Do you ever have those times when your kids are just driving you crazy, everyone is fighting, bouncing off the walls, and just begging for your attention? Now this may seem strange, but these are the best times to sit down and create something with your kids. And this suncatcher craft, is so easy and perfect to do in these moments.
I think sometimes when the kids are driving us the craziest, it’s a sign that we all just need a little time to connect. I am no child behavior expert or anything, I just find that with my own kids taking that time really turns things around.
The day I came up with this suncatcher craft was one of those days. I was so tired, the house was a mess, the kids were going stir crazy, and just would not leave me alone. As soon as I pulled out the bin of craft supplies my kids were so excited, and I felt the entire mood shift.
Suncatcher Craft You Can Make With Things You Already Have In The House
More than likely you already have all the things you will need to make these super cute suncatchers. If not, check out my list of essential craft supplies to keep at home. Having these simple items at home will make coming up with a craft or activity super easy!
Simple supplies aside, I love this craft because it doesn’t require a ton of clean up, and it’s easy enough for even the youngest ones to do. Maybe it’s just me, but I find it so annoying when I find a craft idea to do with my kids, and then it just ends being too complicated for them.
Creating things with your kids should be fun, and not frustrating. Keep things simple so kids can actually do the craft themselves. Doing this will make it more fun for everyone involved, not to mention it can help improve their confidence. (“Look what I did Mommy!!”)
Getting To It, Let’s Make A Suncatcher Craft!
Step One: Gather Your Supplies To Make A Suncatcher Craft
You will need:
- Plain Paper Plate – If you don’t have any of these available, you can use cardboard too. (A cereal box would be great!)
- White Coffee Filter – You could use the brown ones, but I don’t think the effect would be quite the same.
- Washable Markers
- Spray Bottle Of Water – Alternatively, you could use a paint brush and water
- Glue
- Scissors
- Hole Punch – If you don’t have a hole punch available, I have an alternative option for you in step seven.
- Ribbon or String
Optional Supplies:
- Parchment Paper – I like to use parchment paper to make cleaning up easier.
- Paint dot markers
- Stickers
- Paint
- Stamps
Step Two: Decorate The Coffee Filter
First step is to decorate a coffee filter with washable markers. Encourage your child to draw different shapes and designs, and use different colors.
In the next step, when you spray the coffee filter with water the colors will spread. Therefore, they do not need to completely color the entire filter.
Step Three: Spray the Coffee Filter With Water
Once you have finished decorating the coffee filter, it’s time to let the water go to work!
Spray the coffee filter with water and watch the colors spread and blend, creating a beautiful tie-dye effect. Be careful not to soak the coffee filter too much or the colors will bleed completely out of your coffee filter.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a spray bottle for water you can use a paint brush dipped in water. Dip the paint brush in water, and gently paint the coffee filter until the entire filter is coated in water.
Finally, place the coffee filter somewhere to dry while you do the following steps. If the weather permits, I suggest placing them outside in the sun to speed up the drying process.
Step Four: Cut Out A Paper Plate Frame
In the meantime, while your coffee filter dries, you are going to cut out the paper plate frame for the suncatcher craft.
Now there are a couple of ways to go about this.
Option one: The paper plates that I have are from the dollar store, and I just cut out the middle circle that is already on the paper plate.
Option two: On the other hand, you can trace an outline of the coffee filter and cut that outline out. If you go this route, I suggest cutting the hole a little smaller than the coffee filter to give room to glue it onto the plate.
Step Five: Decorate The Paper Plate Frame For Your Suncatcher Craft
This step is where the optional supplies, as stated above, come into play. We used paint dot markers to decorate ours, however you can get creative and decorate your frame however you like. Stamps, stickers, markers, etc. Whatever you choose will work great!
By the time you have finished decorating the paper plate frame, your coffee filter should be dry and ready for the next steps.
Step Six: Glue Coffee Filter to the Back of the Paper Plate Frame
Using the glue of your choice, place a thin line on the back of the paper plate, at the edge of the hole you cut in the plate.
Next, place the coffee filter over the glue, and press down.
Note: Take caution if using hot glue! Since the coffee filter is so thin, you can easily burn your fingers when pressing down to make the coffee filter hold. I suggest using school glue or a glue stick so you don’t have to worry about little fingers being burned.
Step Seven: Attach a Ribbon to Hang your Suncatcher Craft With
First, using the hole punch, place a hole at the top of your suncatcher. On the other hand, if you don’t have a hole puncher, you can use scissors to accomplish this step. Simply fold/bend the paper plate where you want the ribbon to go and make a small cut. When you unfold the plate you will have a small hole that you can put a ribbon or piece string through.
Second, feed one end of the ribbon or string through the hole, and pull halfway through. Bring the two ends together and tie them to create a loop.
Finally, once the glue has dried you can hang your completed suncatcher craft in a window to enjoy!
And Just Like That, You Have a Super Cute Suncatcher!
Spending time to create things with your kids will always be worth it. Doing crafts with your kids is a great way to connect, work on their fine motor skills, independence, and boost their confidence. They will love doing this suncatcher craft with you, and it’s something you can hang up and enjoy after the crafting time is over.
What are some ways you connect with your kids? Do your kids enjoy doing crafts? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
You are doing great!
