Watermelon Suncatcher Craft (Free Template)

Summer invites juicy watermelon, backyard adventures, and simple crafts that keep kids happy and engaged! Our bright Watermelon Suncatcher is a quick and colorful project that kids can make with just a few supplies—and it looks beautiful in a sunny window! Whether you’re celebrating summer break, learning about fruits, or just looking for a quick afternoon project, this easy activity is a great way to bring a little sunshine indoors.

Pair your watermelon suncatchers with our Strawberry Suncatchers for fruity summer fun!

Easy Watermelon Suncatcher Craft for Kids

This watermelon suncatcher is a fun summer craft that helps kids build fine motor skills while enjoying arts and crafts. The pink, green, and white tissue paper looks just like a slice of watermelon, and when the sun shines through, it glows like stained glass. It’s mess-free, quick to set up, and great for kids of all ages. Plus, using sticky laminating sheets gives kids a fun way to practice careful placing and pattern-making.

Craft Supplies Needed

Before you get started, make sure you have all the right supplies:

• Watermelon Suncatcher Template
• Tissue paper squares 
• Black cardstock
• White cardstock
• Scissors
• Contact paper or self-seal laminating sheets
• Double-sided tape

Directions for the Watermelon Suncatcher

Follow these simple steps to create your own!

STEP 1: Download and print the watermelon template. Click the link in the supplies list to download the free craft template. Once it’s downloaded, print the pattern on white cardstock.

STEP 2: Cut out the watermelon shape. Use scissors to cut out the watermelon slice along the bold outlines. This shape is simple enough that most kids can do it on their own, but younger children may need a little help cutting around the inside curves.

To create a black outline for the suncatcher, try one of these options:

• Place a sheet of black cardstock behind the printed template, staple them together, and cut through both layers at once.
• Cut out the printed template first, trace it onto black cardstock, then cut along the lines you traced.

STEP 3: Add the outline. Place the watermelon frame and the black seeds onto the sticky side of the self-seal laminating sheet. If you’re using a piece cut from printed cardstock, make sure the printed (black ink) side is facing down so it shows through the front.

STEP 4: Add the tissue paper. Fill the inside of the shape with pieces of tissue paper. Use pink for the center, white for the inner rind, and green along the curved edge. Trim pieces as needed to fit the shape, and overlap them slightly until the entire slice is filled.

STEP 5: Seal your design. Once you’ve finished adding the tissue paper, place a second laminating sheet on top to seal the watermelon. Press down firmly to smooth out any air bubbles. Then, use scissors to trim around the edges of the shape, leaving a small border.

STEP 6: Hang up your suncatcher! Use double-sided tape to stick them in a sunny spot and enjoy the light shining through the colorful tissue paper.

Take it Futher

With its cheerful colors and simple steps, this craft is a great activity for kids of all ages. Ready to keep the fun going? Try some of these easy extension ideas:

• Add storytime. Pair this craft with fun books like The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli.
• Create a mobile! Punch holes in several suncatchers, string them together at different lengths, and hang them near a sunny window or outside.
• Count the seeds. Turn this craft it into a simple counting or pattern-making game.
• Make a collage. Let kids experiment with freeform pink, white, and green tissue paper collages on laminating sheets to create abstract watermelon summer art.
• Give as gifts! Have kids make suncatchers to give to family or friends.
• Explore light and color. Use this craft to explore how sunlight shines through colors and changes throughout the day. Try flashlights for extra fun in a dark room!
• Learn about shapes. Practice identifying triangles and semicircles.
• Watermelon taste test! Try tasting different varieties of watermelon and talk about their colors, flavors, and textures.
• Try different materials. Swap out tissue paper for colored cellophane or bits of construction paper to explore new textures. You might also enjoy making these Paper Plate Watermelon Suncatchers I designed over a decade ago!

Save This Craft

Save this craft on Pinterest using the image below!