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Make a Dragonfly!

Make a Dragonfly!
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Create a colorful dragonfly model using paper, pipe cleaners, and craft glue or tape. Learn symmetry, wing shapes, and simple assembly skills.

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Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a dragonfly

What you need
Adult supervision required, colored paper, colouring materials, craft glue or tape, pencil, pipe cleaners, scissors

Step 1

Gather all your materials on a clean table so everything is ready.

Step 2

Fold one sheet of colored paper in half so the crease makes a mirror line for the wings.

Step 3

Draw one wing shape along the folded edge with your pencil so the wing will be symmetrical.

Step 4

Cut out the wing shape while the paper is still folded to make two matching wings.

Step 5

Unfold the paper to reveal the two identical wings.

Step 6

Decorate both wings using colouring materials and make the left and right sides match like a mirror.

Step 7

Twist two pipe cleaners together along their length to make a sturdy dragonfly body.

Step 8

Bend one end of the twisted pipe cleaners into a small loop to form the dragonfly's head.

Step 9

Bend the opposite end into a tapered tail shape to make the dragonfly’s tail.

Step 10

Place the two wings on either side of the middle of the pipe cleaner body where the wings should sit.

Step 11

Attach the wings to the pipe cleaner body using craft glue or tape and press gently to secure them.

Step 12

Make two short antennae from a small piece of pipe cleaner and attach them to the head by twisting or gluing.

Step 13

Let any glue dry completely before you move your dragonfly.

Step 14

Gently adjust the wings so they are even and the dragonfly looks balanced.

Step 15

Share your finished dragonfly on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of pipe cleaners, colored paper, or craft glue if we don't have them?

If you don't have pipe cleaners use two thin floral wires twisted together or strips of cardboard taped together for the body, swap colored paper for painted printer paper or tissue paper for wings, and use clear tape or white school glue in place of craft glue.

My wings came out uneven or tore when I cut them—how can I fix or avoid that?

Refold the paper firmly along the wing crease and trace one continuous wing shape along the folded edge, cut slowly with sharp scissors keeping the layers aligned, and if a wing tears reinforce the edge with a thin strip of clear tape before decorating and attaching.

How can I adapt this dragonfly activity for different age groups?

For younger kids have an adult pre-cut the folded wing shapes and pre-twist the pipe cleaner body while they decorate with big crayons and stickers, and for older kids let them add painted patterns, bead eyes, wire wing veins, or make articulated tails.

What are some ways to extend or personalize the finished dragonfly?

Personalize the wings by adding sequins, pressed leaves, or glitter before attaching them to the twisted pipe cleaner body, string bead segments onto the body, glue on googly eyes at the head loop, or make several and hang them as a mobile to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a dragonfly

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How to Make a Paper Dragonfly | Easy Paper Craft for Kids & Beginners

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Facts about paper crafts

🦋 Dragonflies are ancient — ancestors flew about 300 million years ago and some prehistoric relatives had wingspans up to 70–75 cm!

🔁 Dragonflies display bilateral symmetry: their left and right wings mirror each other, making them perfect for teaching matching and folding.

📐 Dragonfly wings have vein patterns you can simplify into easy geometric shapes to trace and decorate.

🎨 Many dragonflies shimmer with iridescent or metallic colors, great inspiration for bright, sparkly paper wings.

🧵 Pipe cleaners (chenille stems) were originally used to clean tobacco pipes and today are a super-flexible craft tool for bodies, legs, and antennae.

How do you make a colorful paper dragonfly step by step?

To make a colorful paper dragonfly, start by folding or drawing a symmetrical wing shape on cardstock and cut out two pairs of wings. Decorate wings with markers, paint, or glitter. Twist a pipe cleaner into a long body, adding beads for a segmented look and a small loop for the head. Attach wings to the body with craft glue or tape, adjusting symmetry, and bend pipe cleaner ends into antennae. Allow glue to dry before flying your dragonfly.

What materials do I need to make a paper dragonfly with pipe cleaners?

You'll need cardstock or construction paper, pipe cleaners, scissors, craft glue or strong tape, markers or paints, and optional beads or stickers for decoration. Also have a pencil, ruler, and hole punch handy for precise wings; googly eyes and glitter can add fun. Substitute straws or craft sticks if you don't have pipe cleaners. For younger children, use safety scissors and non-toxic glue to keep the project safe.

What ages is the dragonfly craft suitable for?

This craft suits ages 4–10 with adult supervision. Preschoolers (4–5) benefit from decorating pre-cut wings and shaping pipe cleaners, while 6–8-year-olds can cut shapes and assemble more independently. Older kids (9–10+) can add detailed patterns, bead segments, or learn about symmetry and wing shapes. Always supervise scissors and small parts; adapt complexity by offering pre-cut templates or advanced decoration techniques.

What are the benefits of making a paper dragonfly craft?

Making a paper dragonfly builds fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and basic geometry understanding through symmetry and wing shapes. It encourages creativity, planning, and following steps—useful for executive function. Group projects promote teamwork and language skills as children describe choices. Decorating adds color recognition and sensory play. The simple assembly gives a quick success experience, boosting confidence and interest in crafts and nature.
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