Make Your Own Suncatcher
Tissue paper on clear contact film makes a simple suncatcher that glows when hung in a window.
By WonderCraft Kids Editorial Team, Editorial team · Updated 8 September 2026
A suncatcher gives craft time a second act: the piece is not finished until it is hung in a window and the light comes through it. This child-focused version uses coloured tissue paper pressed between two sheets of clear contact film, cut into a shape and hung with thread.
What you need
- Clear contact film or laminating sheets
- Coloured tissue paper, torn into small pieces
- A shape template and pencil
- Scissors (adult use)
- A hole punch and thread or ribbon for hanging
Step by step
- 1
Draw and cut a large shape, such as a sun, star or flower, from card as a template.
- 2
Lay one sheet of contact film sticky-side up and press torn tissue paper pieces onto it.
- 3
Cover with a second sheet of contact film, sticky sides together, and smooth out air bubbles.
- 4
Trace the template onto the film and cut around it.
- 5
Punch a hole near the top and thread ribbon through for hanging.
- 6
Hang the suncatcher in a window where the light shines through it.
What kids learn
Colour and light
Watching light change colour through layered tissue paper gives children a hands-on look at how colour and transparency work.
Fine motor arranging
Tearing and placing small pieces of tissue paper gives children an opportunity to practise precise finger control.
Planning ahead
Choosing a shape and colour scheme before assembling can help children practise thinking a step ahead of the current task.
Make it easier
Skip the template and cut the contact film into a simple circle or square once filled with tissue paper.
Make it more challenging
Plan a detailed picture with overlapping tissue colours, then cut a card frame to fit around the finished design.
Safety and supervision
- Adults handle scissors for cutting contact film, and supervise the hole punch and hanging thread.
- Keep small tissue pieces and lengths of thread away from children who still mouth objects.
Adult supervision is required for every activity on this site. Read our full child safety guidelines.
Pin this activity
A 2:3 vertical graphic, sized 1000×1500 for Pinterest. Save it for later or share it with another parent.
wondercraftkids.com
Make Your Own Suncatcher
Ages 3-8 · 25 min · low mess
Ages 3+ · Low mess
Suggested pin description
Make Your Own Suncatcher: Tissue paper on clear contact film makes a simple suncatcher that glows when hung in a window. Ages 3+, 35 minutes total, low mess. Full step-by-step instructions and a materials list at WonderCraft Kids.
Free download
Get the FREE 20 Screen-Free Activities Pack
Twenty printable activity cards for ages 2–8, sorted by time and mess level. One email, no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest shape for a first attempt?+
A circle or square is simplest because it is easy to cut and does not have narrow points that can peel apart.
How can we make the colours look brighter?+
Use one layer of pale tissue in some areas and overlap two colours elsewhere so more light can pass through the design.
