Summertime is in full swing and these patriotic-themed star suncatchers are a festive way to decorate for July 4th. You probably have most of the supplies on hand as well!
Why these are so fun
These star suncatchers are a great way to decorate for any patriotic holiday, including the 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Patriot Day. Using a few supplies, kids can make several of these to decorate windows to add a festive touch to the holiday.
This is an easy craft for kids to make using simple supplies. They are fun to display and a great way to keep the kids busy.
Try our other fun suncatcher tutorials as well! Heart Suncatcher | Paper Plate Watermelon Suncatcher | Easter Egg Suncatcher | Colorful Glue Suncatcher | Candy Corn Suncatcher
Craft Supplies Needed
The hole punch and ribbon is an optional decoration, but makes a fun shooting star!
Craft Information
- Age Level: 5 and up
- Mess Factor: minimal
- Time to Complete: 30 minutes
- Cost estimate: 50 cents using supplies I had on hand
Crafting Tips
- If kids want to work on their scissor-cutting skills, have them cut the tissue paper instead of tearing it.
- Young kids may need help with the star drawing and cutting as well as the contact paper steps. You can prep steps 1-4 ahead of time if you prefer.
- Once the sun catcher is done, you can add gems to the star shape if you’d like!
How to Make a Star Suncatcher
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this project. Please scroll down to simply print out the instructions!
- Fold one piece of the construction paper in half on the vertical side, then unfold it.
- Use the pencil to draw a star shape, having the center top point of the star hit on the fold line. Leave about a 2” border all the way around the star.
- Stack this with the other piece of construction paper together, with the star drawing on top. Fold the 2 papers vertically using the existing fold and cut the star shape out through both pieces of the construction paper.
- Lay 1 contact paper piece sticky side up on a flat work surface and carefully put one of cutout star papers on top and press down.
- Tear the red, white and blue tissue paper into tiny pieces and press onto the contact paper.
- When the tissue paper design is complete, lay second construction paper star over the first one.
- Now lay the second piece of contact paper (sticky side down) over that.
- Cut out the star following its shape, leaving about an inch border.
- Use a hole punch to make a single hole on the star’s bottom two points.
- To create a shooting star, run ribbon through the holes and tie.
- Add some rolled clear tape to 1 side and affix your star suncatcher to a window.
If kids are interested in learning more about the Declaration of Independence, have them check out nps.gov/inde. However you celebrate, these suncatchers are a festive way to decorate for the 4th of July. Happy Birthday USA!
More Fun Patriotic Crafts for Kids
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Star Suncatchers
However you celebrate, these star suncatchers are a festive way to decorate for the 4th of July. Happy Birthday, USA!
Supplies
- 2 pieces 9×12” construction paper either red, white, blue, or a combination.
- Red, white and blue tissue paper
- 2 pieces
contact paper
each approximately 9×12”
Expert Tips & FAQs
- If kids want to work on their scissor cutting skills, have them cut the tissue paper instead of tearing it.
- Young kids may need help with the star drawing and cutting as well as the contact paper steps. You can prep steps 1-4 ahead of time if you prefer.
- Once the sun catcher is done, you can add gems to the star shape if you’d like!
This post originally appeared here on June 19, 2020.