Materials: flour, water, salt, non-breakable mixing bowl, wooden spoon, measuring cup. (Optional: food coloring, paint, glue and glitter.)
Set-up: Work over a washable table, counter, place mat, or tray. Play Dough Mix: 3 cups of water, 3 cups flour, 1 and 1/2 cups salt, 3 Tbsp. corn oil. 2 Tbsp. cream of tartar. A few drops of food coloring. Heat over low heat until dough sticks together (not too long!). Can be baked or stored in an airtight container. Keeps a long time!
Sculpt the butterfly: You need a basic body shape, four wings and antennae. Little legs are an appropriate addition for older children. (Adults can use a toothpick to help sketch eyes and other features.) Add food color to the dough for a colorful result, or paint the sculpture after you bake it & cools.
Add-Art Ideas: Decorate your traced butterfly with paint. Add glue & glitter. Make tiny butterfly clothing. Make a paper or dough flower for the butterfly to rest on!