Looking for a simple and adorable summer craft to do with your little ones? This Butterfly Can Planter is the perfect toddler-friendly activity that combines painting, creativity, and gardening all in one project.
Made from recycled vegetable cans, colorful handprint wings, and a few basic craft supplies, this cheerful butterfly planter is a wonderful way to celebrate summer while creating a keepsake you'll treasure for years.
Whether you're planting flowers, herbs, or small succulents, these butterfly planters add a whimsical touch to any porch, patio, or windowsill.
Love making things with your toddlers? Check out my other fun garden crafts like this garden sensory bin or this egg carton caterpillar.
Why You'll Love This Butterfly Can Planter Craft
- Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers
- Uses recycled materials
- Creates a keepsake with your child's handprints
- Encourages creativity and fine motor skills
- Doubles as a functional planter
- Great for summer camps, daycare activities, or family craft days
Supplies You'll Need
- Empty vegetable cans, cleaned and labels removed
- Acrylic craft paint
- Paintbrushes or foam brushes
- Googly eyes
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Washable paint for handprints
- Hot glue gun (adult use only)
- Potting soil
- Small flowers, herbs, or succulents
- Black marker or paint pen
Step 1: Prepare the Can
Wash and dry your empty cans thoroughly. Make sure any sharp edges have been removed or covered for safety.
Paint the outside of the can in your child's favorite color. Bright colors like yellow, pink, purple, blue, and turquoise work especially well for butterflies.
Allow the paint to dry completely before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Create the Butterfly Face
Glue two googly eyes near the top front of the can.
Using a black marker or paint pen, draw a smile beneath the eyes to give your butterfly a friendly face.
If desired, add pipe cleaner antennae by hot gluing them inside the rim of the can.
Step 3: Make the Handprint Wings
Paint your child's hands with washable paint and press them onto cardstock or construction paper.
You will need four handprints total—two for each side of the butterfly. Or if you can only do two, that's fine too. Whatever works best for your toddler.
Allow the handprints to dry completely before cutting them out.
An adult should carefully cut around each handprint.
Step 4: Attach the Wings to the Butterfly Can Planter
Arrange two handprints on each side of the can, placing one slightly above the other to resemble butterfly wings.
Once you're happy with the placement, use hot glue to attach the handprints securely to the sides of the can.
This step should be completed by an adult.
Step 5: Plant Your Flowers
Fill the can with potting soil and add your favorite flowers, herbs, or small plants.
Water lightly and place your butterfly planter in a sunny location where your child can help care for it throughout the summer.
Fun Variations
Rainbow Butterfly
Use different paint colors for each handprint to create bright rainbow wings.
Garden Bug Collection
Make matching ladybug, bee, and caterpillar planters to create a whole garden-themed set.
Personalized Keepsake
Write your child's name and the year on the bottom of the planter to remember this special summer craft.
Tips for Success
- Use acrylic paint on the cans for the best coverage.
- Let each layer of paint dry completely before handling.
- Adults should always supervise cutting and hot gluing.
- Consider adding drainage holes to the bottom of the can before planting.
- Place a small tray underneath indoor planters to catch excess water.
A Summer Craft They'll Remember
This Butterfly Can Planter is more than just a fun afternoon activity—it's a keepsake that captures your child's tiny handprints and creativity. Every time you see the colorful butterfly wings fluttering beside your flowers, you'll remember the special moments spent crafting together.
If you're looking for an easy summer project that combines art, recycling, and gardening, this adorable butterfly planter is sure to become a family favorite.