This dragonfly is all colorful and sparkly. Made out of wood, it comes as part of the Bugs Galore DIY Kit.
The idea came about years ago around the time I created the wood circle caterpillar. I had the popsicle sticks on hand (what crafter does not have a bunch around) and through some experimentation, the idea came together.
The Bugs Galore DIY Kit comes with supplies to make 4 bugs: Caterpillar, Adult Dragonfly, Baby Dragonfly and Ladybug. This kit is great for makers 3 to 6 years old.
What I also like about this Adult Dragonfly is that it is a very easy activity and perfect for younger makers. It helps to build on fine motor skills and allows each child to be as creative as they want.
So, how do you make this adult dragonfly? Check out the photo instructions below as well as the DIY video above.
Supplies that some in the kit: 1 popsicle stick body with pre drilled holes, 4 wood tear drop wings with pre drilled holes, 4 mini brads, 2 Swarovski crystals eyes, white glue, fine glitter, wood stick.
Additional supplies required but not included as part of the kit: coloring tools (I used sharpies), a black permanent marker, a small paint brush.
And additional supplies recommended but not required: disposable glove, paper towels if using paint and paper to cover your workspace.
First step is to color the dragonfly body. I decided to go simple, just one color for the body because the wings are gonna be more colorful. But I hope you will be more adventurous and be creative. Don’t forget to color the sides and the bottom. Once finished coloring the body, set it aside.
For the wings, I decided to do an ombre-esque design. I used 3 colors: purple, pink and yellow. Here is purple …
Pink …
And yellow.
I colored the bottom all purple.
Once I finished coloring the wings, I painted the top surface with a light layer of white glue.
Once a wing has been painted with glue, lightly sprinkle the glitter over the wet glue. When the surface is covered, gently tap off any excess glitter back into the container and repeat with remaining 3 wings.
Once done, set aside to dry.
While the wings are drying, I added the segment detail to the dragonfly body. I measured about a finger’s width from the bottom wing pre drilled holes. Then I drew a W and continued to do so until I reached the bottom. I did not measure the exact size, but rather, eyeballed it. By the time I had finished drawing the segments, my wings were dry and ready to be attached to the body.
Next, I inserted a mini brad from the top into one of the wings.
Then while holding the brad in place, insert the brad legs into one of the holes on the body. Turn the dragonfly upside down and then separate the legs until they are laying flat against the wood and point in opposite directions. Repeat with the remaining wings.
Attaching the eyes is the final step. Add a small dollop of glue above the wings. Then place Swarovski crystal eyes on top. Gently press down eyes into the glue and position so that the eyes overlap the right and left sides of the body.
Here is my adult dragonfly all finished.
