Are you looking for an easy and fun spring craft to brighten up your windows? Our Rainbow Suncatcher craft is perfect for little ones! With just a few simple materials like tissue paper squares, black cardstock, and our free printable rainbow template, kids can create a beautiful rainbow that captures the sunlight and fills your home with colorful reflections.
Planning ahead? You may enjoy our Easter Suncatchers!
Rainbow Suncatcher Craft
Rainbow suncatchers aren’t just a fun way to decorate for St. Patrick’s Day or spring—they’re also great for helping kids build essential fine motor skills. Cutting and arranging tissue paper helps strengthen small hands while allowing creativity to shine.
We used traditional colors for our suncatchers, but I think it would be so pretty to make one with tertiary colors such as vermilion, amber, chartreuse, teal, indigo, and magenta. (Adding that to my to-do list!)
Decorating for St. Paddy’s Day? You may also like our Shamrock Suncatcher.
Craft Supplies Needed
Before you start this rainbow craft, make sure you have all the right supplies.
- Rainbow Suncatcher Template (free with email subscription)
- Tissue paper squares
- Black cardstock
- White cardstock
- Scissors
- Contact paper or self-seal laminating sheets
- Double-sided tape
Watch the Video Tutorial
Check out the video below to see how we created our rainbow window suncatcher.
Directions for DIY Rainbow Suncatcher
Follow the instructions below to create a colorful tissue paper rainbow suncatcher for St. Patrick’s Day!
STEP 1: Download and print the rainbow template. Access the printable rainbow template 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 Rainbow Suncatcher Free Printable to find your download link.
Print the free rainbow template on white cardstock. Our template includes one large rainbow, but you could make it smaller by adjusting the scale in your printer menu.
STEP 2: Cut out the rainbow frame. Carefully follow the outlines of the rainbow suncatcher template with scissors. Because the shapes are curved, younger children may need a bit of help. To create a solid black frame for the suncatcher, try one of these methods:
- If you have a cutting machine, purchase the SVG file from our Teachers Pay Teachers shop for a simple cut.
- First, cut out the template, trace it onto black cardstock with a white pencil, and then cut it out.
- Place black cardstock behind the template, staple them together, and cut through both layers at the same time.
STEP 3: Position the rainbow outline. Lay the rainbow template onto the sticky side of the contact paper or self-seal laminating sheet. If you’re using shapes cut from white cardstock, ensure the side with the black ink is facing downward.
STEP 4: Attach the tissue paper. Fill the rainbow frame with tissue paper pieces, trimming them as needed to fit smaller details like the arcs. Keep layering the tissue paper until the entire frame is covered, creating a colorful stained-glass effect.
STEP 5: Secure the design. Once the tissue paper is in place, cover it with a second adhesive sheet to seal everything together. Then, carefully trim around the edges of the suncatcher frame with scissors.
STEP 6: Display your window decorations. These contact paper suncatchers add a happy splash of color to any window—especially against the muted tones of early spring—brightening up the whole room! Use double-sided tape or sticky tack to hang them.
Take it Further
The bright colors and simple steps make this craft ideal for all ages! Want to add to the fun? Try these simple extension ideas:
- Pair this activity with a lesson on rainbows, weather, or colors.
- Use this craft as a party activity—rainbow suncatchers make great keepsakes for kids to take home.
- For younger children, pre-cut the tissue paper and rainbow frames to make the craft easier to complete.
- Use cellophane, acetate sheets, construction paper, or crepe paper instead of tissue paper.
- Pair this craft with a book about St. Patrick’s Day.
- Use this craft as a make-and-take at your community nature or library program.
- Decorate classroom or school office windows with a collection of suncatchers made by students.
- Use our rainbow template as a coloring page.
More Rainbow Crafts for Kids
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