Brighten Your Windows with Easy Autumn Sun Catchers: A Fun Kids Craft
Fall is the time I begin to panic at how many rainy/cold/dark days are coming and how much time my children will be indoors. Or, I mean, fall is the time that I start to get really excited at all of the time that I’ll have inside with my children that we can… fill with fun fall crafts? In all honesty, it’s a little bit of both in our house. It’s a bit of a reminder to step it up and not just rely on nature to fill our days, but what better way to do that then to take a page out of natures book and mimic the fall leaves with these adorable fall themed sun catchers. These autumn sun catchers are not only fun to make but also help little ones develop fine motor skills and color recognition—wins beyond just filling a day inside!
The one thing about this craft is that it does require a lot of cutting things out – two sides of the shape outline, all the pieces of tissue paper. This means that if you have a child that you trust with a scissors, great! It will occupy even more of their time and help develop those important hand muscles. If you don’t have a scissors ready child (this is the only scissors we will use for our kids just learning scissors)… this requires a bit more upfront work by the adult. I, personally, have hated cutting things out ever since kindergarten (I’m left handed which I feel like makes this make sense) and therefore this project is a bit of a labor of love but also my kids absolutely love it and they requested to make these most recently to send to their aunt who just started a new job. I stuck a note in with them that said “We be-leave in you! Good luck!” and honestly how cute is that?
What You’ll Need:
- Black construction paper
- Contact paper
- Tissue paper in fall colors (reds, oranges, yellows, browns)
- Scissors
- Tape or string for hanging
How to Make Autumn Sun Catchers:
- Create the Outline:
Use the black construction paper or any color that makes sense to your design and cut out thick outlines of classic fall shapes like pumpkins, leaves, or acorns. The thick border will frame your sun catcher and make the colors pop when the light shines through. You will need to create two identical borders (a front and a back). - Prepare the Sticky Base:
Cut a piece of contact paper slightly larger than your outline. Peel off the backing and place it sticky side up. This will be the surface your child will stick the tissue paper to. Press one of the shape outlines into the construction paper. - Fill in the Shapes:
Let your kids tear or cut the tissue paper into small squares. They can then press the pieces onto the sticky side of the contact paper within the black outline, creating a colorful mosaic effect. Encourage mixing colors for a vibrant look!
- Seal the Sun Catcher:
Once the shapes are filled, cover the top with the second cut out shape outline and another piece of contact paper to seal the tissue paper in place. Trim any excess contact paper so it matches your shape’s outline. - Display and Enjoy:
Use tape or string to hang the finished sun catchers in a sunny window. Watch as the autumn light shines through the colorful tissue paper, creating a warm, cheerful glow in your home.
Why Kids Will Love It:
- Hands-On Fun: Tearing and placing tissue paper helps improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Creative Expression: Kids can mix colors, create patterns, and explore their artistic side.
- Instant Gratification: Sun catchers are ready to brighten the room as soon as they’re finished.
Bonus Benefits:
- Teaches kids about colors and shapes.
- Offers a calm, focused activity that’s perfect for rainy or chilly fall days.
- Doubles as seasonal décor, making your home cozy and festive.
And after all the cutting, this craft is a masterpiece and worth it every time. This easy autumn craft is perfect for preschoolers, elementary kids, or even as a family activity. Gather your supplies, embrace the season’s colors, and make some simple yet stunning autumn sun catchers. Happy Fall!
