Thumbprint Firefly Craft

Catching fireflies is a classic kids summer activity.  There is just something about watching those tiny blinking lights as they flutter around in the dark that is almost magical.

It’s no wonder that firefly crafts are popular in the summer.

Capture those summer night memories with this simple thumbprint firefly craft.

Thumbprint Firefly Craft

You will need:

• White Paper
• Yellow Acrylic Paint
• Another Color of Paint of Your Choice
• Glitter
• Paintbrush
• Black Marker
• Scissors

To create your own jar of fireflies, first cut out some large paper jars from white paper.  (To make the jar symmetrical I folded the paper in half vertically and cut out the shape of half a jar; opening it revealed a nice, symmetrical jar shape.)

Mix your yellow paint with plenty of glitter.  (I wish you could see in the picture how the lightning bugs sparkle in the light.)   Have your child use the paint to make plenty of fingerprints on their paper jar.

While the fingerprints are drying, paint the lids on the jars.  Then allow the paint to dry completely.

Once the fireflies dry, use a black marker to create wings and antennae for each firefly.

The kids decided to add some grass to the jars, too, just like in our jar of real lightning bugs.

This firefly craft is a magical summer craft that’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.  Older kids might like making their own water bottle lightning bug craft that really glows.

Check out these other fun summer posts:

• 20+ Adorable Sea Animal Crafts
• Save the Sea Animals Game — Perfect for Preschoolers
• Make Your Own Water Wall from Recyclables 
• Awesome Camp Crafts