Suncatcher Collage Craft Inspired Alma Thomas

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A great way to learn about Black history with kids is to examine famous Black artists and create art inspired by their work. Here’s an activity that’s not only a perfect way to learn about a cool artist but also create a cooler suncatcher collage craft!

Images: from https://www.thecollector.com/alma-thomas-abstract-painting/ Iris, Tulips, Jonquils, and Crocuses by Alma Thomas, 1969 (left); Portrait of Alma Thomas at the Whitney Museum of Art, via Culture Type (center); and Resurrection by Alma Thomas, 1966 (right). Second Image: Resurrection by Alma Thomas, 1966, via the White House Historical Association, Washington D.C. Flash of Spring by Alma Thomas, 1968, via Christie’s

Who was Alma Thomas?

Alma Thomas (1891 – 1978) was an art teacher and artist who was known for her use of bright colours, patterns and abstract design. Although she didn’t become an artist until she was almost 70 (68 years old to be exact), she is widely known now for her unique abstract art. While she was alive she work was only known around Washington DC. Today, her pieces have graced the wall of the White House and the Smithsonian.

How to Make a Suncatcher Collage Craft Inspired Alma Thomas

  1. Cut colourful tissue paper into squares, choose lots of different colours.
  2. Cut out one circle from tissue paper.
  3. Cut off a piece of contact paper and tape it the surface of a table using painters tape with the paper backing side facing up.
  4. Peel off the paper backing.
  1. Start by laying the tissue paper circle in the middle of the contact paper. Then use the squares to create a radial pattern all around it.
  2. You can choose to alternate each row of color or use the same colour for several rows of one color before moving on to another colour.
  3. Place another sheet of contact paper on top.
  4. Cut off any excess.
  5. Display on a window using double sided tape.

Age Suitability

This activity is good for toddlers aged children 2 years old and up. My kids are 5, 5 and 8 years old.

Mess Level

The mess level for this activity is easy.

Difficulty to Create 

Low.

Skills Developed

Language development, shape recognition, color recognition, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, imaginative play, creativity.

Supplies Suncatcher Collage Craft Inspired Alma Thomas

(This post and list contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission. Please visit my disclosure policy for more information.

  • Tissue paper squares
  • Contact paper
  • Double sided tape
  • Scissors

Toddler and Preschooler Curriculums, Books & TV Show!

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

Designed for toddlers 18 months and up.

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 that show them how to think outside the box.

  • 350 riddles for kids—Have hours of fun with riddles, puns and jokes, and math and logic puzzles that’ll get their wheels turning!
  • Level up their skills—Riddles get trickier as kids progress through the book, challenging them as they get better at solving puzzles!
  • Double-check their work—Kids can check their answers in the back of the book with a handy answer key.

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 finally share my new crafting TV show Curious Crafting which launched July 1 at on TVOkids and TVOkids YouTube!

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. 

WILL YOU TRY MAKING THIS SUNCATCHER COLLAGE CRAFT WITH YOUR CHILD? PIN IT FOR LATER.

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