Here’s a fun, simple summer-themed kids craft that’s colorful, inexpensive, and perfect for a range of ages:
Theme: Summer Sunshine & Sea Breezes
Best For: Ages 3+ (with supervision for cutting)
Supplies
- White paper plates
- Scissors
- Tissue paper in bright summer colors (yellow, orange, pink, blue, green)
- Clear contact paper (or laminating sheets)
- Glue stick or double-sided tape
- Markers or crayons
- Hole punch & ribbon/string for hanging
Instructions
- Prepare the Sun Catcher Frame
- Cut out the center of a paper plate, leaving about a 1-inch border all around (this will be the frame).
- For extra summer vibes, decorate the rim with markers—think waves, flowers, or sun rays.
- Cut Tissue Paper
- Tear or cut tissue paper into small squares or shapes.
- Mix colors for a tropical, beachy effect.
- Make the Sticky Canvas
- Cut a piece of clear contact paper a little bigger than the hole in your plate.
- Stick it to the back of the plate so the sticky side is facing forward.
- Add the Color
- Press tissue paper pieces onto the sticky surface. Overlap them for a stained-glass look.
- Once the design is complete, cover it with another piece of contact paper to seal it.
- Hang It Up
- Punch a hole in the top, thread ribbon or string through, and hang it in a sunny window.
Variations for Extra Summer Fun
- Ocean Scene: Use blue tissue and add fish or seashell cutouts.
- Flower Garden: Add paper flower shapes on top of the tissue paper background.
- Sunshine Burst: Use only yellow and orange tissue with big drawn-on sun rays.
Free Summer Printables
Made by Kids 