Nature Suncatcher Craft for Toddlers
Looking for a fun and simple nature craft for your toddler to do?
We had a blast creating this nature suncatcher inspired by The Artful Parent, so I thought I’d share it with you. It’s a great way to explore nature and inspire creativity!
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Materials Needed
This fun nature craft doesn’t require a whole lot of supplies. And, most of these you probably have in your home already. You’ll just need:
- Paper plate(s)
- Paint and paint brushes (or markers)
- Adhesive semi-transparent contact paper
- Hole puncher
- Yarn/string
- Scissors or X-ACTO knife
Step 1: Cut out the Middle of the Paper Plate
I suggest cutting out the middle of the paper plate before your toddler decorates it, because they could get upset if you remove any part of their creation. This can easily be done using an X-ACTO knife, but you could also just use scissors.
Step 2: Decorate the Plate
Set up shop in your art station and let your toddler paint their little heart away. You could also just decorate with markers if you’re looking for something less messy.
My toddler enjoyed mixing some blue, pink, and purple paint together and did let me help her paint her plate. It ended up turning out pretty neat when it dried.
Step 3: Get Outside and Create a Nature Collection
Your next step is to get outside and explore. Let your little collect any neat things they may find in nature.
We’ve actually done this project a few times already. The first time we used our findings from our nature hike with our local Hike it Baby group, and the second time we just explored the backyard.
My toddler loved collecting leaves, flowers, and sticks in her bug-catching net and critter case, but you could use any kind of bag or container to store your collection.
Step 4: Attach Your Contact Paper
Once your toddler’s plate is nice and dry, go ahead and cut out your contact paper and attach it to the back of the plate. Be sure that the sticky side is facing up.
If you’re having any issues with your contact paper staying attached to the plate, then go ahead and use some strong tape to secure it in place.
Step 5: Create with Nature
Once your contact paper is secure to the plate, go ahead and let your toddler attach their nature findings onto the contact paper. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of beautiful arrangement they come up with.
Step 6: Make a Hole Punch
Decide which way you want your toddler’s nature suncatcher to hang, and apply a single hole punch in the top of the plate.
Step 7: Attach Your String
Cut off a good-length piece of yarn or string and loop it through your hole punch. Secure a knot at the top to hang it from.
Step 8: Display in the Window
Now that your toddler’s suncatcher is complete, it’s time to show it off in your window. You could hang it from a centered window lock, or if you just happen to have a nail right above your window like we do, then you could hang it from that.
Your toddler will love being able to admire and show off their new creation. Our’s sat in our window for a good month or two. 🙂
Enjoy This Post?
Did you and your toddler enjoy this nature craft? Share your experiences with us in the comments below, and be sure to share this post with other toddler moms.