Butterfly Feeder

Doris always loved spring time.  She and her sisters chased butterflies all around the house and through the fields.  Her mother told her that butterflies always lead you into trouble so I guess she was looking for trouble!  The real trouble comes when you are running around and looking up at a butterfly instead of where you are going.

There are some plants and bushes that attract butterflies more than others.  If you don't get any butterflies at your feeder, try moving it to a new spot near some colorful flowers

When you see butterflies near your feeder, don't chase them or try to catch them.  You will damage their fragile wings and that will be trouble for the butterfly instead of you

Directions

This is a fun project that's easy for the kids to do with a little help from a grown up.  It can be a simple design or a fancy one. All you need is a small jar, such as a baby food or  jelly jar with a lid, some cotton, and butterfly food.

1. Make a small hole in the lid of the jar.

2. Fill the jar with butterfly food.

3. Screw the lid tightly onto the jar and poke a small piece of cotton into the hole.

4. Invert the jar and hang it in the garden.

That's all there is to it! Of course, you'll probably want to decorate your jar with paint or decoupage or even stickers. Butterflies locate their food sources by sight, so the more your feeder looks like a plant or flower, the better your chances of attracting butterflies. It may also help to cut out some fabric or plastic 'petals' and fasten them to the lid of your feeder.  If you hang it near some flowering plants you will increase your chances of attracting butterflies.

To make butterfly food, simply dissolve one part sugar in nine parts of water. No coloring or other additive is needed.