DIY Sun Catchers 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 Sun Catchers 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 more 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, these DIY Sun Catchers will be beautiful in your window or outside!

DIY Sun Catchers with Free Printables

Supplies:

• Mason Jar Rings
• Colored Art Work or My Printable to Color
• Olive Oil
• Cotton Balls
• Scissors
• Twine, Ribbon, or String
• Glue
• Newspaper or Paper Towel

Instructions:

Cover your work surface with newspaper or paper towel to protect it as you work.

If you want your sun catcher 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.

Print out one of these free printables by clicking on the image above and selecting the file, print option. Color using watercolor paints or markers.  You could also use pages from a favorite coloring book or draw and color something freehand.  You’ll want to be sure to trim the art to the size of your mason jar ring.  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.  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.

Carefully add a bead of glue to the inside of your mason jar ring.  Place your artwork inside with the colored side facing out.

Wrap ribbon, twine, or string around the outside of the mason jar ring and tie a knot at the top to secure it in place.  Be sure to leave enough to use for hanging it.

Hang in a window that gets plenty of sun and enjoy!

These little DIY Sun Catchers also make great gifts for mom and grandma with Mother’s Day coming up!