Craft at a glance

Time: 20 minutes plus dryingAdult help is recommended with spray bottles, scissors and small clips.

Gather this

  • White basket-style coffee filters
  • Washable markers
  • Water in a small spray bottle
  • Clothespins or pipe cleaners appropriate for the child's age
  • Tray or towel

Make it

  1. 1

    Flatten a coffee filter on a washable tray and add broad marker shapes.

  2. 2

    Mist lightly with water until the colors begin to spread; do not soak it.

  3. 3

    Let the filter dry completely.

  4. 4

    Pinch it in the center to form two wings.

  5. 5

    Secure the center with a clothespin or an adult-twisted pipe cleaner and add a face if desired.

Ask one curious question

Try: “What do you think will happen where blue and yellow touch?” The craft still works if nobody wants a science lesson; curiosity is an invitation, not homework.

Contain the water

Use a baking sheet or old towel and give the child only the small spray bottle. Two or three sprays are usually enough.

Helpful sources

We use trusted guidance for safety and child-development details. Always adapt activities and food to your child's age, abilities, allergies and needs.