Paint Scraping Wings
Squeeze, smoosh, scrape, and reveal
The Set Up
Paint scraping is a process that kids (and adults) absolutely love because it feels like you're breaking the rules a little. Instead of carefully painting with a brush, you're squeezing and scraping. Paired with butterfly wing shapes, the results are stunning; big, bold, bright, and incredibly satisfying!
Cut large butterfly wing shapes from thick paper or cardstock, 180gsm or above works best so it holds up to the paint. You can also use old business cards, pieces of cardboard, or squeegees from the hardware store as scraping tools.
I love using squeezy paints for this activity. The IKEA MÅLA bottles are amazing. They're gorgeously bright colours, refillable (so you just pop the tops off and add any poster or tempera paint you like), and the hole in the tip is really small so paint isn't going to stream out when little hands squeeze. They improve hand muscles and foster independence, which is a bonus. Plus, they're a great tool for talking about control and flow of paint.
The Making
Artists squeeze lines, blobs, and squiggles of paint onto their butterfly wing shape, then drag a scraper or old business card across the surface to spread and blend the colours. The colours mix and merge as the scraper moves, creating these incredible streaks and gradients that are different every single time.
Try folding the paper in half and pressing to create a symmetrical print. This is a lovely moment to talk about symmetry, looking at images of real butterflies and noticing how the patterns mirror on each side. Open it up and the surprise is always wonderful!
Artists can also add collage materials (feathers, sequins, tissue paper) once the paint is dry, or layer multiple rounds of scraping for a really rich, textured surface. Look at images of butterflies, moths, and other winged insects for inspiration.
Variations
Use a fork, comb, or textured tool instead of a flat scraper for different effects.
Once dry, add string, elastic or ribbon to create wearable wings!
Materials
• Thick paper or cardstock (180gsm+) cut into large wing shapes
• Squeegees, paint scrapers, or old business cards for scraping
• Squeezy paint bottles (IKEA MÅLA bottles are brilliant)
• Poster or tempera paints in bright colours
• Collage materials for embellishing (feathers, sequins, tissue paper)
• Images of butterflies and winged insects for inspiration
• Optional: glitter, metallic paints for extra sparkle
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Paint Scraping Wings
Squeeze, smoosh, scrape, and reveal
Bookmark
Painting & Drawing
The Set Up
Paint scraping is a process that kids (and adults) absolutely love because it feels like you're breaking the rules a little. Instead of carefully painting with a brush, you're squeezing and scraping. Paired with butterfly wing shapes, the results are stunning; big, bold, bright, and incredibly satisfying!
Cut large butterfly wing shapes from thick paper or cardstock, 180gsm or above works best so it holds up to the paint. You can also use old business cards, pieces of cardboard, or squeegees from the hardware store as scraping tools.
I love using squeezy paints for this activity. The IKEA MÅLA bottles are amazing. They're gorgeously bright colours, refillable (so you just pop the tops off and add any poster or tempera paint you like), and the hole in the tip is really small so paint isn't going to stream out when little hands squeeze. They improve hand muscles and foster independence, which is a bonus. Plus, they're a great tool for talking about control and flow of paint.
The Making
Artists squeeze lines, blobs, and squiggles of paint onto their butterfly wing shape, then drag a scraper or old business card across the surface to spread and blend the colours. The colours mix and merge as the scraper moves, creating these incredible streaks and gradients that are different every single time.
Try folding the paper in half and pressing to create a symmetrical print. This is a lovely moment to talk about symmetry, looking at images of real butterflies and noticing how the patterns mirror on each side. Open it up and the surprise is always wonderful!
Artists can also add collage materials (feathers, sequins, tissue paper) once the paint is dry, or layer multiple rounds of scraping for a really rich, textured surface. Look at images of butterflies, moths, and other winged insects for inspiration.
Variations
Use a fork, comb, or textured tool instead of a flat scraper for different effects.
Once dry, add string, elastic or ribbon to create wearable wings!
Materials
• Thick paper or cardstock (180gsm+) cut into large wing shapes
• Squeegees, paint scrapers, or old business cards for scraping
• Squeezy paint bottles (IKEA MÅLA bottles are brilliant)
• Poster or tempera paints in bright colours
• Collage materials for embellishing (feathers, sequins, tissue paper)
• Images of butterflies and winged insects for inspiration
• Optional: glitter, metallic paints for extra sparkle
Back to Top
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Thoughts?
Would love to hear if youv'e tried this or have any ideas on how to make it even better!
