Tissue Paper Suncatcher Craft Project for Toddlers and Children

Claudia has been writing about crafts online for many years. She is an avid crafter who has been creating for most of her life.

If you are anything like me, you love the craft projects made for you by your kids or grandkids. I have big boxes in my basement that are filled to the brim with projects done over the years.

Well here is another craft project that you can add to your collection. It's a super easy suncatcher that is perfect for toddlers or, for that matter, kids of any age.

What I really like about this suncatcher project is that it can be proudly displayed in any window or on any wall. Your kids will love seeing their artwork prominently displayed and, when the sun shines through, your room will immediately brighten up.

This project can be done a couple of different ways:

1. Without a border
2. With a border

I have provided step by step instructions for both. Have fun!

Suncatcher Without a Border

The following instructions are for a quick and easy suncatcher without a border. You'll find a list of the supplies you need, along with step by step photos and instructions.

Supplies

• Clear contact paper
• Tissue paper in various colors
• Scissors
• Yarn
• Hole punch

Tip

Use really bold-colored tissue paper. Pastels tend to look pale and washed out when the sun shines through them. Left in a window with bright sunshine, the colors in these suncatchers will fade, so hang in a window that does not get direct sunlight.

Step 1: Cut out two sheets of contact paper, roughly the same size. Don't worry about the wrinkles. They get smoothed out and disappear.

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Step 2: Peel off the back of one sheet of the contact paper. Lay the non-sticky side down, leaving the sticky side facing up.

Step 3: Start applying the tissue paper. I like to let kids tear their own pieces of paper. They have more fun and it helps them develop fine motor skills. Have your toddler tear off small pieces of tissue paper and stick them on the contact paper. If you prefer, cut out small shapes that are ready to use.

Step 4: Now, cover the design with contact paper. Remove the backing off of the remaining sheet of contact paper and carefully place the sticky side on top of the tissue paper, facing the tissue paper. Use care when doing this step. I usually start at one end, and slowly smooth the paper down from one end to the other, pushing out air bubbles along the way.

Step 5: Have your child decide on a shape. If they are able, have them sketch the shape out. If not, sketch it for them.

Step 6: If your toddler is working on his or her cutting skills then let them try cutting it out with toddler scissors. If they are not ready, then cut it out for them. Make sure to cut inside the marked line so that the markings don't show on the suncatcher.

Step 7: Using the hole punch, put a hole in the top and thread a piece of yarn through it. Tie the ends of the yarn together and presto, you have a lovely suncatcher.

Suncatcher With a Border

Adding a border adds a little stability and color to this suncatcher. It is simple to do and you need the same supplies you did in the borderless project.

Supplies

See the supplies list above. The only additional supply you'll need here is some construction paper.

Step 1: Just a few additional steps need to be completed to add a border to the suncatcher. The first part remains the same. Once the prepared contact paper is laying, non-sticky side down on the table, you are ready for the next steps.

Step 2: Fold a sheet of construction paper in half and cut out your shape, in this case, a heart.

Step 3: Then cut out the center of the shape, leaving about a half-inch border. Use care not to cut through the border. Unfold the shape.

Step 4: Unfold the cut-out shape and carefully adhere it to the contact paper, smoothing out the edges.

Step 5: Have your toddler tear off pieces of tissue paper and stick them on the contact paper. Don't worry if they overlap onto the cut-out border like in the picture. Just hang that side against the window and you won't be able to see it.

Step 6: Once you're done laying out the tissue paper, remove the backing off of the second sheet of contact paper and carefully place it on top of the tissue paper, sticky side facing the tissue paper. Smooth it down, removing any air bubbles that may appear.

Step 7: Carefully cut out the shape, around the outside of the border. You now have a lovely craft done by your favorite toddler! Hang it in the window for everyone to see.

Stained Glass: The Inspiration for This Craft

Stained glass is a form of a suncatcher. The earliest known example of colored glass in windows was unearthed in a monastery in England and dates back to 686 C.E. Since then, the use of colored glass has grown steadily and is now seen in decorative windows throughout the world.

Happy Crafting!

These tissue paper suncatchers are the ideal craft for toddlers and can be done by older children as well. I have done this craft at home with my daughter and with Sunday school classes composed of children ranging from 3 to 13 years of age. Everyone enjoyed it and took home a special memento for their families. Try it the next time the rain doesn't seem to want to stop or during those long hot days of summer when no one wants to be outside.

© 2013 Claudia Porter

Comments

Claudia Porter (author) on November 04, 2013:

Hi Jackie - This is definitely a fun one. I think it would be beautiful in holiday colors and shapes for the Christmas. A fun cold day project. Thanks so much for commenting.

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on November 04, 2013:

This looks like so much fun that I am adding the material to my shopping list. So easy too, thank you! ^+

Claudia Porter (author) on August 18, 2013:

Pstraubie, sallybea, purl3agony, Suzie HQ, tillsontitan, thumbi7, rudra007, cheeluarv, leahlefler, IslandBites, Billybuc, kthix10, annasantos, RTalloni, AliciaC, vespawoolf, Benjamin Chege, StephanieBCrosby, PhyllisDoyle, CarlySullens, and suzettenaples,

First off, my apologies for taking so long to respond to everyone who was so kind to comment on this hub. I was on vacation without computer access and came home yesterday to this lovely surprise. So thank you to everyone for commenting and reading. I really appreciate it. I hope you all give this project a try. It's so much fun for all ages!

suzettenaples on August 11, 2013:

What a cute and simple idea for toddlers. Easy to follow directions in this hub. Enjoyed reading this!

Carly Sullens from St. Louis, Missouri on August 10, 2013:

Congratulations on HOTD. I loved your visuals and step by step directions. Amazing hub, well deserved.

Phyllis Doyle Burns from High desert of Nevada. on August 10, 2013:

Congratulations on your HOTD -- it is well-deserved.

This is a delightful and lovely craft idea for kids. I am going to share the link with my nieces who all have little ones. Thank you for this wonderful hub.

Stephanie Bradberry from New Jersey on August 10, 2013:

First of all, congratulations on your Hub of the Day.

This craft looks so fun and awesome. There are so many ways to make this even more of a unique and tailored project. Great tips. I love the use of materials that are easy to get that can make a major impact.

Thanks for sharing the great idea!

Benjamin Chege on August 10, 2013:

This hub surely deserves to be the hub of the day. Your hub is well organized and I love the topic a lot. Thumbs up.

Vespa Woolf from Peru, South America on August 10, 2013:

What a fun and creative project...congrats on Hub of the Day, Glimmer! You have many interesting and useful Hubs. : )

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on August 10, 2013:

This sounds like a wonderful project for children, Glimmer! The results are beautiful. Congratulations on the Hub of the Day!

RTalloni on August 10, 2013:

Cute, cute, cute craft for little ones! Congratulations on your Hub of the Day award for encouraging art activities with kids! :)

Anna Santos from Canada on August 10, 2013:

Hi Glimmer,

What an awesome craft to do with kids! Congratulations on your HOTD. Very artistic. My little ones will for sure love this one. Thanks for sharing. Again, congrats. Well done!

kthix10 from IL on August 10, 2013:

I love the border idea - I have done this before but I think my 6 year old would love if he knew what the shape was going to be when he started, great hub, congrats on HOTD

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on August 10, 2013:

I just stopped by to say congratulations on the Hub of the Day. I love it when one of my favorite Hubbers wins acclaim.

IslandBites from Puerto Rico on August 10, 2013:

Great idea! So simple and pretty. Love it!

Leah Lefler from Western New York on August 10, 2013:

I love this craft! The sun catcher with the black border is really striking. I need to try this with my kids - they are older than the preschool age group, but would still like this project!

cheeluarv from INDIA on August 10, 2013:

very simple,but very creative,thanks for sharing.

Veenoo from India on August 10, 2013:

Very nice craft, i also do lot of craft work. Thanks for posting.

JR Krishna from India on August 10, 2013:

Congrats on Hub of the day.

I love the fun activity. Toddlers will surely enjoy this.

Mary Craig from New York on August 10, 2013:

This project goes beyond toddlers, it would be great in a classroom and even in a senior center! Your instructions are perfect and your pictures, well picture perfect. It is easy to see why this is a HOTD! Congrats on that btw.

Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting....I think a fun button would apply here too!

Suzanne Ridgeway from Dublin, Ireland on August 10, 2013:

Hi GTF,

AWESOME, love this idea for a craft with kids, so simple and they will get so much fun!!! You are a wealth of creativity, and this is another gem, so worthy of HOTD1

Congrats on another successful idea, they just keep flowing from you!! Voted up ++++, shared and pinned if pinterest back, if not will do later!

Donna Herron from USA on August 10, 2013:

Adorable! Congrats on your HOTD!! Well deserved :)

Sally Gulbrandsen from Norfolk on August 10, 2013:

Congrats on the HOTD - I thought this idea was charming when first saw it earlier in the year. Well done on your award.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on August 10, 2013:

Congrats on HOTD....I had commented on this a while back....but I wanted to send you some kudos!!!

Angels are on the way ps shared and pinned

Claudia Porter (author) on July 21, 2013:

Thanks so much rajan. I appreciate your support and apologize for taking so long to reply. Been a busy few days for me.

Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. on July 19, 2013:

Wonderful and easy craft lesson and a fun project to make by toddlers.

Voted up, useful and interesting.

Claudia Porter (author) on June 26, 2013:

Those sound like terrific shapes Healthyannie. I just did this last week with a group I lead and we made stars which turned out beautifully. Diamonds too. I'm so glad you stopped by to read and comment. Thanks.

Annie Messeri from Spain on June 26, 2013:

This is nice - I love it. I think I will make some and hang them on my balcony but I am going for the Ankh shape and some pyramids.

Claudia Porter (author) on June 26, 2013:

Thanks ES! Hope you are having a great summer so far. I bet your nieces (nephews) would love this and it would be easy for them no matter what age they are.

Emilie S Peck from Minneapolis, MN on June 25, 2013:

Another really cute idea. I've sent this one to my sister, since her kids would love this sort of thing.

Claudia Porter (author) on June 21, 2013:

Thanks so much for the support Robie. I appreciate it and I hope you get to give this craft a try sometime. I just did it today with a group of people I volunteer with. Fun was had by all.

Robie Benve from Ohio on June 21, 2013:

What a fun and easy activity! Pinned it to my crafty folder! Thanks for sharing

Claudia Porter (author) on June 20, 2013:

Thank you so much pstraubie - This would be a really good craft for for your grandson to do and it is not too messy. I hope you make some lovely suncatchers and memories with him! I'm glad you stopped by to read.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on June 19, 2013:

How cool is this. My grandbaby comes to visit almost every day and he likes to 'do' things. I also like to do crafts with kids as I did so for forty years while teaching. I have just moved into a new (old in years) house and am lucky enough to have a craft room...so we can make a mess and it is OK.

Thanks for sharing. Pinned and shared Angels are on the way to you this morning. ps

Claudia Porter (author) on June 15, 2013:

Thanks Sunshine! I bet this one would be a good one for your grandkids. You could have a house full of suncatchers! I appreciate the comments. Have a great day.

Claudia Porter (author) on June 15, 2013:

Thanks so much Prasetio. I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and I appreciate the support.

Claudia Porter (author) on June 15, 2013:

I appreciate it starbright. It's always interesting to see what color combinations kids will come up with. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Claudia Porter (author) on June 15, 2013:

Thanks RTalloni - I love kids art projects and this one is always one of my favorites.

Claudia Porter (author) on June 15, 2013:

Hi Rebecca - I like leaves too. I bet one could find fall colored tissue paper and do leaf shape cutout. That would be lots of fun! Glad you enjoyed the hub. Thanks.

Claudia Porter (author) on June 15, 2013:

Nell - You should definitely make one for yourself too! I usually do. It does amaze me how kids get so bored with the same toys. This is a nice change of pace. Many thanks for reading and commenting.

Claudia Porter (author) on June 15, 2013:

I appreciate it aviannovice It might even be fun to cut out a pattern of a bird. Anything is possible with these and you are right, it is a good way to keep kids busy. Thanks for commenting.

Claudia Porter (author) on June 15, 2013:

BlossomSB - I agree, I think all ages love to do crafts and this one fits the bill because everyone can do it with lovely results. I enjoyed making one too! Thanks for reading.

Claudia Porter (author) on June 15, 2013:

I appreciate it mr-veg and thank you for reading and commenting.

Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on June 15, 2013:

I love this craft idea!! It's so easy to make too!! Thanks for sharing Glimmer!!