DIY Suncatchers with Free Printables

I know that with summer just around the corner and the kids soon out of school we will need lots of fun projects to keep us busy.  These DIY Suncatchers are a great craft to do with kids of any age. They are quick enough to keep the attention of the little ones yet you can let older kids get so detailed and creative that they could even be fun to make at a preteen birthday party. Use freehand drawings, coloring pages, or my free printable. Whichever you choose, this suncatcher craft will be beautiful in your window or outside!  You can use mason jar lids to frame the homemade suncatchers and it makes them extra special.

First, what is a suncatcher? A suncatcher is a decorative piece usually made of glass or other transparent materials that are hung in windows or other places where they can catch sunlight. They often have colorful designs or patterns that create beautiful patterns when the sunlight shines through them, adding a decorative element to your space. This suncatcher diy project just requires a few art supplies and is a fun activity for kids of all ages from young children to adults. Happy crafting!

This was first published May 8, 2017. I have made a few updates and republished it here for my new readers to enjoy this fun project.

DIY Suncatcher Craft Tutorial

Suncatcher Craft Supplies:

• Mason Jar Lid Rings (my affiliate Amazon link)
• Colored Art Work or My Free Printable
• Olive Oil
• Cotton Balls
• Scissors
• Fishing Line, Twine, Ribbon, or String
• Clear Glue
• Newspaper or Paper Towel
• Beads (optional)

How To Make Suncatchers For Windows:

These easy crafts are so much fun! Cover your work surface with newspaper or paper towel to protect it as you work. Gather the supplies for your DIY Suncatchers.

Mason Jar Lid Suncatchers

The mason jar ring is an optional element but it is a great way to frame your suncatcher crafts. It gives your handmade suncatcher a bit of weight so it will hang well and hold up to any breezes. It is also a fun shiny element to your suncatcher.

You could use metal cookie cutters instead but I like the simplicity of the circle for both aesthetics and ease of making the suncatcher mobile.

If you want your sun catcher DIY to be more colorful you can paint the mason jar ring before beginning.  Be sure to allow plenty of time for it to dry before putting your sun catcher together. 

Window Suncatcher Printables:

Print out a couple of these free printables for your DIY suncatchers using this suncatcher pdf. Or by clicking on the image below (or dragging it to your desktop) and selecting the file option and then the print option.

Use watercolor paints or markers to personalize your suncatcher coloring pages. I used fine tip permanent markers for coloring suncatcher. You could also use coloring pages or draw and color something freehand. This is the part where your creativity gets to show through the pattern you select and choosing your own colors. These beautiful suncatchers are a great project to experiment with color combinations. How many colors you chose and in what groupings can provide endless different small pieces of art. 

You’ll want to be sure to trim the homemade suncatchers art to the size of your mason jar ring leaving a flat disc. Remember that mason jar ring sizes can vary.

Once you’ve colored your art carefully dip a cotton ball in olive oil and apply the oil to your paper. The oil will make the colored artwork become almost translucent and will allow the sun to shine through really well giving you the glass effect. The oil shouldn’t hurt your art but it’s always a good idea to check a small area first.  Wipe off any excess oil with a dry cotton ball or paper towel. Set aside your art to dry.

How To Hang Your Suncatcher

Wrap ribbon, twine, or string around the outside of the mason jar ring. Tie a knot at the top of the suncatcher to secure it in place. Be sure to leave enough to use for hanging your decorative craft in a sunny window.

This part is optional but you can even decorate your string by adding shiny pony beads or clear crystal beads. This provides for extra light catching play when the direct sunlight hits at the right angle. Plus, it is just more crafting fun to further decorate your diy sun catchers.

Carefully add a bead of glue (you just need a little bit) to the inside of your mason jar lid ring. White glue dries clear. Place your artwork inside with the colored side facing out.

Hang your finished suncatcher in a window that gets plenty of sun and enjoy! They add a lot of color and character to a room. They can be done in colors that match current decor or in bright seasonal colors to add a pop of color. You can even make switch out the artwork in your sun catchers to celebrate each holiday of the year!

This suncatcher craft is an easy project that makes me feel happy. Even once it is done, they cause you to think uplifting thoughts as the sun shine hits them and the light shines through the beautiful colors.

Uplifting Light Quotes

“I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being.” -Hafiz

“Give me a word
Give me a sign
Show me where to look
Tell me what will I find
Lay me on the ground
Fly me in the sky
Show me where to look
Tell me what will I find
Oh, heaven let your light shine down” -Collective Soul song lyrics

Conclusion

These little DIY suncatchers also make great gifts for mom and grandma with Mother’s Day coming up! They come out so cute that they are the perfect craft for adults, older children, and even young kids. You will want to make several as a fun way to decorate several windows. They also make great gifts to share with your local elderly care homes to help brighten their day. I’d love to see your easy kids crafts! Tag us on social media with your pretty suncatcher ideas @familyfocusblog #familyfocusblog!

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