So, the other day, the perfect lazy afternoon activity turned into a full-blown craft session—making Cloud Sun Catchers. My kids have always been fascinated by cloud watching, which we often turn into a game of spotting different shapes and characters in the sky. It’s so cool what their imaginations can conjure up from those fluffy formations!
Inspired by their love for clouds and how the light filters through them on sunny days, we thought, why not bring some of that magic indoors? We decided to create our own cloud suncatchers, which could capture some of that beautiful, diffuse light. It was the perfect craft to not only decorate their rooms but also to keep them engaged and thinking creatively about the weather and the sky.
We gathered up some simple materials and got to work, cutting out cloud shapes and adding colorful touches that would glow when the sunlight hit them. The kids were so proud of their creations, eagerly hanging them up by the window to catch the morning light. If you’re looking for a craft that combines art, science, and a bit of whimsy, this Cloud Sun Catcher project is a brilliant way to spend an afternoon, especially if your little ones are as cloud-crazy as mine!
Cloud Suncatcher Craft
Material List
- Black construction paper
- Contact paper
- White and blue tissue paper
- Scissors
- Double-sided tape
Directions
- Prepare Your Cloud Frame:
- Begin by cutting out a cloud outline from your black construction paper. You can draw the shape beforehand or freehand it for a more organic look. Next, cut out the outline of 3-4 different sized raindrops. I find it easiest to fold the black construction paper in half. Draw half the shape on one side and then cut out the outline.
- Next, cut a piece of contact paper slightly larger than your cloud and raindrops. Secure the contact paper to your tape by taping it down with the paper backing side facing up. Peel off the backing and carefully place your cloud and raindrop frames onto the sticky side of the contact paper.
- Cut out two pink circles and a black smile. Lay them in the middle of your cloud for its smile and cheeks. We will add the eyes last.
- Add the Tissue Paper:
- Tear or cut the white and blue tissue paper into small pieces. These will mimic the various shades and textures you might see in a real cloud and raindrops.
- Stick these pieces onto the contact paper, overlapping them slightly to create depth and interest.
- Seal Your Suncatcher:
- Once your cloud and raindrops are filled with tissue paper, cut another piece of contact paper the same size as the first. Peel off the backing and carefully place it sticky-side down on top of your tissue-covered cloud. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles with your hands.
- Trim any excess contact paper around the edges to clean up your suncatcher.
Share Your Crafting Moments:
We love seeing what you create! Don’t forget to share photos of your beautiful Cloud Suncatchers in our “Share Your Crafting Moments” section or on social media. It’s so inspiring to see how different families put their unique touches on the same project.
This Cloud Suncatcher is more than just a craft; it’s a way to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside and a wonderful opportunity to discuss the science of weather and the art of color blending with your kids. So grab your materials, and let’s make some clouds that never rain but always shine!
Play2Learn Toddler & Preschool Programs for Curious Toddlers
There is no limit to your toddler’s energy and curiosity. That energy and curiosity although a joy can be challenging at times. Their interest in just about everything around them is what makes them great learners. One and two year olds can soak up so much just from their senses!
But as a teacher or parent that thirst for learning can be exhausting. That is why I created this toddler and preschooler program. To help you get the most out of this time with your curious toddler without having to come up with creative ways to play and interact with them.
Play2Learn for Toddlers includes 20 Units for toddlers. Each 2-week toddler unit has 20 super easy to set up and engaging activities for toddlers 18 months to 3 years.
Play2Learn Preschool which includes 20 Units for preschoolers. Each 2-week preschoolers unit has 20 unique and easy to set up and engaging activities for preschoolers 3 years to 5 years. That’s over 800 learning activities for your toddler and preschooler at your fingertips! So many ideas you and your child will never be bored again!
These toddler and preschool lesson plans and activities will definitely keep you and your toddler and preschooler busy playing and learning!
Click here for more information: Play2Learn
Book: Exciting Sensory Bins for Curious Kids
Did you know I wrote a book of sensory bins? Click here for more information Exciting Sensory Bin for Curious Kids. Or grab your copy at Amazon.
Boring afternoons are made exciting with awesome animal-based bins, like Salty Shark Bay or Yarn Farm. Pretend play bins like Birthday Cake Sensory Play or Bubble Tea Party encourage creativity and imagination. And your kids will have so much fun they won’t even know they’re getting smarter with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities like Sink or Float Soup, Magnetic Letter Hunt or Ice Cream Scoop and Count.
Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.
Book: Super STEAM Activity Book for Kids
Learning all about science, technology, engineering, art, and math sets kids up for scholastic success―and it can be so much fun! Watch kids enjoy building STEAM skills as they color friendly fish, help water find its way to tree roots, solve math problems with mazes, and more.
Find out more and grab your copy here.
Designed for preschoolers 3 years old and up.
Book: Big Book of Riddles for Kids
Riddle me this: What’s an exciting way to practice critical thinking while having a blast? The Big Riddle Book for Kids, of course! From hilarious puns to tough brain teasers, kids can build problem-solving skills with hundreds of riddles tha. t show them how to think outside the box.
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Help children expand their minds while having fun with this puzzle book for kids!
Designed for kids ages 6 years old and up.
TV Show: Curious Crafting
I’m so excited to share my crafting TV show Curious Crafting which launched in July 2022 on TVOkids and TVOkids YouTube! Season 2 aired in August 2023! My show was also nominated in 2023 for Best Live Action Preschool Series by the Youth Media Alliance Awards of Excellence.
Curious Crafting Season 1 is also now airing in Australia on ABC! Watch it here!
Set in the ultimate crafting space, Curious Crafting is a short form pre-school age series about the joy of making crafts. I lead a rotating cast of adorable little preschoolers (including my own) making magic out of common household objects.
In each episode we transform recycled items into magical crafts like a milk carton school bus, paper bag puppet or cotton pad turtle. The crafters learn and laugh their way through each activity while demonstrating what their young imaginations can create.
Curious Crafting shares the adventure and joy of making art with takeaway lessons for creating crafts at home.
This show designed for toddlers and preschoolers 2.5 years old and up.
Cloud Suncatcher
Materials
- Black construction paper
- Contact paper
- White and blue tissue paper
- Scissors
- Double-sided tape
Instructions
- Prepare Your Cloud Frame: Begin by cutting out a cloud outline from your black construction paper. You can draw the shape beforehand or freehand it for a more organic look. Next, cut out the outline of 3-4 different sized raindrops. I find it easiest to fold the black construction paper in half. Draw half the shape on one side and then cut out the outline.Next, cut a piece of contact paper slightly larger than your cloud and raindrops. Secure the contact paper to your tape by taping it down with the paper backing side facing up. Peel off the backing and carefully place your cloud and raindrop frames onto the sticky side of the contact paper.Cut out two pink circles and a black smile. Lay them in the middle of your cloud for its smile and cheeks. We will add the eyes last.
- Add the Tissue Paper:Tear or cut the white and blue tissue paper into small pieces. These will mimic the various shades and textures you might see in a real cloud and raindrops.Stick these pieces onto the contact paper, overlapping them slightly to create depth and interest.
- Seal Your Suncatcher: Once your cloud and raindrops are filled with tissue paper, cut another piece of contact paper the same size as the first. Peel off the backing and carefully place it sticky-side down on top of your tissue-covered cloud. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles with your hands.Trim any excess contact paper around the edges to clean up your suncatcher.
