
Bring the beauty of fall into your crafting with this simple and delightful Autumn Leaf Butterfly Craft! This easy craft for kids uses real autumn leaves to create beautiful butterfly wings, perfect for celebrating the colors of the season. Plus, with our free PDF template, the process is as easy as collecting leaves, cutting, and gluing. This hands-on activity encourages creativity and gives children a chance to play with natural materials while making a lovely autumn decoration.
Materials Needed:
- Four autumn leaves (choose colors like red, yellow, orange, or brown)
- Glue stick or liquid glue
- Cardstock (for the butterfly’s base)
- Free PDF butterfly body template (download below)
- Scissors
- Black marker
Instructions:
Download and Print the Template

Get your free printables at the bottom of this post
Start by downloading our free butterfly body template PDF. Print it on sturdy paper or regular printer paper, depending on your preference.
Prepare the Butterfly’s Body

Using scissors, carefully cut out the butterfly body from the printed template. This piece will serve as the center of your butterfly and give it a shape to come alive.
Arrange the Leaves

Choose four autumn leaves to create the butterfly’s wings. Lay them out on your cardstock to experiment with placement and find the best arrangement. Place two leaves on each side of where you will attach the butterfly’s body. The wider part of each leaf should be facing outward to mimic the spread of butterfly wings.

Glue the Leaves
Apply a thin layer of glue to the back of each leaf, then press it firmly onto the cardstock. Attach the top two leaves first for the upper wings, followed by the bottom two leaves as the lower wings, arranging them symmetrically around the center.
Attach the Butterfly Body

Place a line of glue down the center where the wings meet, then press the butterfly body from the template over this line. Hold it in place briefly to ensure it adheres securely to both the cardstock and the leaves.
Add Antennae

With a black marker, draw two small, curved lines above the butterfly’s head to create its antennae. These finishing touches will give your butterfly craft more character and detail.
Display Your Autumn Leaf Butterfly
Once everything is dry, display your finished butterfly! Hang it on the wall, display it on a shelf, or give it as a gift. The natural textures and colors of the leaves make this butterfly a lovely seasonal decoration.

There is also a black-and-white version of the butterfly body template, which kids can color using colored pencils or markers. This option is perfect for children who enjoy coloring, as it allows them to add their own creative touch to the butterfly by choosing unique colors and designs for its body. This adds an extra layer of personalization and fun to the craft!

This autumn butterfly craft brings the natural beauty of the season into your home and gives children a chance to engage with nature creatively. Happy crafting, and enjoy the colors of fall!