Easy DIY Suncatcher Craft for Kids
There’s something about suncatchers that are timeless. And when’s the best time to make them?! Summer, of course! When you’re soaking up as much of that sun as you can, enjoying the warm outdoors, and looking for a myriad of activities to keep the kiddos busy, look no further than our Easy DIY Suncatcher Craft for Kids. Although I’m a preschool teacher by trade, I can vouch that kids of ALL ages will love capturing some sunshine and memories with this summer craft. Not only is the beaded suncatcher craft super easy to make, it also provides a lot of practice on developmental skills, like fine motor muscles and creativity!
Recommended Grade Level:
DIY Suncatcher Supplies:
- Small Twig
- Needle
- String, Twine, or Thread
- Scissors
- Beads
DIY Beaded Suncatcher Craft
In my opinion, outdoor crafts are the best! Clean-up is a breeze, a new and different environment tends to intrigue kiddos, and the landscape, nature, trees, or whatever surrounds us can be super inspiring. If you’re teaching kids this summer, or just looking to keep your own kids engaged and learning all summer long, please check out our Fun Summer Lesson Plans for Preschool for a ton of inspiration and ideas!
Sometimes when my students enjoy a craft so much, I tend to look for the same type of craft within a different season! It’s fun to make suncatchers all year long with different themes and it creates a nice organized set of background information within young learners’ brains!
Materials You Will Need for the Suncatcher Craft:
- Small Twig
- Needle
- String, Twine, or Thread
- Scissors
- Beads
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Beaded Suncatcher Craft
Step One: Prepare the Needle
Prepare the needle with string, twine, or 2 or more strands of thread. Tie several knots at the open end of the thread strands. You can opt to attach a small seed bead to the thread to prevent beads from slipping off.
Tip: Transparent fishing line or beading wire works, too, and are both quite weather-proof!
Step 2: First Beaded Strand
This step is where your kiddos can express their own creativity! They may choose to create a pattern of specific colored or sized beads or they may decide to mix them all up for a more whimsical look. Thread the beads through the needle and continue beading to your desired length. Keep at least 3 inches of extra thread exposed/un-beaded–these extra inches of thread will be needed to attach the beaded strand to the twig.
Tip: If you plan to create a specific hanging design, with some threads hanging higher/lower, consider this when cutting your lengths of string/wire.
Step 3: Additional Beaded Strands
Continue making additional beaded strands. Five beaded strands are shown in the picture, however, feel free to make as many as you like. Also, you may choose to keep the beaded strands similar in length or vary the lengths to create a completely different look!
Step 4: Attaching First Beaded Strand
Cut the dry twig to your desired length. Attach one of the beaded strands to the twig by wrapping the thread around the twig and tying at least 2 tight knots to secure the strand to the twig.
Step 5: Attaching Additional Beaded Strands
Continue wrapping and tying the additional beaded strands to the twig. Try to keep an even amount of space between each beaded strand.
Step 6: Attaching Suncatcher Hanger
Cut 2 or more strands of thread to desired hanging length. Wrap and tie one end of the thread strand to the left side of the twig and then wrap and tie the other end of the thread strand to the right side of the twig. Make sure to tie at least 2 tight knots on either end of the twig so your suncatcher will hang securely. Hang your suncatcher with string, twine, or wire.
Project Complete! Now What?
The final step is to hang them in the sun, of course! Choose your spot, whether it’s indoors or out. Kids will undoubtedly want to decide where to hang them, and since they did all the legwork, you should probably let them! There really isn’t a bad place to hang these colorful pieces of artwork: on a wall, in a window, or outdoors to enjoy on the back patio.
Ways to Adapt the DIY Suncatcher Craft
Since this activity truly does cater to kids of all ages (including myself, a full grown adult), there are many ways to adapt it to serve the age group you’re working with.
- Add bells or other chimes to make a musical suncatcher.
- Create a challenge for older kids: Make a mono-chromatic design, a complex pattern, or a themed suncatcher to vote on the best as a group.
- Break up the project into manageable chunks for younger kids by creating one bead string per day and then finally attaching them to the twig to complete the project on the last day.
- Search for twigs with kids so they can find their own special twig.
- Vary materials as necessary to accommodate different levels of dexterity. For example, use larger beads and yarn instead of small beads and string.
More seasonal suncatcher crafts:
Multi-Age Beaded Craft
One of the reason’s I love this craft for summertime is the fact that you may be dealing with a mixed-aged group of kids! Maybe you are a troop leader, camp counselor, vacation bible school teacher, or the neighborhood kid-sitter! This craft truly pleases everyone. All you need to do is provide the appropriate scaffolding (help) for younger kids or those without a lot of dexterity or fine motor development.
Older kids can follow along as you demonstrate each step of the suncatcher project and then help the younger kids complete the step. Consider assigning craft buddies, or dividing a larger group into smaller groups with an older child or another adult as the leader of the group.
However you decide to set it up, let your kids get their creative juices flowing by allowing them to choose which beads they would like to use to make their own unique sun catchers. You could also have them choose a few specific colors and make themed suncatchers: red, white, and blue for 4th of July; red, orange, yellow, and brown for Fall; green, red, and small jingle bells for Christmas; or even their school or favorite sport’s team colors.
This is an easy kids project and so much fun, they may end up wanting to make several to give as gifts!
Benefits for Preschoolers
Although all ages can make the beaded suncatcher, young hands and minds will gain a lot of beneficial development throughout the entire process.
Working with string to thread different sizes of colorful crystal beads strengthens fine motor skills. Creating a unique design improves creativity. You can also work on patterns, sorting, or color recognition in conjunction with the craft.
No matter what age group you are working with, make sure to preface the activity with a little safety precaution: “DON’T PUT THE BEADS IN YOUR MOUTH!”😉
More Ways to Explore Summer Learning
Once your suncatchers are complete, you’ll probably want more ideas for fun summer activities! We also have a fun Summer Sensory Bin, or a Beach Theme Scavenger Hunt, or maybe you’re looking for academics like our Summer Themed Counting Book.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are frequently asked questions about the DIY suncatcher craft.
What materials do i need for the beaded suncatcher?
You will need a sturdy twig, various beads (glass, acrylic, wooden, etc.), strong string or fishing line, scissors, and optionally, charms or other decorative elements to personalize your suncatcher.
How can i help younger children participate in the craft?
Younger children can be assisted by pre-cutting the strings and tying one end to the twig for them. They can then focus on threading the beads onto the string. An adult can help tie the ends securely once the beading is done.
What types of beads work best for the suncatcher?
A variety of beads can be used, including glass, acrylic, wooden, and even recycled materials like plastic bottle caps. Choosing beads with different shapes, sizes, and colors will create a more interesting and visually appealing suncatcher.
How do i ensure the beaded strings stay attached to the twig?
Make sure to tie the strings tightly around the twig using double or triple knots. You can also add a drop of glue to the knots for extra security. Alternatively, wrapping the string around the twig multiple times before tying can help ensure a firm hold.
Can the suncatcher be used outdoors?
Yes, the suncatcher can be used outdoors, but it’s best to use materials that can withstand the elements, such as UV-resistant beads and strong, weather-resistant string. Applying a clear sealant to the twig can also help protect it from moisture and sun damage.
I would love to see how your suncatchers turned out! With a little sparkle added from the sun, you can’t go wrong!
Try These Suncatcher Crafts Next:
More Summer Theme Sensory Play:
Summer Theme Printables:
- Watermelon Counting Math Activity
- Fun Summer Lesson Plans for Preschool
- Summer Emotions Board Game
- S’mores Theme Emotions Game
- Lemonade Theme 2D Shape Posters
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