How to Make Suncatchers (Easy Craft)
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Grab parchment paper and some paint and let your kids make these fun and easy Suncatchers to hang in all the windows of the house.
I have a four year old son. We are both off in the summer so I’m always trying to find things for us to do. While crafts aren’t his favorite thing he will do them with me once or twice a week.
I like to have a craft prepared and ready to go early in the week so that if he asks to do one all I have to do is grab my materials. Since it’s summer and there’s plenty of sun these suncatchers have been a fun project that we’ve done several times.
Materials:
- parchment paper
- paint (not watercolors)
- paintbrush
- scissors
- yarn, string, or ribbon
There are two ways to make these suncatchers. The first is to draw a design, cut it out, and tape it to a sheet of paper so that you don’t get paint everywhere. I did this the first time and found out that parchment paper does not stick well to tape.
You can also draw the design and then let the child paint on the parchment before cutting it out. In this case I would recommend drawing the image on both sides so you have a guide to cut it out in case the paint gets too thick.
If your child likes to draw themselves let them make the drawing. Use a permanent marker or a pencil to draw the designs as these work best on parchment paper.
Can I use waxed paper?
You can use waxed paper in place of the parchment paper. I just happen to have parchment paper so that is what I used but the sun will shine through either one.
What type of paint should I use?
In this case do not use watercolors. You are looking for a heavier paint to coat the paper. I actually used glass paint because that’s what I had in my craft cupboard. You can use acrylic paints as well.
How do you set up your paint?
When I paint with kids I like to use old egg cartons. Don’t use the paper kind. I cut them into 4 or 6 holes and put the paint directly in them. It keeps the colors separate, it won’t leak through, and it helps your kids to not use an entire container of paint in one sitting.
Once the child has finished painting leave the parchment paper to dry. I checked mine every few hours but ultimately I left it sit overnight.
Once it’s finished you can poke a hole in the top and use a piece of string, ribbon, or yarn as a hanger. Hang on a hook on a window or tape the ribbon/string/yarn to the glass on the window.
More Easy Kids Crafts:
How to Make a Suncatcher
Grab parchment paper and some paint and let your kids make these fun and easy Suncatchers to hang in all the windows of the house.
Materials
- 4 sheets parchment paper (10 inches x 10 inches)
- Permanent Marker or pencil
- 6 colors paint (glass paint, acrylic paint)
- paintbrush
- string, ribbon, or yarn
Tools
- scissors
- tape
- hole puncher (optional)
Instructions
- With a marker or pen draw a design on each of the pieces of parchment paper. Copy the outline of the design on the back of the parchment paper.
- Pour the paint into an egg carton or on a paper plate.
- Paint the suncatchers. Let dry for 12 hours.
- Using scissors, cut out the design of the suncatcher.
- Using a hole puncher (or a pencil) poke a hole in the top of each suncatcher.
- Cut a 6 inch length of string, yarn, or ribbon and put it through the hole. Tie the ribbon at the top. Use this as the hanger of the suncatcher.
Notes
A Hezzi-D Original craft
