Summer Suncatchers

Our Summer Suncatchers are a fun and colorful craft kids can make with just tissue paper and self-seal laminating film. Shaped like a sun, popsicle, watermelon, or beach ball, they’re easy to prep and low-mess—great for home, the classroom, or summer camp. A free printable template is included to make craft time even easier!

Looking for more options? We have several Flower Suncatchers that are also perfect for summer!

Summer Suncatchers Craft for Kids

Suncatchers are a simple, hands-on craft that gives kids the chance to be creative while building important skills. As children cut tissue paper, place small pieces, and arrange colors within a shape, they strengthen fine motor skills, practice hand-eye coordination, and explore spatial awareness.

This activity also encourages decision-making and planning. Kids can follow a template or create their own design, which makes the craft flexible for different age groups and skill levels. It works well in a variety of settings—whether you’re planning a summer art lesson, prepping a quiet activity for early finishers, or crafting at home on a hot day.

Since there’s no glue involved, it’s low-mess and easy to clean up. You can even prep materials ahead of time to make things run smoothly in a classroom, camp, or group setting.

Craft Supplies Needed for Summer Suncatchers Craft

Before you start this craft, make sure you have all the right supplies.

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

Step-by-Step Guide: Summer Suncatchers Craft

Follow the directions below to create cheerful decorations with your kids or students.

STEP 1: Print the templates. Use the link in the supplies list to download the craft templates. Once downloaded, print the patterns on white cardstock.

STEP 2: Cut out the summer shapes. Use scissors to cut out the shapes along the bold outlines. Most kids can cut the designs on their own, but younger children may need a little help with the curves or small details.

To create a black outline for your 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 the same time.
• Cut out the printed template first, trace it onto black cardstock, then cut out the traced shape.

STEP 3: Add the outline. Place your chosen summer suncatcher frame and any small details onto the sticky side of the self-seal laminating sheet. If you’re using a piece cut from printed cardstock, be sure the printed side is facing down so it shows through the front when finished.

STEP 4: Add the tissue paper. Fill the inside of the shape with small pieces of tissue paper. Choose colors that match your design—like yellow and orange for a sun, pink and green for a watermelon, or bright colors for a beach ball. Trim pieces as needed and overlap them slightly until the entire shape is filled.

STEP 5: Seal your design. When the tissue paper is in place, carefully lay a second laminating sheet on top to seal the suncatcher. Press down firmly to remove any air bubbles. Then, use scissors to cut around the shape, leaving a small border around the edges.

STEP 6: Display your suncatcher. Choose a sunny window and use double-sided tape or clear adhesive to stick your suncatcher in place. When the sunlight shines through, the colors will glow and brighten up the space!

Take It Further

Here are a few simple ways to build on this activity:

• Make a set. Create one of each design and display them together!
• Turn it into a gift. These look nice in handmade cards or as part of a summer care package.
• Write about it. Have kids describe their design or write a sentence about what summer means to them.
• Read a book together. Pair the craft with a summer-themed story like Summer is Here by Renée Watson.
• Talk about colors and light. Try layering tissue paper to see how the colors change when the sun shines through.

More Summer Crafts for Kids

Looking for more ways to keep kids busy and creative this summer? Check out these easy and fun craft ideas that celebrate the season with bright colors and simple materials.

• Paper Plate Sunflower – A bright and cheerful craft using handprints and paint to create a sunny flower perfect for summer décor.
• Popsicle Stick Watermelon – A colorful watermelon made from painted popsicle sticks.
• Summer Suncatchers – Low-mess, hands-on crafts that let kids explore light and color with tissue paper and simple templates.
• Bee Bath – A simple project to help bees stay hydrated and healthy.
• CD and Button Turtle Craft – A creative turtle made by decorating an old CD with buttons and other craft supplies.

Save This Craft

Save this craft on Pinterest using the image below!