Are you searching for a fun and easy Valentine craft to do with your kids? Valentine Suncatchers are the perfect heart-themed activity to brighten up your home. This heart suncatcher craft is not only beautiful, but also simple to make with supplies you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re preparing for a Valentine’s Day party or just enjoying a cozy afternoon with your little ones, these suncatcher crafts are sure to make you smile!
Looking for something different? Our Rainbow Heart Suncatchers, originally published over 10 years ago, use glue instead of contact paper!
Why You’ll Love This Heart Suncatcher Craft
Valentine Suncatchers are an easy craft for kids that encourage creativity and self-expression. With tissue paper pieces, clear contact paper, and a paper heart outline, kids can create colorful designs to display in a window. This hands-on activity is not only fun but also helps develop fine motor skills through cutting and layering. Additionally, it promotes focus, patience, and a sense of accomplishment, making it an excellent choice for both home and classroom crafts.
Planning ahead? You may want to save our Easter Suncatchers for spring!
Craft Supplies Needed for Valentine’s Day Suncatchers
Before starting this craft, make sure you have all the right supplies.
- Valentine Suncatchers Template (free with email subscription)
- Tissue paper squares, circles, or hearts
- Black cardstock
- White cardstock
- Scissors
- Contact paper or self-seal laminating sheets
- Double-sided tape
Do you have a Cricut or Silhouette machine? We are now offering SVG files for our suncatchers in our Teachers Pay Teachers shop. Click here to view and purchase our Valentine Suncatchers SVG.
Watch the Video Tutorial
Check out the video below to see how we created our suncatchers with tissue paper hearts.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Valentine Suncatchers DIY
Valentine Suncatchers are a fun way to decorate windows in February. Follow the steps below to create these charming decorations.
STEP 1: Download and print the valentine suncatchers printable. Access the heart outlines 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 Valentine Suncatchers Free Printable to find your download link.
Print the free suncatcher templates on white cardstock. Our template includes four heart shapes.
STEP 2: Cut out the valentine suncatchers printable. Carefully cut along the outlines of the valentine suncatcher template using scissors. Since the designs are intricate, younger children may need some help with this step. To create a completely black suncatcher frame, here are a few options:
- Cut out the template first, then trace it onto black cardstock with a white colored pencil before cutting.
- Place a sheet of black cardstock behind the template, staple them together, and cut out both layers at the same time.
- If you have a cutting machine, you can purchase the SVG file from our Teachers Pay Teachers shop for easier cutting.
STEP 3: Place the heart suncatcher template on the contact paper. Position the outlines on the sticky side of the self-seal laminating sheet. If you’re using shapes cut from white cardstock, ensure the side with the black ink is facing down.
STEP 4: Add the tissue paper. Fill the suncatcher frames with tissue paper hearts, squares, or circles, trimming pieces as needed to fit smaller details, such as the tiny circles on our lace heart. Continue layering the tissue paper carefully until the frames are fully covered, creating a colorful stained glass effect.
STEP 5: Seal the design with a second sheet. Once the tissue paper is in place, cover the design with a second adhesive sheet to seal it. Then, use scissors to carefully trim around the edges of the suncatcher frames.
STEP 6: Display your window decorations. These contact paper suncatchers are a lovely addition to any window, adding a splash of vibrant color to brighten up the room!
Valentine Suncatchers Craft Tips
Use these helpful tips to make the craft process even easier for toddlers and preschools! From organizing your materials to prepping templates in advance, these simple steps will ensure a smooth and enjoyable crafting experience, making your Valentine Suncatcher project stress-free and fun for everyone.
- Buy precut tissue paper pieces from our supply list.
- Cut out the heart shapes beforehand.
- Provide each child with a paper plate for their tissue paper pieces.
- Secure the contact paper to the table with tape to prevent it from lifting.
- Emphasize the crafting process rather than the final result.
- Use double-sided tape or putty to hang the suncatchers.
Take it Further
Valentine suncatchers are such a beautiful Valentine’s Day craft. They’re simple to create, use basic materials, and leave kids feeling proud of their handmade decorations.
Want to take it a step further? Try these fun extension ideas:
- Pair this Valentine’s Day Heart Suncatcher with a book about Valentine’s Day.
- Create a bunch of suncatchers and gift them to the office of your school!
- Decorate classroom windows with a collection of suncatchers made by students.
- Use cellophane, construction paper, or crepe paper instead of tissue paper.
- Use these suncatchers as one of the activities for your classroom’s Valentine’s Day or friendship party.
- Enjoy this craft on a wintery afternoon.
- Use this craft to learn about colors.
- Weave this craft into your February lesson plans.
- Invite kids to draw their own heart design, rather than using our template.
More Valentine Crafts for Kids
Looking for more ideas? You may also enjoy:
- Heart Tree Craft
- Plant Craft for Valentine’s Day
- Valentine Hedgehog Card for Kids
- How to Make Heart Bookmarks
- Woven Heart Craft
- Sports-Themed Valentine Hedgehog Card
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