Crafts
Science
SpringToddlersKindergartners86 Comments
DIY a nature collage suncatcher that's the perfect craft for toddlers!
We picked up so many cool leaves and flowers on our nature scavenger hunt, and I wanted to find a way to keep enjoying our treasures. Enter a little contact paper to make a pretty nature collage suncatcher!
Craft a Pretty Nature Collage Suncatcher for Toddlers
Given the general lack of flowers I have in my yard, these still turned out colorful! The pretty frames added such a nice touch of color, I think!
Check out the original idea that Jean The Artful Parent shared in the Camp Mom: Summer Activities Pack. They’re just gorgeous!
We kept these pretty simple. Simple is my favorite kind of craft and activity!
To make your own nature collage suncatcher, you’ll need:
- paper plates
- contact paper
- yarn or ribbon
- flowers and leaves
- scissors
- hole punch
- tape
I made the frames for the suncatchers using leftover paper birthday plates. We happened to have orange and green party plates on hand, so that’s what we used.
Find more classic summer crafts for kids to make!
I loved what Jean did for her frames. It brought her kids into the craft a little bit more.
To make the frame, I just cut out the center of the plate. That was easy enough.
Then I used the plate piece that I cut out to figure out the size of the contact paper that I’d need. I cut a square just larger than the center of the plate.
I also trimmed down the corners just a tad to make sure they wouldn’t stick out past the plate edges.
Then, I stuck the square of contact paper onto the back of the paper plate. The sticky side of the contact paper was up when I set the plate on the table.
Make a Pretty Nature Collage Suncatcher with Flowers & Leaves
The boys added their nature items to the contact paper. They arranged them inside the plate “frame” to make a design.
The boys tore them apart into little pieces or left their nature items as big pieces. As they created their design, they also added and took away items as inspiration struck.
The contact paper isn’t too sticky, so moving pieces on, off, and around was pretty easy.
I especially love contact paper as a medium to craft with toddlers. Contact paper is a mess-free way to glue!
It’s so easy and kids love the stickiness of it. It’s like magic to them!
I wish I had more photos of the boys working at it. But I was happily making my own suncatcher with them and I only got a couple of snapshots.
When the nature collages are finished, I attached a piece of ribbon to the top of the paper plate frame. I just stapled ours on.
We hung it in a window from the window locks, but you could also use a curtain rod or hook.
I just love seeing the beautiful flowers and leaves preserved in our nature collage suncatchers! It’s like we captured a beautiful day outside together, too!
How do you use nature in your crafts and activities? Share your ideas with the community!
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Moth Maddox says
What if I don’t have contact papers I can cut the paper plate as normal and put stripes of clear tape on both sides of the flowers maybe a waste of alot of tape but 2 suncatchers should be less than a roll.
Tabitha Lightfoot says
Yes! You can even use packing tape so it’s less. Or, you can use wax paper and stick the nature on with clear glue!
Tonia says
What do I use if I don’t have the contact paper? That’s basically tape right…I have box tape???
Tabitha Lightfoot says
Hi Tonia! Yes, you can definitely use box tape! That should work great!
Micheala says
Amazing please let me know of any new crafts you are creating,thank you.
carol klein says
this is so nice. You can also go on a nature hunt first to pick all kinds of pretty naturally things up. I would just add another piece of clear contact and paper plate to the back to secure it and keep it from sticking.
Lisa says
What a great idea – I reckon even my 7yo would love doing this one day when it’s not raining and she can get out into our garden. Thanks!
kali says
i love your work you should make more i made this for my 2 year old sister her birthday is coming up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stephanie says
Does the contact paper only go on the one side?
Rachel says
As written, there is only contact paper on one side. If you put a second piece of contact paper on top, your nature items will stick a little better. Either way will work just fine though!
Laura says
How long did the flowers last and did it grow mold or anything?
Rachel says
Mine just dried out after a while. You should be fine!
Debbie says
Did you use 2 layers of contact so the flowers etc were sealed between them?
Rachel says
Not for this activity because everything stuck pretty well, but you could definitely add a backing piece if items aren’t sticking securely! Enjoy!
Yevu says
Hi Jamie
I’ve just watched your button sensory bag and would like to try it out. What is the thick clear liquid that you squeezed into the ziplock bag in the video. Thank you.
Jamie Reimer says
It is hand soap, you can use any kind of soap (dish soap, shampoo) or hair gel works too. You can see more details of the activity here: https://handsonaswegrow.com/color-sorting-sensory-bag/
Ellen Ladden Ranaudo says
I just started in April as the volunteer of a “Garden Club” in a facility for seniors…most are in wheelchairs and have limited dexterity. This is a wonderful idea. I initially kept looking for “senior activities” and decided to look at children’s activities and found they are just the thing. Any ideas you have would be greatly appreciated. I have no experience or training in this area.
Kelly says
Did you use a second layer of contact on the front to seal it?
Sheri says
I cant wait to try tomorrow! Great idea
Lonco Osborne says
Looking to get my little ones excited about science.
Cindy says
Clear contact paper is so great for toddlers!
Jennifer says
I am wondering the same do you put contact paper on the back to secure your items????
Jamie Reimer says
On this one, I did not. I have for other contact paper crafts to secure them in place. But this one was sparse enough that the items stuck well.
Connie says
I really like this activity! Do you use a second piece of contact paper to secure the objects in place?
Jamie says
Clear plastic plates could work well too!
The Wellness Wife says
I love using contact paper, too. And, I love nature crafts. And, I love suncatchers. So, needless to say, I love this craft! Thanks for sharing!
Andrea says
Do you put contact paper down, lay the leaves/flowers etc and then more contact paper? or just the one contact paper? thanks!
Jamie Reimer says
We used just the one piece of contact paper for this one. I’ve sandwiched it in the past, but I think with the nature pieces, it wouldn’t cover very well with a second piece.
Pam B says
How did you keep the contact paper from attracting stuff once you were done making the suncatcher? I wonder if spraying it with hairspray would work to set the adhesive….
Jamie Reimer says
Usually by the time my kids are all done with the collage they’ve touched the contact paper enough that most of the stickiness as worn off I guess. Its really not too sticky afterwards.
Alison says
This is the perfect way for us to display the petals my 15 month old daughter brings into the house during our walks in the yard.
Jamie Reimer says
Exactly! So glad to see that my kids aren’t the only ones that bring in random flowers too!
Barbara Allisen says
These would make wonderful Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gifts! Thank you from 123kindergarten.
Jamie Reimer says
Thank you! Agreed! Have fun!