Flower Suncatcher Craft Ideas Made with Fresh Flowers

Learn how to make suncatchers using real, fresh, pressed, or dried flowers with this fun nature craft activity for kids and adults.

Flower suncatcher crafts offer a beautiful way to bring the vibrant colors and textures of the natural world indoors for everyone to admire. Nature crafts, like the gorgeous flower suncatchers in the photos below, are easy crafts to make at home, at nature school, in the classroom, or at summer camp. Even toddlers can make these simple, fresh flower crafts! You might also enjoy making other Flower Nature Crafts with fresh flowers.

The suncatcher craft ideas below include step-by-step instructions for making nature crafts with fresh flowers, along with several additional tutorials. Whether you are creating a simple flower suncatcher with toddlers or a more intricate floral design with older children, a teen art class, or alongside a group of friends at a friend’s birthday party or a baby or wedding shower. These easy nature crafts provide a creative way to celebrate the beauty of spring and summer. Discover more crafts and art activities you can do with nature’s treasures: here.

What is a suncatcher?

As the name suggests, a suncatcher is a decorative object created to capture or reflect the sunlight. Suncatcher crafts come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most commonly hung in windows or other sunlit areas, suncatchers are typically made with transparent or translucent materials, such as colorful glass, acrylic, beads, recycled plastics, crystals, prisms, tissue paper, or kite paper.

When sunlight passes through or strikes these items, it creates a dazzling display of beautiful colors that can brighten a room or add a creative touch or artistic display to the decor. The use of faceted crystals or prisms in various shapes and sizes for suncatcher crafts is especially popular because they refract light into a spectrum of colors, producing mini rainbows that dance across the space and align with the sun. For step-by-step instructions to make hand-beaded suncatchers with prisms, check out rainbow prism suncatchers or this hanging heart suncatcher tutorial.

In contrast, the suncatcher craft tutorials below show how to make suncatchers using flower petals and a few other simple craft materials, such as glue or clear contact paper, along with a simple frame, as shown in the photograph below. Scroll down to learn how to make these delightful flower crafts, along with several different creative options you can try. You might also enjoy making colorful window stars with kite paper, another popular sun catcher craft activity.

Flower Suncatcher Crafts:

Making flower suncatcher crafts is a fun and relaxing way to pass the time and bring nature’s beauty indoors. These colorful window decorations are easy to make at home, in the classroom, at summer camp, at a party, shower, or event, or during a playdate with family and friends.

Children can collect flowers and arrange petals into glowing designs, while strengthening fine motor muscles and learning basic design principles. Adults can enjoy the calming, creative process alongside them, or arrange a crafting session with friends, family, or community members for fun or at an event such as a spring fair or a wedding.

Beautiful flower suncatchers made with real flowers are fun crafts to make in spring and summer. A suncatcher with real flowers looks gorgeous hanging in a window and makes lovely DIY home decor. Flower crafts, such as those listed below, also make a great homemade gift idea for Mother’s Day. For more ideas, look at this list of Mother’s Day Crafts filled with great gift ideas to make for Mom.

Making these simple suncatchers is also a great educational activity for kids, perfect for a flower-themed activity, botany lesson, or just for fun. The gorgeous suncatcher flower craft ideas below will help children learn about flowers as they create something beautiful using colorful natural materials. First published in May 2016, these flower craft ideas are regularly updated to improve the content. You might also enjoy this massive list of flower art projects and painting ideas for kids.

How to Make Suncatchers with Flowers:

Creating cheerful suncatcher crafts with fresh flowers is a simple nature craft idea suitable for kids and adults alike. These colorful crafts are most commonly made with dried and pressed flowers (or petals, leaves, and pieces of flowers) and clear contact paper (or packing tape). However, there are several creative options below for assembling these simple crafts.

When finished and hung in a window, these flower crafts catch sunlight and brighten windows, classrooms, playrooms, and anywhere the light shines through! Here are the basic craft materials needed for making these beautiful spring or summer crafts:

Craft Supplies Needed to Make Flower Suncatchers:

Most flower suncatcher craft tutorials require the following craft supplies:

• Freshly picked or dried and pressed flowers.
  • Gather them yourself, then dry and press them, or buy pressed flowers for crafts.
• Choose one of the following craft materials to create the window of the suncatcher:
  • Clear contact paper or packing tape
  • Self-laminating sheets.
  • Wax Paper.
• Scissors.
• Glue.
• Tape, twine, fishing line, or ribbon to hang the suncatcher craft (optional).
• Suncatcher frame. Choose from the options below:

Flower Suncatcher Frame Options:

• A paper plate with the center cut out. Paint it with watercolor, tempera, or acrylic paints, or color it with markers if desired.)
• A construction paper, colored cardstock, or cardboard frame that is cut to the desired size and shape. Paint it with acrylic paint to add a color before assembling flower suncatcher crafts, if desired.
• Embroidery hoop.
• Photo or document frame, or unfinished wooden picture frames for crafts.
• Sticks, twigs, or popsicle sticks.
• Mason jar lids or another recycled lid with the center cut out.

How to Make a Flower Suncatcher Craft: Step-By-Step Instructions:

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make flower suncatcher nature crafts at home or in the classroom:

1. Gather or purchase fresh flowers or buy them dried and pressed:

• First, gather flowers from your garden, front, or backyard. If you don’t have any flowers growing in your backyard, get permission to gather flowers at a neighbor’s, friend’s, or relative’s house. (Tell your neighbors you will give them one of the suncatchers you make if they can spare a few fresh flowers.)
• Alternatively, you can purchase them at most supermarkets or visit your local florist to pick out a bouquet of fresh, easy-to-press flowers, such as daisies or buttercups.
• Today, you can also buy dried and pressed flowers at many hobby and craft stores, or use the affiliate links below.

A Note About Gathering Flowers for Suncatcher Crafts:

You can also pick wildflowers in nature to make suncatchers, but please ensure it is legal to pick wildflowers in that location before you do so. It’s prohibited to pick wildflowers in most national and state parks in the US, as well as in many other natural areas. Please read the posted signs or obtain permission before gathering wildflowers. When in doubt, let them grow and take a picture to admire their beauty if you must take something home with you.

Picking wildflowers and removing their precious seeds from natural habitats can reduce the number of wildflowers in any given area over time. Please keep wildflowers where they belong for future generations to enjoy. Thank you for caring for the Earth and helping to conserve and protect our precious natural resources.

2. Press the flowers (if needed):

Once you have an assortment of fresh flowers to work with, it’s time to press them to prepare them for making suncatchers and other flower crafts. That said, sometimes the flowers can be pressed during the suncatcher-making process, or as a result of it. Still, these crafts are easier to make with dried, pressed flowers, especially if you are working with children.

How to Press Flowers for Suncatcher Crafts:

Some flowers can be pressed as is, while others are best taken apart. Use tweezers to gently pull the flowers apart, or use scissors to trim them to a size and shape that is easier to press if desired. Then, choose one of the two primary ways to press flowers from the options below:

1. Arrange them in a flower press and follow the instructions provided, or
2. Carefully arrange the flowers and petals between two sheets of paper (heavyweight cardstock works well), then place the flowers between the sheets inside a heavy book, or underneath several heavy books (as you would when pressing leaves) for a day or two.

Either of these flower-pressing methods will help the flowers (or their petals and other parts) dry flat, making them easy to use in various nature crafts, such as suncatchers.

3. Prepare the frame (if needed):

• Create a simple frame with a paper plate or a piece of recycled cardboard.
• For example, cut out the inner circle of a paper plate, or cut out a square, diamond, heart, flower, butterfly, or any other shape.
• Or, create a simple square or rectangular frame by cutting a piece of cardboard or construction paper.
• Alternatively, glue twigs, sticks, or popsicle sticks into the shape of a frame.
• You can also use an embroidery hoop, an unfinished wooden craft frame, or another frame option from the craft supply list above.
• Paint the frame with watercolors, tempera, or acrylic paint, or use markers to decorate it before moving on to the next step, if desired.

4. Create a window for the flowers to shine through:

• Cut two matching pieces of clear contact paper, self-laminating sheets, or wax paper.
• In other words, cut them to match the frame’s shape, overlap the frame, or cut both the frame and the window to match. The best option will depend on the type of frame you are using.
• For example, if making flower suncatchers with an embroidery hoop, cut squares a few inches larger than the hoop’s diameter to ensure the contact paper fits securely within the hoop’s window without falling out.
• Ensure the windows (matching pieces of contact paper) are 1/4 to 1/2 inch larger than the frame opening, so they have room to stick onto the front and back of the frame.
• If the flowers are large or bulky, cut the backing slightly larger to ensure it will fit over them.
• Circles, squares, diamonds, rectangles, hearts, butterflies, and simple flower shapes all work well.

5. Stick one of the pieces of contact paper onto the frame or sticky side up on a table:

• Peel the backing off one of the pieces of contact paper or self-laminating sheet, and carefully stick it onto the frame.
• Next, place it sticky-side up on a table or stick it onto the frame to begin.
• If on a table, tape the corners down to keep it from curling up, moving, or sticking to itself.
• How you stick it to a frame will depend on the type of frame you use and its construction. The clear contact paper window should overlap the frame window at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch, so it has enough room to stick. It can even cover the frame on both sides, solidifying and sealing the craft. This is recommended if using construction paper or colored cardstock as the frame.
• You may decide that putting the suncatcher craft and frame together separately, and combining them later, is the best option.
• You can even glue self-laminating sheets that are already stuck together onto a frame later, or use contact paper without a frame.
• When using a paper plate as the frame, for example, stick the outer edge of the contact paper shape to the edge of the cut-out in the paper plate. Or, lay clear packing tape across the opening so the sticky side is exposed on one side.

6. Arrange flowers to decorate the window:

• Flip it over to decorate the sticky side of the window with flowers.
• Place a single flower to spotlight in the window, or arrange the pressed flowers and petals onto the sticky paper in various designs and patterns.
• Ensure you leave a little space around the edges so the suncatcher window can seal well.

7. Seal the window full of flowers shut:

• Ensure you are happy with the design.
• Peel the backing off the second piece of contact paper, place it sticky side down over the flowers, and attach it to the back of the frame so it overlaps the edge at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
• This will seal the window full of flowers shut.
• If you use large or bulky flowers, make the second shape slightly larger to ensure it will fit in step 4. (The top piece will need to fit over all of the flowers below it and still have enough material to cover the lower half.)

8. Remove air and trim around the flower suncatcher craft if needed:

• Gently smooth the flower suncatcher craft with your hands, starting from the center and working outward, to remove air bubbles and seal the edges as tightly as possible.
• Trim around the outside with scissors if needed. Leave a small border around the flowers so it stays sealed. (This is usually only needed when constructing flower suncatchers without a frame.)

9. Create a hanger for the suncatcher:

• Create a hole near the top if needed, or find a way to tie or string a hanger onto the suncatcher craft.
• One way to do this is to punch a hole in the paper plate frame near the top and thread ribbon, yarn, monofilament string (fishing line), hemp cord, or string through it for hanging.

10. Hang the flower Suncatcher in a sunny window:

• Hang the suncatcher in a window and enjoy watching the light shine through the petals when the sunlight dances across it.
• Flower suncatchers also make an easy homemade gift idea kids can make for Mother’s Day or Mom’s birthday.

Related: Flower Arranging Montessori Practical Life Activity

Alternatively, make flower suncatchers within small window frames, following these step-by-step instructions:

This flower suncatcher method turns a small window, such as the small windows on a front door or beside it, into a flower suncatcher. Instructions are similar to those for most suncatcher crafts: you will need flowers and clear sticky contact paper, self-laminating sheets, or packing tape.

However, you won’t need to choose or create a separate frame for this flower suncatcher craft method, as instructed above. Instead, simply cut the clear contact paper or tape to fit perfectly inside the window frame, decorate the sticky side with flowers, and then stick it carefully into the window frame with the sticky side down. The complete step-by-step instructions to create a flower petal stained glass door follow:

How to Make Flower Suncatchers Using Window Frames:

1. Gather flowers (or purchase dried and pressed flowers).
2. Dry and press flowers if needed.
3. Cut a piece of clear contact paper the same size as the window frame that you will be transforming into a flower suncatcher. Alternatively, you can connect several pieces or strips of clear packing tape to create a backing that holds the flowers in place on the window.
4. Place it sticky-side up on a table.
5. Tape the corners down to keep it from curling up, moving, or sticking to itself.
6. Arrange the pressed flowers and petals onto the sticky paper. Decorate the sticky side of the contact paper, or packing tape, with the flowers until you are happy with the design.
7. Ensure you leave a little space around the edges so the suncatcher window can seal well.
8. Press the sticky side of the contact paper or tape (with the flowers on it) directly into a small window frame, such as those found on a door. In other words, press the clear contact paper or tape into another small window so that the flowers are sandwiched between the window and the contact paper on display for all to see from the outside or the inside of your home, office, schoolroom, or workplace.

I hope you enjoy making flower suncatchers with the step-by-step instructions above. Alternatively, you can review the pressed flower suncatcher craft ideas in the next section to look over a few other types of suncatchers you can create with your favorite plants and freshly pressed pieces of flowers. Once you determine the suncatcher you’d like to create, collect the craft supplies you need to make your own unique suncatchers. Enjoy!

Flower Suncatcher Craft Ideas for Kids and Adults:

This collection of DIY suncatcher crafts, made with real flowers, offers a variety of projects for kids, teens, and adults. Beyond being fun to make, flower suncatchers encourage artists of all ages to slow down, connect more deeply with nature, and explore color, texture, and light with this hands-on flower craft activity. Create beautiful suncatcher crafts with the flowers you pick in the backyard, out in nature (where permitted), at a craft or hobby store, or from a florist, using the flower craft ideas below.

Making these easy crafts is a fun spring or summer activity, or a complement to a botany lesson on the parts of a flower. Gather a few flowers, leaves, and the craft supplies above. Then let the sunshine turn your floral creations into glowing works of art. Most of these suncatcher project activities are perfect for hanging on your window or wall and add beautiful DIY home decor to any space.

Flower crafts like these also make a fantastic gift for someone special, like Mom or Grandma, on Mother’s Day, for a shower, or for a birthday. They are also lovely seasonal decorations for homes, classrooms, and nature tables. Follow the directions above or the simple steps in the DIY flower craft tutorials below.

Each nature craft project includes step-by-step instructions that show you how to make flower suncatchers with freshly pressed flowers. Scroll down to see all the fun flower crafts you can try! It can also be fun to use items found in nature to create gorgeous nature mandalas.

10 Suncatcher Flower Nature Craft Ideas:

1. Nature Suncatcher Wind Chimes | Hands-On As We Grow
2. How to Make a Suncatcher with Paper Plates  | The Artful Parent
3. Flower Mandala Designs for Children | Nurturestore
4. Mandala Suncatchers | Twig and Toadstool
5. Suncatcher Flower Mandalas | A Little Pinch of Perfect
6. Flower Garland Suncatcher for Kids | The Artful Parent for Lasso the Moon
7. DIY Nature Suncatchers | Where Imagination Grows
8. Easy Flower Petal Suncatcher Craft | Craftulate
9. Suncatchers from Nature: A Craft for Toddlers | Hands-On As We Grow

Making flower sun catchers and other flower crafts is a fun and educational activity for Kids of all ages:

Flower crafts made with fresh, dried, or pressed flowers are fun and educational activities suitable for both kids and adults. Flower suncatchers are a simple craft that can transform everyday flowers and leaves into beautiful works of art. Flowers are a form of art in their own right, but making these crafts allows artists to create their own version of art.

The simple flower craft activities above are perfect for spring or summer kids’ crafts. Creating a beautiful nature collage suncatcher or other crafts with flowers is a creative way to utilize the flowers children pick on nature walks and in the backyard. It’s also fun to make them with the petals that fall from the flowers in the vase on your kitchen table.

Whether you hang them in a sunny window, give them as homemade gifts, or use them to decorate a classroom or other space, flower suncatchers add warmth and beauty wherever they shine. My daughter and I love collecting natural treasures on our daily nature walks and in our backyard for arts and crafts projects, such as the gorgeous flower crafts below. Crafting with flowers to make various nature crafts, such as suncatchers, has several other benefits for children and adults of all ages:

Benefits of Crafting with Flowers:

Making flower suncatchers is an easy fine motor craft and activity for toddlers and preschoolers that helps them strengthen and develop their fine motor muscles. Crafting with flowers, such as using real flowers to make nature suncatcher crafts, can also provide a rich sensory experience for toddlers and developing children. Using fresh flowers to make other simple flower crafts offers many of the same benefits.

Making suncatchers and other flower crafts with real flowers is also a fun way for elementary school-aged children to learn about the parts of a flower and identify different varieties of flowers as they create something beautiful. Pair this flower craft with a flower-themed activity or botany lesson at home or in the classroom to make learning about flowers an enjoyable experience. You might also enjoy this botany coloring book. It’s perfect for homeschoolers or anyone wanting to learn more about flowers.

This flower-arranging activity is another fun educational idea for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and elementary-aged kids that complements your botanical studies. Invite children of preschool age and up to give it a try! You may also enjoy growing sunflowers with kids and exploring this list of outdoor learning ideas and nature activities for kids.

Other Nature Suncatcher Craft Ideas:

Alternatively, as shown in the photo below, you can use natural items and other treasures, such as acorns and marbles, to create these beautiful yet simple nature suncatcher crafts and DIY necklaces. Alternatively, you can try the other nature suncatcher crafts listed below the image.

Other Nature Suncatcher Crafts:

• DIY Acorn Marble Ornaments
• Sea Glass and Driftwood Wind Chimes
• Acorn Marble Necklaces and window ornaments
• Sea Glass Suncatcher Crafts

Best Suncatcher Flower Crafts for Kids and Adults:

Making suncatchers with real flowers is a fun craft and an easy motor activity for kids of all ages. Even teens and adults will enjoy making these simple flower crafts. Using real flowers provides a rich sensory experience for both children and adults. Try the fantastic flower suncatcher ideas above, or find inspiration to create a design from your imagination.

You might also enjoy this list of arts and crafts made with natural materials. It is a fantastic resource that kids and adults can use to create beautiful nature art with materials found in nature. For more spring and summer activities, click the links! Or, try the excellent ideas on this list of outdoor learning ideas and nature activities for kids. Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE!

More Flower Craft Ideas & Art Projects:

• Best Flower Art Projects for Kids
• How to Make a Flower Crown
• Fingerprint Flower Necklaces
• Easy Felt Flower Craft
• Felt Flower Lei Necklace DIY
• Fingerprint Flower Magnets
• Flower Arranging with Kids
• Nature-Inspired Sensory Bottles
• Nature Flower Craft Ideas
• Sunflower Crown or Tiara

Spring and Summer Activity Ideas:

• May Day Celebration Ideas
• Best Spring Activities with a Printable Bucket List
• Spring Equinox Celebration Ideas
• Best Summer Activities With Printable Bucket List
• Summer Solstice Celebration Ideas and Traditions
• Rainbow Arts, Crafts, and Painting Ideas
• Outdoor Activities for Kids