Looking for a fun and educational craft project that will spark creativity and curiosity? These Precut Cardboard Bug Shapes are the perfect spring and summertime activity! Made of sturdy white cardboard and featuring an assortment of insect shapes – a dragonfly, ladybug, ant, and caterpillar – this pack of 24 is ready to be transformed into a swarm of sparkly, colorful masterpieces.

Whether you’re planning a classroom project, an afterschool activity, or a rainy-day craft session, this bug-themed art activity is equal parts fun and educational. Plus, it’s super easy to set up!

 

Materials:

• Large Precut Bug Shapes
• Color Splash!® Markers
• Gemstones
• Glitter
• Pom Poms
• Wiggly Eyes
• Craft Glue
• Any other craft trims you have on hand!

DIY Bug Craft Instructions

1) Pop Out the Precut Shapes – Each pack comes with large, white cardboard sheets with precut bug shapes. Kids can carefully punch out their chosen insect – dragonfly, ladybug, ant, or caterpillar – getting them prepped for decorating!

2) Time to Decorate – There are no rules here, just imagination! Let kids get creative and bring their bugs to life with a mix of materials:

• Use markers to color in wings, bodies, and spots.
• Add sequins or glitter for a sparkly touch – perfect for dragonfly wings or shiny ladybug shells.
• Stick on wiggly eyes for a silly, fun look.
• Use pom poms to make a fuzzy caterpillar body or colorful bug details.

💡 Tip: Some kids might want to go all out with all the materials, while others may prefer to keep it simple. One of our favorite creations was a caterpillar made entirely out of pom poms!

 

The dragonfly was a favorite in our group, as it was the largest bug in the pack! This one was decorated with glitter only, and the crafter decided to keep some white space. The outline of the wings are covered in shiny gemstones. 

Ladybugs are said to be lucky! This ladybug was made to reflect colors of a real life ladybug. With red glitter and black marker for the body, we love the realistic creativity!

For the caterpillar, we thought it was so creative that this crafter used pom poms across the entire body and head! It almost looks like a pattern of flowers. And they added wiggly eyes for even more character!

For the ant, this crafter decided to use marker, gems, and glitter to really make their ant stand out! We love that they used a color scheme of pink and blue. 

Encourage Creative Expression

We love a blank white canvas! What makes this activity special is that there’s no “right” way to decorate a bug. Each child can use their imagination to create something totally unique. You’ll love seeing their personalities shine through – from glittery dragonflies to neon marker ants. This is a great way to build confidence in creative expression and fine motor skills at the same time.

Make It Educational: Insects 101

Turn your craft session into a hands-on science lesson! Here are some ways to tie this into your curriculum or afterschool programming:

➤ Insect Anatomy
As kids decorate, talk about the basic parts of an insect: head, thorax, abdomen, six legs, antennae, and wings (for some!). Have them identify and label the parts on their cardboard bug after decorating.

➤ Bug Identification Game
After everyone has decorated their bugs, hold a show-and-tell where each child describes their insect. Ask the group to guess what kind of insect it is and what makes it special!

➤ Insect Habitats
Discuss where different insects live. Use construction paper or dioramas to create mini habitats – like a garden for the ladybug or a tree for the caterpillar.

➤ Pollinator Talk
Use the dragonfly or ladybug as a starting point for a lesson on pollinators and their role in our ecosystem.

Lesson Plan Idea

Title: “Meet the Bugs: Art + Science Combo!”
Grades: Pre-K – 3
Objective: Students will identify parts of an insect and express creativity through art.
Materials: Large Cardboard Bug Shapes, markers, embellishments

Activities:

• Decorate a bug
• Label the parts
• Write or tell a story about where the bug lives and what it does

As a teacher, afterschool leader, or camp counselor, these bug shapes are an easy and exciting way to mix creativity with education. Your group can bring their bug friends to life – and learn a few science facts at the same time!