Beautiful flower suncatcher displayed on outdoor window in front of palm tree.

Beautiful Flower Suncatcher for Kids

If you’re looking for a creative way to blend both crafting and being out in nature, try making a DIY beautiful flower suncatcher. While on vacation in Florida, I noticed the beautiful and vibrant flowers. That evening my toddlers and I took sand buckets with us on our walk to see the manatees. We collected beautiful flowers along the way. These Floridian flowers were transformed into floral suncatchers that look absolutely stunning in any window.

Display of flowers, paint, paint brush, cardboard, and transparent paper.
Flower assortment of different shapes and sizes.

Materials:

  • Thin cardboard (cereal boxes work best)
  • Scissors
  • Paint (any will do)
  • Paintbrush
  • Newspaper or wrapping paper
  • Laminating sheets or transparent paper
  • Flowers from nature
  • Bucket, basket, or bag (to collect nature items)

Avery Clear Laminating Sheets

While using a roll of transparent paper could be a cheaper alternative, I personally find this product worth the investment. Its easy to use, lays flat without bubbles or creases, and has a clear glossy finish making it a valuable choice.

Cardboard oval shape painted blue and purple.
Child's hands crafting a flower suncatcher.

Preparation:

  1. Cut a circle shape border out of cardboard. This will be the base of the suncatcher.
  2. Paint cardboard shape and set aside to dry.
  3. Tape newspaper or wrapping paper to the table to protect the table from paint. This will also provide for easy clean up from nature items. This is PERFECT for using up that leftover Christmas wrapping paper.

Outdoor Adventure:

  1. Take sand buckets, baskets, or bags outside or on your walk.
  2. Collect nature items of all different colors and shapes.

Crafting Steps:

  1. Scatter the nature items over the newspaper to get a clear view of each item. 
  2. Use the cardboard shape to help measure and cut laminating sheets. Leave an additional 1-2 inches from the outside perimeter. You will cut more precisely in a later step. 
  3. Repeat step 2. You will need two pieces of laminating paper per suncatcher.
  4. Slowly and gently pull the top sheet of lamenting paper off.
  5. Place lamenting paper on the table, sticky side up.
  6. Firmly press the cardboard shape on to laminating paper. Run a finger along the shape to assure a tight attachment.
  7. Gently place and press flowers on top of the sticky side of laminating paper. 
  8. When finished with your flower collage, place the other prepared laminating sheet on top.
  9. Firmly press on the full surface area for the best attachment. You can use a book edge or ruler to help adhesion. 
  10. Cut lamenting edges to better match the cardboard shape leaving only ¼-½ inch off from the perimeter.
  11. Tape your beautiful suncatcher to a window that has good natural light.
Three oval-shaped flower suncatchers displayed on a window with a palm tree in the background.

Crafter’s Tips:

  • Cereal boxes or snack boxes work best since they are lightweight.
  • You can explore different cardboard shapes to give your window a dynamic look.
  • Use washable paint if working with children.
  • Paint cardboard before going outside to allow the paint more time to dry.
  • On the nature scavenger hunt, collect nature items that are flat.
  • Measure and cut laminating sheets before removing the top sheet to prevent waste. You can save the scraps for other crafts later. 
  • Pull the top sheet of laminating paper off gently, slowly, and at an angle. 
  • You can either completely cover all empty space with flowers or leave more space for sunlight to peer through. Both ways will look magical.
  • Use clear tape to attach to the window.

Want to Level Up: Use a Flower Press

Want a way to level up your floral suncatcher? Press your flowers for a clean, and pristine look! You can find directions online to build a DIY Flower Press. My husband built me one this year for Mother’s Day using two pieces of wood (equal size), bolts, washers, wing nuts, and cardboard. The tools he used were a saw, sander, and drill to complete the project. If you need specific details, comment below and I would be happy to give my husband homework to add a step-by-step guide to include in this blog.

Don’t have a flower press or any desire to make one? No problem, you can use a heavy book (hardcover works best) instead. Simply open the book, place parchment paper down, add flowers, add another piece of parchment paper on top, and simply close the book. Set aside for about two weeks. I’ve used this method with my Grandmother Elinore’s beloved Holy Bible. Be still my heart, she loved the word of God and was an avid gardener. Get this, her maiden name was even flowers! I then used the press flowers and some Mod Podge to upcycle a few Oui yogurt jars to give as gifts for Flower Friday for my son’s preschool teachers.

🌺For more details about Flower Friday, check out Clean Out Your Craft Drawer and Make Spring Flowers! and scroll down to the bottom of the post.🌼

Creating floral pieces of art is a delightful way to enjoy nature while crafting. I am thrilled with the results and appreciate the freedom that craft offers in creating unique designs. Take some time today to explore the outdoors, gather some beautiful flowers, and create a beautiful suncatcher to decorate your home windows. 

🫙Memory Enhancer:

Create floral suncatchers using flowers gathered from various locations. Make the joy of floral art a fun tradition during your travels, allowing your children to experience the diverse geographies and climates found in different states and countries. This would also make inexpensive, yet priceless souvenirs to gift family and friends when you return home. Explore the beauty of floral art wherever you go.

Consider making this a family event or including friends to join in on the fun. It’s fascinating to see the different variations that arise from collaborating with others. Also, giving these suncatchers as gifts to grandparents, neighbors, or teachers is a fantastic way to instill your kiddos with a sense of pride and confidence. However, if you do gift your suncatchers, you may want to consider making two- that way your child can hang one in their bedroom window as well.❤️

Name signature, Kim

💐Are you a flower fanatic?! If so, also check out FREE Beautiful Spring Printable and Clean Out Your Craft Drawer and Make Spring Flowers!🌼

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