These homemade suncatchers look absolutely beautiful in your window when the sunlight hits them! This was one of the many crafts that our Summer Club participants made this summer. It also acted as a great opportunity to teach young participants about symmetrical shapes and how to properly handle scissors.
Scroll down to find out how to make this fun craft!
Materials:
Black construction paper
Coloured tissue paper, cut into small squares
Scissors
Pencil
Contact paper (substitution: wax paper and glue sticks)
Step 1:
Begin by thinking of a symmetrical shape for your suncatcher. It is important that the shape be symmetrical, as this will be much easier to cut and hollow. Examples: butterflies, smiley faces, stars, flowers, and rainbows. Draw your shape on black construction paper.
Tip: If you fold your piece of paper in half, you will only need to draw half of your shape!
Step 2:
Using your scissors, cut out a hollow/outline of your shape. Ensure the outline of your shape is about 2 - 3 cm thick. Cut out any additional features you would like your shape to have (e.g., eyes and a smile or a butterfly body and head). Set all pieces aside.
Step 3:
Cut a piece of contact paper large enough to cover the entire unfolded shape. Unpeel the contact paper and place the sticky side up. Stick the black construction paper to the contact paper.
Note: Before placing the black construction paper on the contact paper, ensure any additional pieces you are including are layered as desired (e.g., a butterfly body, head, and antennas).
Step 4:
Stick squares of coloured tissue paper on to your contact paper; ensure the entire surface within your shape is covered by tissue paper. Cut off the excess contact paper from the outline of your shape.
When you are finished, tape or hang your suncatcher on your window so it can catch some rays!