Create 3D paper lovebugs in three different ways from paper hearts. These lovebug crafts are fun for kids to make for Valentine’s Day or Spring—and they’re just sooooo cute!
We have new printable templates for a love butterfly, a large love bug, and a set of three mini lovebugs.
You might also like our Valentine Doodle Art cards
Q: What’s better than a lovebug on Valentine’s Day?
A: A whole range of 3D paper lovebugs!
Why? 3D lovebugs are extra cool because they ‘pop out’ from the page using simple papercraft techniques. 3D papercrafts look great hanging on the wall plus they help give kids valuable fine motor skills and a sense of accomplishment.
All these bugs were created with different combinations of paper hearts. You can download this set for free from our template library (still a work in progress). Mix and match the hearts to create more lovebug designs of your own.
However, if you want to make bugs exactly like these, there is a specific template for each lovebug design that can be used individually at home or with a group of kids in a classroom setting. The template sets come complete with instructions and step-by-step photos.
The Lovebug Collection includes:
The templates are intended to be printed directly to coloured light card stock. Regular construction paper would probably work too although I haven’t tried this myself.
In addition to the templates, a heart-shaped hole punch (affiliate link) has been used to make mini hearts. If you don’t have one you could use heart sequins or simply draw mini hearts on.
Onto the lovebugs …
3D Love Butterfly
The 3D Love Butterfly is so fun! Draw a smiley face or use a long strip of paper that’s been curled into a spiral to make a butterfly tongue. Technically, this is called a proboscis and it’s more of a straw, enabling butterflies to drink nectar. If you want to create a realistic insect we also have a template for a 3D paper Monarch butterfly
The Love Butterfly is a unique species created purely from hearts. She has heart wings, a heart body and little heart antennae.
Hang her on the wall and she will brighten up the room!
Get the Love Butterfly Template here
Also available in our TPT store
Large 3D Love Bug
Here’s another unique species—the giant, bobble-heart antennaed, heart-nosed love bug.
He’s as sweet as he looks, too.
His wings are created from large folded hearts covered in a mini-heart pattern. Even his abdomen is heart-shaped.
Get the giant love bug template here
Also available in our TPT store
3D mini love bugs
Just because they’re small doesn’t make these mini love bugs any less important. Yes, they’re tiny, but their little hearts are packed full of love too!
Mini lovebugs are happiest in their natural habitat, a heart-shaped leaf garden.
This papercraft is best suited to ages 8+ and has a bit more creative licence. Use a black marker to design quirky lovebug details then add to them with a heart-shaped hole punch.
Awww, aren’t they sweet? Each and every mini lovebug is unique.
Get the Mini Lovebug template here
Also available in our TPT store
Design your own love bugs
If you want to turn lovebug making into a Valentine’s Day-themed STEM project, print our free heart templates to a range of coloured light card stock or construction paper and let kids go crazy designing their own critters.
Design-a-lovebug tips:
- Use 3D paper loops to lift the bug from the page for a 3D effect
- Folded hearts and heart halves make perfect bug wings
- Add details using a black marker (or metallic marker if you want to get extra fancy)
- Print out a sheet of our free paper googly eyes, or draw your own on white paper and glue them on
- Cut strips of card stock to make bug legs
- Use heart-shaped hole punches (affiliate link) to create mini hearts. These make cute wing markings, body patterns and antennae tips
The sky is the limit, so what are you waiting for?
While Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to make papercraft lovebugs, love is not a seasonal thing. We need it all year round, so feel free to make them any time!
You might also like:
- Watercolour and crayon resist heart art
- Printable colouring Valetntines Cards
- Valentines Day doodle art cards
- Make a textured heart necklace from recycled cardboard and hot glue
- This DIY giant dice is so fun!
Check out our printable Valentine’s Day paper crafts
Leave a Reply