectangle starting with a short edge. Make the folds about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) wide.

8.
Fold the paper in half. This is the bottom half of the butterfly. Set it aside.

9.
Cut a piece of ribbon about 5 inches (12.7 cm) long. If you plan to hang your butterfly, make the ribbon 12 inches (30 cm) long.

10.
Place the top and bottom halves of the butterfly so their points touch. Tie one end of the ribbon around the butterfly halves. Trim the other end of the ribbon or use it to hang up your butterfly.

11.
Gently spread out the accordion folds.

12.
Decorate your space, hang from a window, or give to a loved one!