Tissue Paper Rainbow Craft
Torn or scrunched tissue squares build a glowing rainbow that looks stained-glass bright once it is dry.
By WonderCraft Kids Editorial Team, Editorial team · Updated 1 September 2026
This is tearing and gluing practice dressed up as a rainbow. Squares of coloured tissue get scrunched or torn and pressed onto a glue-covered arc, and the layered, slightly translucent paper catches light in a way flat paint never does. Prep is cutting an arc template; cleanup is mostly glue on fingers, which peels off dry.
What you need
- Coloured tissue paper, 6-7 rainbow shades
- White card cut into an arc shape
- PVA glue mixed with a little water
- A wide, flat brush
- Scissors (adult use)
- A tray to catch scraps
Step by step
- 1
Cut a large arc shape from white card and mark rough colour bands in pencil.
- 2
Tear or scrunch the tissue paper into small pieces, sorted roughly by colour.
- 3
Brush a thin layer of glue mixture onto one band of the arc.
- 4
Press tissue pieces onto the glued band, working red to violet across the arc.
- 5
Repeat band by band until the whole arc is covered.
- 6
Leave flat to dry for at least an hour before it goes anywhere near a wall.
What kids learn
Colour sequencing
Placing colours in rainbow order gives children a chance to practise sequencing rather than just naming colours.
Fine motor grip
Scrunching small tissue pieces gives children an opportunity to practise controlled finger movements.
Working within a boundary
Filling a defined arc shape can help children practise controlling where materials go rather than covering a whole page.
Make it easier
Pre-tear the tissue into a bowl and let them press pieces onto just three bands rather than the full spectrum.
Make it more challenging
Ask for two overlapping rainbows in different sizes, or add a sun made from scrunched yellow tissue in the corner.
Safety and supervision
- Tissue paper bleeds colour when wet — keep it away from clothing and light-coloured furniture.
- Small torn pieces are not for mouthing; supervise closely with children who still put things in their mouth.
- Scissors work is adult-only for under-fives.
Adult supervision is required for every activity on this site. Read our full child safety guidelines.
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wondercraftkids.com
Tissue Paper Rainbow Craft
Ages 3-6 · 25 min · low mess
Ages 3–6 · Low mess
Suggested pin description
Tissue Paper Rainbow Craft: Torn or scrunched tissue squares build a glowing rainbow that looks stained-glass bright once it is dry. Ages 3–6, 35 minutes total, low mess. Full step-by-step instructions and a materials list at WonderCraft Kids.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the tissue colour run once it dries?+
A little bleeding is normal and often looks nice, giving a soft watercolour effect. Keep the finished piece away from damp surfaces.
Can I use paper napkins instead of tissue paper?+
Yes, coloured napkins work in a pinch, though the colours tend to be less vivid than proper tissue paper.
