This summer, let the imaginations of your little muses run wild as they pretend to be butterflies exploring their world.
Inspired by dream-catchers and the vibrant colors of the early summer wildflowers, these wings spark hours of carefree play. Make these beautiful wings your next DIY project, then be sure to have your camera close by to capture magical images of childhood at its best.
Supplies:
- Wire hanger or wire wing form
- Wire cutter
- Scissors
- Yarn
- Beads (optional)
9 steps to wings for your little one:
1. Create a design for your wings, determine the size and color scheme, and collect supplies. The yarn you select will have a big impact on the look of your wings. I used various colors of yarn tied together because I wanted multi-colored wings, but you can use rainbow-colored yarn rather than tying lengths of yarn together, or choose a single color of yarn. Consider using yarn of varying thickness and texture to enhance visual interest. Adding assorted beads will further embellish your wings. Make sure the beads have openings large enough to accommodate the thickness of the yarn. I used both glass beads and wood beads in a variety of colors.
2. Twist and bend a wire hanger to form the shape of wings. You’ll need a wire cutter to make the wire smaller. If you don’t want to have to twist the wire into shape (it does take some effort), many discount stores sell children’s wings for a dollar. You can simply cut off the nylon covering the wire and use only the wire form.
3. Begin by tying the yarn to the center of the wire frame. You will be weaving the yarn to look like the web in a dream-catcher within each of the four distinct wing sections. Wrap the yarn loosely around the outside of the wire frame, then loop it back through the hole you just created, leaving some space before pulling the loop taut against the wire. Continue this pattern and be aware that the bigger your loops, the larger the spaces you’ll have in your wings. Smaller loops will create an overall tighter appearance.
4. String beads onto the yarn at various locations if you desire.
5. Continue creating your dream-catcher pattern until you reach the center. Tie with a tight knot then cut the yarn.
6. Repeat this process for all four wing sections.
7. Next, wrap yarn around the entire wire frame until it’s completely covered. This step is quite time-consuming, but it really does give the wings a finished look. I used ombre yarn in green and blue tones and I love the effect.
8. Last, add little loops to tie around the child’s arms to secure wings. You can use yarn as I did, or ribbon or elastic.
9. Surprise your little models with these crafted-with- love wings and watch their imaginations run wild.
This article first appeared in Click Magazine; visit our subscription area to learn more.
It’ll be loved by all girls. You really shared a wonderful diy project.