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

A quick poll

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!

Instructions for a 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 for your suncatcher

Need contact paper?

• Clear contact paper
• Tissue paper in various colors
• Scissors
• Yarn
• Hole punch
• Construction paper - needed only for the suncatchers with borders

Tips: 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.

Assembling your suncatcher

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

Preparing the contact paper

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

Start applying the tissue paper

Tissue paper tip

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.

Cover 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.

Decide on a shape

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

Cut out your shape

The finished product!

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.

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.

Instructions for a suncatcher with a border

Need tissue paper?

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.

The only other supply you'll need is some construction paper.

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

Preparing the border

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

Then cut out the the center of the shape, leaving about a half an inch border. Use care not to cut through the border.

Unfold the shape.

Prepare for the tissue paper

Unfold the cut out shape and carefully adhere the shape to the contact paper, smoothing out the edges.

Finish up the suncatcher

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.

Once done, 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 down, removing any air bubbles that may appear.

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

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 AD.

Since then the use of colored glass has grown steadily and is now seen in decorative windows throughout the world.

A fun craft for toddlers

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 ranging in ages 3 to 13. 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.

Tissue paper suncatchers

© 2013 Claudia Mitchell

Comments

Claudia Mitchell (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 Mitchell (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 Mitchell (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 Mitchell (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 Mitchell (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 Mitchell (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 Mitchell (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 Mitchell (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 Mitchell (author) on June 15, 2013:

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

Claudia Mitchell (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 Mitchell (author) on June 15, 2013:

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

Claudia Mitchell (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 Mitchell (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 Mitchell (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 Mitchell (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 Mitchell (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!!

prasetio30 from malang-indonesia on June 14, 2013:

Very creative and I love your idea here. Thanks for writing and sharing with us. Good job and voted up :-)

Prasetio

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 14, 2013:

Thanks so much teaches! I appreciate that. I love doing art projects with kids and I think it really boosts their confidence. It also makes the world more beautiful.

Lucy Jones from Scandinavia on June 14, 2013:

Brilliant hub and really good for getting the arty juices going in the little ones. Very pretty sun catchers. Voted up.

RTalloni on June 14, 2013:

Such a cute idea for introducing toddlers to art!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 14, 2013:

Thanks so much Bill. I know your grandson will love this one and you'll get a pretty suncatcher for your window. I appreciate the support for my hubs.

Rebecca Mealey from Northeastern Georgia, USA on June 13, 2013:

Very nice! I like to make sun catchers out of autumn leaves in the fall, but these look nice and summery!

Nell Rose from England on June 13, 2013:

I can honestly say I have never heard of this before, but wow its so much fun! now I know what to do with my babysitting little girl, we go through the same toys, she gets bored etc, I can't wait to go round a get started! oops sorry its meant to be for her not me...! lol! voted up and shared, nell

Deb Hirt from Stillwater, OK on June 13, 2013:

These are very nice. It's a good way to keep the kids busy, and allow them some creative license.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 13, 2013:

Thank you Sherry - I have a closet full of craft stuff for my daughter to do. Unfortunately she is getting older so I'm going to miss hanging up all of lovely projects. Thanks for reading!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 13, 2013:

I appreciate it Toytasting. I know you will have fun doing this craft. It has been raining here forever so I have been trying to think of more crafts to keep kids busy.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 13, 2013:

Hi thundermama - Both your kids will love this. That is what is so fun and they will love it when they hang in the windows too. Thanks for the kind comments.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 13, 2013:

Thanks so much peachpurple. You definitely don't want a toddler using scissors if they are not ready. I'm glad you enjoyed the hub. Thanks for commenting.

Bronwen Scott-Branagan from Victoria, Australia on June 12, 2013:

What a great idea. I think this will be a good fun activity for different ages, not just toddlers. Your results are so effective, too, with good images as examples.

mr-veg from Colorado United States on June 12, 2013:

Nice thoughts... Good activity for toddlers and they will have fun as they learn... :)

Dianna Mendez on June 12, 2013:

These are so pretty! You are so creative and know how to make simple art a masterpiece!

Bill De Giulio from Massachusetts on June 12, 2013:

Very creative Glimmer Twin. Will have to try with our grandson. Thanks for yet another easy and fun project. Voted up, shared, etc....

Sherry Hewins from Sierra Foothills, CA on June 11, 2013:

That looks so pretty, and simple for the little ones to do. It's so nice to have a collection of easy art projects for kids.

Toy Tasting from Mumbai on June 11, 2013:

Glimmer, My kids and me love craft projects. This is so easy and yet so beautiful. This is going to be our next weekend activity. Thank you for sharing this.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 11, 2013:

moonlake - I have made them too. They really are fun. If you wanted to get fancy you could always make patterns with the tissue paper. Thanks for all of the support and comments.

Catherine Taylor from Canada on June 11, 2013:

I love this craft. Easy, fun and beautiful results. I have a 3 and 13 year old who will both love this craft. Super!

peachy from Home Sweet Home on June 11, 2013:

beautiful art project for the kids. Very easy to follow except for the cutting part which I would not let my son touch the scissors. otherwise, glue and pasting are fun motivation skills for him. Voted up and beautiful

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 11, 2013:

Thanks so much Dreamhowl. They are easy and fun to do. Great for the rainy days we have been having here. I appreciate the support.

moonlake from America on June 11, 2013:

Toddler? I would hang these in my house. They would keep the birds away from the windows. Very pretty and a good idea for children. Voted up and shared.

Jessica Peri from United States on June 11, 2013:

This looks incredibly easy and fun to do. Voted up!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 11, 2013:

I hope your nieces and nephews enjoy this. You will reap the benefits with some pretty suncatchers to decorate your windows! Thanks so much for your kind comments.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 11, 2013:

Hi Bill - Been busy so far and my daughter has been out of school for 4 days. The little kids on your block could definitely do this. Another craft to keep the kids from getting bored this summer. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 11, 2013:

Thanks so much sallybea! It was a fun craft to do and kids seem to love it. The best part is that it is so easy. I appreciate the comments.

FlourishAnyway from USA on June 11, 2013:

Beautiful little craft. I will be doing this with my nephews and nieces. Thanks for the instructions and inspiration!

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on June 11, 2013:

So very clever my friend. I doubt I could do it, but for sure the little kids on the block could do it. LOL

Seriously, a very nice craft project. I'll forward this to some friends who have small children. Well done1

I hope you are well and happy and enjoying summer.

bill

Sally Gulbrandsen from Norfolk on June 11, 2013:

Something so easy and yet so pretty for little fingers to create. Nice one - this should give the children something special to do!

You have done a sterling job - taken loads of time and trouble to make

this really beautiful. Voted up Glimmer Twin Fan