Nature Collage Sun Catchers

My FAVORITE type of crafts are the kind that do not cost any money… anyone else?? And using natural materials always makes for a great time with kids. We love going on “nature hunts” in our backyard, at the park, at open spaces… We bring a bag or basket and gather up anything that catches our eye. This week’s unit for my in-home childcare is all about Spring of course ! So we went on a little hunt in my yard and found some real beauties to make these sun catchers.

Supplies needed:

1. clear contact paper
2. Colored Construction paper of your choice
3. Scissors
4. Grass, flowers, leaves, etc

Instructions:

Cut a frame for your sun catcher- we just did simple rectangles but you could do circles, squares, or even a cute flower shape. I traced the shape on construction paper and then the children cut them out with safety scissors. Next cut out a  piece of the clear contact paper to fit over the entire frame.  Take the baking off and lay it down with the non-sticky side facing up. Lay the frame you made right on top- being careful to smooth it out and not got too many bubbles.

Then you can add whatever natural elements that you like ! This is the really fun part in my opinion because they can really let their imaginations go. One child was building a picture with the flowers and grass and making a “scene”. I love it!

The final step is laying the second piece of clear contact paper on top so the sticky sides meet. I usually just do this part as it is a bit difficult to lay it down while smoothing out bumps and wrinkles. They don’t have to be perfect- ours had plenty of little bubbles and wrinkles but do your best! We had a lot of flowers and little twigs in ours that were very bumpy so they did not lie flat nicely.

 

 

I really love the way these turned out. We make sun catchers often but these have been my favorite so far !

 

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by ! I hope this gave you some ideas and inspiration to make your own sun catchers with your kiddos ! Have a beautiful day!