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Make a suncatcher

Make some tissue-paper sun catchers, then hang them in windows to let them shine.

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You’ll need

  • Black card
  • Tissue paper.
  • Scissors
  • Sticky tape or sticky clear plastic
  • Hole punch
  • Ribbon

Before you begin

  • Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. There's also more guidance to help you carry out your risk assessment, including examples.   
  • Make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.
  • Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help.


Running this activity 

  1. Gather everyone and let them know they'll be making a colorful suncatcher to hang in the window.
  2. Use black card to make a frame in a circle, square, or rectangle shape.
    • For a circle, draw a big circle with a smaller one inside and cut out the middle to make a ring.
    • For a square or rectangle, draw a large shape with a smaller one inside and cut out the middle to make a frame.
  3. Place the frame onto sticky-back plastic (sticky side up), press it down, and trim around the edges.
  4. If you don’t have sticky-back plastic, cover one side of the frame with strips of sticky tape.
  5. Cut or tear tissue paper into small shapes like squares, circles, or random pieces.
  6. Arrange the tissue paper on the sticky side of the frame to make a colourful design.
  7. Once done, press the pieces down gently so they stick well.
  8. If you want a smooth finish, cover the front with another layer of sticky-back plastic or sticky tape and trim the edges.
  9. Punch a hole at the top of the frame and thread a ribbon or string through it to hang it in a sunny window.

Reflection

This activity was all making a sun catcher. They’ll look great in windows with the sunlight shining through them. What design did you do and why? Why did you choose those colours? It may have been tricky creating the frame. What did you find difficult? What do you like about your design? What do you like about someone else’s design too?

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

You must run your activities in line with the Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card) and report any concerns to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.

Glue and solvents

Always supervise young people appropriately when they’re using glue and solvent products. Make sure there’s plenty of ventilation. Be aware of any medical conditions that could be affected by glue or solvent use and make adjustments as needed.

Scissors

Supervise young people appropriately when they’re using scissors. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.

Sharp objects

Teach young people how to use sharp objects safely. Supervise them appropriately throughout. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.

  • To make this activity easier, you could cut out the circular frames for people to use. 
  • To make this activity harder, you could create a more complex frame, such as a Fleur-de-Lis.

Make it accessible

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Beavers Creative Activity Badge