Sun catchers are a beautiful way to bring color and light into any space. They’re easy to make, fun for all ages, and perfect for brightening up a window or outdoor area.
Whether you’re crafting with kids or making elegant designs for home decor, here are 20 creative DIY sun catcher ideas to try.
1. Tissue Paper Sun Catcher
Cut colorful tissue paper into small pieces and glue them onto a clear plastic sheet or contact paper. It creates a stained-glass effect when light shines through.
2. Crayon Melt Sun Catcher
Shave old crayons, place the shavings between wax paper, and melt them using an iron. Once cooled, cut into shapes and hang in the window.
3. Beaded Sun Catcher
String colorful beads onto wire or fishing line and attach them to a hoop or frame. The beads catch the sunlight beautifully.
4. Mason Jar Lid Sun Catcher
Fill a mason jar lid with clear glue and add sequins, beads, or glitter. Let it dry completely before hanging.
5. Pressed Flower Sun Catcher
Arrange pressed flowers between two sheets of wax paper or within a clear frame. It’s a natural and elegant design.
6. Faux Stained Glass Sun Catcher
Use black glue to outline a design on a plastic sheet, then fill in the spaces with translucent paint or colored glue.
7. Glass Gem Sun Catcher
Glue colorful glass gems onto a wire frame or old CD to create a vibrant and sparkling sun catcher.
8. CD Sun Catcher
Recycle old CDs by painting them with stained glass paint or gluing on decorative elements for a shiny, reflective effect.
9. Snowflake Sun Catcher
Cut out intricate snowflake patterns from transparency paper and decorate them with glitter or paint for a frosty effect.
10. Wire and Crystal Sun Catcher
Wrap wire around crystals or glass beads to create a delicate and sparkling hanging decoration.
11. Bubble Wrap Sun Catcher
Cut bubble wrap into shapes and paint it with translucent colors. The unique texture adds a fun look when light passes through.
12. Glitter Glue Sun Catcher
Squeeze glitter glue onto wax paper in shapes or designs. Once dry, peel off and hang in a sunny spot.
13. Coffee Filter Sun Catcher
Dye coffee filters with watercolor paints and let them dry. Cut into shapes and attach to windows for a soft, colorful effect.
14. Acrylic Sheet Sun Catcher
Use transparent acrylic sheets and paint designs with glass or stained-glass paint for a durable and professional look.
15. Salt Dough Sun Catcher
Make salt dough shapes with cut-out centers, fill with melted plastic beads, and bake for a colorful, hard finish.
16. Clay Sun Catcher
Roll out air-dry clay, cut out shapes, and press in translucent beads or colored glass before drying.
17. Nature-Inspired Sun Catcher
Arrange leaves, feathers, or small flowers between two pieces of clear contact paper or inside a transparent frame.
18. Lace Sun Catcher
Glue pieces of lace onto a clear plastic or glass surface, then hang to let the light create beautiful patterns.
19. Plastic Cup Sun Catcher
Melt plastic cups in the oven at low heat until they flatten, then paint with translucent colors for a simple sun catcher.
20. Ribbon Sun Catcher
Tie colorful ribbons to a hoop or stick and let them dance in the sunlight, creating a whimsical and flowing effect.
These DIY sun catchers are fun, easy, and a great way to add charm to any space. Try a few and see how they transform your windows into colorful light displays!