Have you made a weaving board before? Nature weaving is of the easiest crafts because you can use any cardboard that you already have along with flowers from your garden. We are currently raising Monarchs this season from egg to butterfly to study their life cycle, so naturally we had to add in a few butterfly related projects this week. These cardboard butterfly weaving boards are so easy to make and I love that they can be reused over and over. This butterfly pattern is a larger version of the one from the butterfly seed mosaics. If you don’t want to use rubber bands you can also use twine, just make sure you wrap it tightly or cross it over a few more times to cover more surface area.
Materials:
– cardboard
– rubber bands
– pattern notcher (optional)
– flowers *friendly reminder to obtain your flowers responsibly and to not pick wildflowers from nature or harm native plants. If you need to purchase flowers, supporting a local farm at your farmer’s market is a great way to do so*
How to make a cardboard butterfly nature weaving board
Step 1: How to make the weaving board
Cut butterfly shapes out of recycled cardboard (download the printable pattern above. Print at 100% when printing the pattern. Cut notches on both sides using a pattern notcher or a pair of scissors. Place the rubber bands on the weaving board and use the notches to hold them in place.
Step 2: How to use the weaving board
Collect flowers and weave the flower stems in between the rows of rubber bands. Don’t have access to flowers? Substitute any nature items that you have at home or ones can easily be found on a walk!
@woodlarkblog cardboard butterfly nature weaving — these are made using recycled cardboard and rubber bands instead of twine for extra hold which makes them really easy for younger children to use. All of these flowers are cut from our backyard garden— friendly reminder to obtain your flowers responsibly and to not pick wildflowers from nature or harm native plants. If you need to purchase flowers, supporting a local farm at your farmer’s market is a great way to do so! ✨ Butterfly shape pattern is available to download for free on my blog ✨ #naturecrafts #naturecraftsforkids #natureplay #springflowers #recycledcrafts #earthdaycraftsforkids #DIY #kidscrafts
Downloads provided on Woodlark Blog are for personal use only. Read more on terms of use here
Deb says
Love It!!! Just what I was looking for to use in grand baby nursery. Thank you.
Woodlark says
Hi Deb,
So glad to hear that! Enjoy! – Ashley
Lehava says
Cool idea! I have a weekly nature /gardening ckass I do with seniors and I am always looking for ideas for days we can’t go outside because of the weather.
Kelsey says
Any suggestions for longevity? I’m thinking these flowers will all be drooping by the next day.
Woodlark says
Hi Kelsey,
Yes, the flowers will begin to dry up if they are left on the board. The only way to keep the flowers fresh would be to remove them and place the stems in water.
– Ashley
Chris says
Couldn’t these be done with silk flowers as well? Guests would/could actually keep these and maybe hang them on a wall between photos.
Woodlark says
Chris,
Yes, absolutely. You could also add dried preserved nature items as well. Enjoy!
– Ashley