Christmas Suncatchers

Christmas is a magical time of year filled with joy, traditions, and heartwarming craft projects. If you’re looking for a delightful activity that invites holiday spirit into your home, our Christmas Suncatchers are the perfect choice! These stained glass-inspired decorations brighten windows with colorful reflections, adding warmth to cold winter days. In this post, we’ll share how to create stunning Christmas suncatchers with designs like Christmas trees, bells, candy canes, and more. Whether you’re crafting with kids, senior citizens, or on your own, this project is guaranteed to bring festive cheer—just look at these colors!

RELATED: Heart Suncatchers

Why Make Christmas Suncatchers?

Christmas suncatchers are versatile and engaging for crafters of all ages. They’re perfect for school classrooms, holiday parties, or a quiet afternoon at home. Here are a few reasons why this craft is a holiday favorite:

• Easy to Make: With simple materials and clear instructions, Christmas suncatchers are accessible to everyone, including young children and beginners.
• Budget-Friendly: The supplies are affordable and easy to find.
• Great for Gifts: Handmade stained glass Christmas suncatchers make thoughtful presents for friends and family. You could even put the craft supplies together in a bag to create an ornament kit!

Craft Supplies Needed for Christmas Suncatchers Craft

Before you start this craft, make sure you have all the right supplies.

• Christmas Suncatchers Template (free with email subscription)
• Tissue paper squares or tissue paper circles
• Contact paper or self-seal laminating sheets
• White cardstock
• Black cardstock
• Double-sided tape
• Scissors
• Pencil

Step-by-Step Guide: Christmas Suncatchers DIY

Brighten your home this December with handmade Christmas suncatchers. Follow the directions below to bring these festive decorations to life.

STEP 1: Download and print the templates. Access the templates by clicking the link in the materials list and subscribing to our free craft newsletter. After subscribing, navigate to the post in our Substack titled “Christmas Suncatchers” to find your download link.

Print the free suncatcher templates on white paper or cardstock. Our template includes a Christmas tree, bell, stocking, and candy cane.

STEP 2: Cut out the holiday shapes. Use scissors to cut out the outlines. Little hands may need some extra help with this part—our candy cane suncatcher is especially intricate.

We wanted a completely black suncatcher frame. To achieve this, we placed a sheet of black cardstock behind our template, stapled it to hold it in place, then cut out both the black and white cardstock at the same time. You could also cut out the templates and trace them onto black cardstock with a pencil.

STEP 3: Place the outlines on the surface of the contact paper. Place your shapes onto the sticky side of a sheet of contact paper or self-seal laminating sheet. If you are using shapes that you cut out from white cardstock, be sure to place them so the black ink is facing down.

STEP 4: Arrange the tissue paper. Cover the inside of the suncatcher frames with tissue paper squares or circles. You may have to cut some tissue paper squares smaller to cover tiny details, such as the stripes inside the candy cane. Continue covering the shapes with care until they are full.

I chose to use tissue paper circles because they reminded me of Christmas lights bokeh!

STEP 5: Add a second adhesive sheet. Once the tissue paper is in place, add another layer of adhesive sheet on top to seal the design. Use scissors to cut around the suncatcher frames.

STEP 6: Enjoy your new window decorations! These beautiful suncatchers make lovely decorations that can be proudly displayed in windows, filling any room with their vibrant colors.

Tips for Success

Suncatchers are more than just decorations. They evoke nostalgia, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment. Here are some great tips:

• Hang with ease. For easy removal, I suggest using double-sided tape or sticky tack to hang them on the glass.
• Experiment with colors. Mix and match hues to create unique combinations that mimic vintage Christmas suncatchers. Make a green stocking—or a pink tree! Encourage your child to play with colors.
• Involve everyone! This craft is ideal for group settings such as classroom parties.
• Explore themes. Expand your window designs to include Christmas light suncatchers, poinsettias, angels, or snowflakes.
• Make it tradition. Make time with your family every holiday season to craft around the kitchen table!

Take it Further

Looking for extension ideas? Try some of these cute ideas:

• Pair this craft with a book about Christmas.
• Use crepe paper or construction paper instead of tissue paper.
• Talk about favorite holiday traditions as you make this craft.
• Make a large quantity of suncatchers and share them with nursing home residents!
• Punch a hole in your favorite stained glass Christmas suncatcher and loop string through it to turn it into a Christmas ornament.

More Printable Christmas Crafts for Kids

Looking for more ideas for this time of year? You may also enjoy:

• Paper Star Ornaments
• Christmas Hedgehog Craft
• Christmas Tree Craft
• Gingerbread Man Template
• Plastic Plate Snow Globe Craft

Save this Craft

Save this craft on Pinterest using the image below!