Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to bring some seasonal cheer into your home than with these adorable Thanksgiving Suncatchers. This simple, mess-free craft is perfect for kids of all ages. Using our free printable templates and colorful tissue paper squares, kids can make a turkey, corn, pumpkin pie, and acorn suncatcher! These festive suncatchers are easy to create and bring a warm, cozy glow to any window.
RELATED: Halloween Suncatchers
Pumpkin Pie, Acorn, Corn, and Turkey Suncatchers
Our Thanksgiving suncatchers are a fantastic way to celebrate the season and engage kids in an easy, creative activity that they’ll love. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just looking for a fun way to spend an autumn afternoon, these suncatchers bring a bit of warmth and whimsy into your home.
RELATED: Easter Suncatchers
Craft Materials Needed for DIY Thanksgiving Suncatchers
Before you start this craft, make sure you have all the right arts and craft supplies.
- Thanksgiving Suncatchers Template (free with email subscription)
- Tissue paper squares
- Contact paper or self-seal laminating sheets
- White cardstock
- Black cardstock
- Double-sided tape
- Scissors
- Pencil
Watch the Video Tutorial
Watch the video below to be walked through every step of this craft.
Directions for Thanksgiving Suncatchers
Creating suncatchers for your November window is the perfect way to build excitement for the holiday season. Follow the directions below to learn how to make them.
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 “Thanksgiving Suncatchers” to find your download link.
Print the free suncatcher templates on white paper or cardstock. Each child will need one copy. Our template includes a turkey, corn, pumpkin pie, and an acorn suncatcher.
STEP 2: Cut out the festive shapes. Use scissors to cut out the outlines. Little hands may need some extra help with this part—our Thanksgiving suncatchers are especially intricate.
We wanted a completely black suncatcher frame (front and back). 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. This step is completely optional!
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. You may have to cut some tissue paper square smaller to cover tiny details, such as the beak and feet in our turkey suncatcher. Continue covering the shapes with care until they are full.
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: Your craft is finished! The finished suncatchers make wonderful decorations to proudly display in windows, brightening up any room with their cheerful autumn colors! We recommend hanging them up with double-sided tape or sticky tack because it peels easily off the glass.
Take it Further
Looking for extension ideas? Try some of these cute ideas:
- Can you make suncatchers with construction paper instead of tissue paper? Cut out some paper squares to experiment!
- Put googly eyes on your turkey suncatcher.
- Glue or tape your suncatcher to a blank card and mail it to a friend or family member.
- Study the actual colors of a turkey’s feathers and decorate your turkey suncatcher in shades of brown, black, and white.
- Pair this craft with a book about Thanksgiving.
- Turn your corn suncatcher into Flint corn instead of regular yellow corn.
- Talk about gratitude as you make these suncatchers.
More Thanksgiving Activities for Kids
Looking for more ideas for this time of year? You may also enjoy:
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