Do it yourself butterfly costume ideas 2024

Wings: The Centerpiece of Your Costume

• 3 sheets of blue tissue paper
• 2 sheets of black tissue paper
• 12-gauge floral wire (approximately 5 yards)
• 26-gauge floral wire
• Wooden clothespin or wooden dowel
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Electrical tape
• Wire cutters
• Black washable marker
• Mod Podge or craft glue
• White paint
• Masking tape

1. Using the 12-gauge floral wire, bend it to shape the wings. Aim for wings that are roughly 26 inches tall by 13 inches wide.
2. Leave about 2 inches of extra wire for each wing so you can twist the two wings together.
3. Use floral tape to bind the wire together and create a sturdy frame.
4. For added stability, wrap the frame in masking tape before adding the veins. This will also help the tissue paper adhere better to the frame.

1. Create veins within the wing using the thinner 26-gauge floral wire and floral tape.
2. Crinkle the blue tissue paper and lay it flat.
3. Sandwich the wire frames between pieces of blue tissue paper.
4. Open the clothespin and slide it onto the middle of the wing frame where the two wings meet.
5. Use mod podge or craft glue to adhere the tissue paper to the frame, trimming any excess.
6. Once dry, add black tissue paper details to create the distinctive butterfly wing patterns.
7. Use a black marker to draw additional details if desired.

Body: Creating a Comfortable Base

• Black leotard
• Black tights
• Cardboard
• Egg cartons (from a 5-dozen case)
• Black fabric strips
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

1. Cut a piece of cardboard to fit comfortably across the chest.
2. Cut holes in each corner of the chest piece.
3. Thread long pieces of black fabric through these holes to create ties.
4. Cut egg cartons into small pieces and layer them onto the cardboard chest piece using hot glue.
5. Paint the egg carton pieces in colors that complement your wing design.

1. Put on the black leotard and tights as the base of your costume.
2. Attach the chest piece by wrapping the fabric ties around your body, crossing them over your shoulders and tying them securely.
3. Use an additional piece of black fabric as a waist tie to keep everything in place.

Head: Bringing Your Butterfly to Life

• Cardboard
• Felt (preferably purple)
• Fiberfill
• Green floral tape
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Electrical tape
• Egg cartons

1. Cut cardboard strips and assemble them into a basic head shape using masking tape.
2. Cover the bottom piece with masking tape for comfort.
3. Create antennae using wire and wrap them in black electrical tape.
4. Glue the antennae to the head structure.
5. Cut pieces from egg cartons and glue them around the head for texture.

1. Cut two large oval shapes from felt, with one slightly larger than the other.
2. Fill the larger oval with fiberfill for a 3D effect.
3. Hot glue the two pieces together and attach them to the head structure.

1. Cut a strip of cardboard and bend it into a coiled shape.
2. Wrap the cardboard in green floral tape.
3. Glue the proboscis to the head structure.

Accessories: Adding the Finishing Touches

1. Use face paint or eyeshadow to create colorful patterns around your eyes.
2. Apply false eyelashes for a more dramatic look.
3. Use glitter or rhinestones to add sparkle to your face and body.

1. If you prefer not to wear the full cardboard head, create a simple antenna headband.
2. Attach two thin wires to a plain headband.
3. Wrap the wires in black pipe cleaners or electrical tape.
4. Add small pom-poms or felt balls to the ends of the antennae.

1. To make your wings move, attach clear elastic bands to the top corners of your wings.
2. Loop these bands around your wrists or fingers.
3. When you move your arms, the wings will flutter realistically.

Assembly and Wear

1. Start by putting on the black leotard and tights as your base layer.
2. Attach the chest piece using the fabric ties, ensuring it's secure but comfortable.
3. Put on the wing structure, using the clothespin or dowel to hold it in place against your back.
4. Secure the wings by tying the fabric from the chest piece over your shoulders and around the wing structure.
5. Add the head piece or antenna headband.
6. Apply your butterfly-inspired makeup.
7. Put on any additional accessories you've created.

Tips for Wearing Your Costume

• Practice moving in your costume before any events to get used to the wings' size and weight.
• Be mindful of doorways and crowded spaces, as your wings may be wider than you're used to.
• If wearing the costume for an extended period, consider adding padding to any areas where the wire frame might rub against your skin.
• For outdoor events, be prepared for wind catching your wings. You may want to reinforce the structure or have a plan to fold them if necessary.

Customization Ideas

• Choose different colors for your wings to represent specific butterfly species.
• Add LED lights to the wing frame for a glowing effect.
• Incorporate patterns or symbols that are meaningful to you into the wing design.
• Create matching accessories like a butterfly-shaped purse or shoes decorated with wing patterns.