As a follow up to her adorable Down In The Garden Party featured earlier today, Jordan from Polkadot Prints has offered up a fun DIY tutorial on the cute 3D ladybugs {or ladybirds} from the party! These little beauties could be found crawling up the backdrop and hanging out in the grass at Jordan’s party… and they’d also make super cute photo props for your pint-size garden party guests!

LADYBUG {or Ladybird} PARTY DECOR

by Jordan Barie

Materials:

• Styrofoam balls from craft stores
• Red fabric
• Dressmaking Pins OR Hot Glue Gun
• Black self-adhesive black felt
• Pipe cleaners for antennae

Instructions:

1. Cut the styrofoam balls in half using a saw or sharp kitchen knife.
2. Using a plate or other flat round object, trace a circle on the red fabric making sure it’s large enough to cover the dome of the body.
3. Cut out your circles and start wrapping your ladybird body pinning on opposite sides to start with. You could also use a hot glue gun to secure the fabric on the under side.
4. Fold and ease the fabric underneath with as few visible gathers as possible.
5. Cut a circle out of the felt for the head and stick on and wrap one edge underneath
6. Cut a strip of felt for the center of the ladybug’s wings, and dots for her spots.
7. Stick all felt onto the red bodies.
8. Cut the black pipe cleaners in half and curl one end. Insert into the top of the ladybird for antennae.

DONE! Watch them craw up the wall and get in place for the party!

Tip: You can make large ladybirds like I did here, or imagine tiny little ones for button holes… or add a magnet and stick to the fridge as a DIY favor for the guests to take home!