This butterfly shape can be balanced on a pencil or some place for display
such as the corner of a bookshelf. It appears to be strange. It looks as
if it should tip and fall. The shape suggests that it is somehow flying or
holding on to keep its balance.
Draw the shape of a butterfly on a piece of paper and cut along the
outline. Use that as a pattern to mark thin cardboard and cut out that shape.
Cut a second cardboard butterfly shape. Place coins on one of the shapes
as shown in the diagram. Move the coins until the butterfly will balance
perfectly when you place the tip of its head on your fingertip. Glue the
coins in place. Place short pieces of toothpick on the body of the
butterfly as spacers and to give the resting point added strength. Put a
drop of glue on top of each coin and toothpick piece and lay the second cutout
on top. The two layers give added strength and hide the
weights.
Instead of coins weights such as metal washers or pieces of coathanger
wire can be used. A number of short pieces of wire placed side by side will
do. Wire can be bent sharply back and forth at one point using a pair of
pliers to break it. You may find it helpful to hold the wire pieces with
tape until you get the balance right.
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