Looking for a fun and engaging project to do with your kids? The glowing firefly craft is an excellent choice for a creative afternoon. This simple, eco-friendly craft uses items you likely already have at home, making it both budget-friendly and enjoyable. Perfect for a rainy day or a summer evening, this activity combines creativity with a touch of science, as children learn about these fascinating insects while having fun.

The glowing firefly craft is fantastic for children of all ages. It encourages fine motor skills, boosts creativity, and provides an opportunity for quality family time. One of the best aspects of the glowing firefly craft is that it is not too messy. Unlike other crafts that may require extensive cleanup, this project primarily involves cutting, taping, and gluing. With minimal mess and maximum fun, this craft is a wonderful way to spend time together as a family.

What you will need

• Toilet paper roll
• Black construction paper
• Yellow or white printer paper (Construction paper/ heavy paper will not work. You want the light from the tea light to be able to shine through the paper.)
• 3 black pipe cleaners (6 inch length)
• 2 medium googly eyes
• Scissors
• Tape
• Double-sided tape
• White crayon or colored pencil

How to make it

1. Cut a hole up from the bottom of the paper roll. This will be the glowing belly of the firefly.

2. Cut out a black rectangle of construction paper just large enough to cover the entire toilet paper roll.

3.  Cut out a smaller rectangle of yellow or white printer paper.

4. Cut out 2 identical wing shapes from white printer paper.

5. Cut out a circle from black construction paper for the firefly’s head.

6. Wrap the black rectangle of construction paper over the toilet paper roll. Tape it to hold it in place.

7. Cut out the shape of the belly from the black construction paper using the hole in the toilet paper roll as a guide.

8. Roll up the rectangle of paper that will be the belly and slide it into the toilet paper roll. Add a piece of tape to the inside of the paper roll to hold it in place.

9. Double sided tape the googly eyes to the circle face. 

10. Then draw a simple smile on the face using a white crayon or white color pencil.

11. Use double-sided tape to press the face into position on the front of the toilet paper roll.

12. Take the first black pipe cleaner and wrap it around the toilet paper roll. Bend about 1/2 an inch of each end downwards to make “hands” for the firefly. Add a piece of tape to the back of the firefly to hold the pipe cleaner “arms” in place.

13. Tape the two wings of the firefly together, then tape them to the back of the paper roll. The wings should cover the pipe cleaner you just added.

14. To make the feet, take the second black pipe cleaner and bend about 1/2 an inch of each end downwards. Then make another bend about 1-1/2 inches from the first bend.Next, bend the bottom flat part of the pipe cleaner into a curved shape so it fits around the outside, bottom of the toilet paper roll, leaving room for the tea light candle on the inside of the bottom. Tape it in place.

15. Take the final black pipe cleaner and bend it in half. Then pinch each end and roll it into a loose spiral to make the antennae. Tape the antennae to the back of the black construction paper “head”.

16. Lastly, add double-sided tape to the wings, as close to the paper roll as you can get. Then curve the wings forward and press them onto the double sided tape so they curl towards the front.

17. Add your tea light inside the bottom.

18. Turn on your tea light, take your firefly into a dark room, and watch it glow!