Post by Kim of Beehive Art

What’s a “bug hotel” you ask? A bug hotel is a summer essential when you’re out and about in the garden, meadow or strolling the sidewalk. Beetles, insects and fireflies will have a swell place to visit for your brief observation.

Bug Hotel Supplies needed:

• paper or cardboard container with a lid
• paint
• paint brush
• window screen
• masking tape
• sharpie marker
• x-acto knife – parents only

1.   Peel off all labels from container before drawing windows and doors. We up-cycled coffee containers for our bug hotels, oatmeal containers work great too.

2.   Once the outlines for windows and doors are in place, get out your paints and a medium sized brush. Paint the entire surface, painting around each window and door.We applied a second coat of paint AFTER windows and doors were cut out.

 

3.   This step is for PARENTS: After paint has dried, use an x-acto knife and cut out all windows and doors. Cut a circle out of the lid for roof top ventilation.

4.   The screen is easier than you’d think. Cut one piece that fits snug inside the container. It easily rolls up and fits into place, a little of the screen might overlap.

5. Flip the lid over and cover the lid with a piece of screen to fit. We used small pieces of masking tape to secure the screen.

6. Adding details like window boxes and funny bug drawings are the cherry on top!

Kim Poler is queen bee of beehive ART. She lives for inspiring visual expression, explosions of colors, forms and exciting combinations of mixed-media art. She creates, designs art projects, teaches children art and blogs at Beehive Art.