Craft a Heart Suncatcher
Suncatcher making is an easy and inexpensive way for children to create Valentine’s Day window decorations! Utilizing common craft supplies you likely already own combined with clear contact paper, children will love creating custom designs that show their individual creativity!
Heart Suncatcher Tutorial There are countless ways to craft contact paper suncatchers – just check out our Easter Egg Suncatcher and Candy Corn Suncatcher for holiday suncatcher ideas! But in this tutorial I have simplified some of the supplies and steps by opting for supplies I had on hand: corrugated cardboard and blue painters tape were my choices of holding down contact paper instead of foam board and push pins; they are easier and safer if working with children or younger people.
Have you heard that it is possible to create suncatchers from paper plates, melted crayons and paint? Check out my Watermeon Suncatcher as an example!
Helpful Project Information
Age Level: 8-12 years old. Can also be modified for children between ages 3-8 with steps 1-4 prepping ahead of time for them. Kids can then start at step 5, though assistance may be needed with step 6.
Mess Factor: Glitter (optional), small pieces of tissue paper. Level of Difficulty: Although tissue paper designs are straightforward to create, contact paper may require additional cutting with scissors.
Time Estimate for Completion: 30-45 minutes plus 20 minutes for drying time if adding the construction paper frame. Cost Estimate for each Project: Ranges between $0.45-$0.99 depending on contact paper costs, suncatcher size requirements and materials on hand. Tips and Techniques for this Heart Suncatcher:
Use tissue paper from your stash or buy it at the dollar store; we suggest Valentine-inspired colors like red, purple, light blue or pink for optimal results. Assuming 20-30 minutes is required for steps 1-4 prior to any party events being hosted by you and/or your group members.
In a group setting, it may be easier for everyone to create heart patterns of equal size. Copy our heart pattern onto several sheets so everyone has their own set.
To simplify this project, consider working in smaller sizes with each person creating 2-3 (3-4″) suncatchers instead of one big one. Contact paper is easier to handle in smaller sizes – cut your white sheet in half and draw heart designs before cutting and adhering the contact paper size accordingly.
Add some glitz to your tissue paper designs by including glitter in them! Cut out some tissue paper hearts as well, to incorporate into your designs.
Younger kids may need your assistance when using contact paper, as it can easily clump together unpredictably. If any bubbles or folds appear, use the smooth side of a pen, scissors handle or soft surface of an eraser and gently burnish down from center outward.