Animal Sun Catchers Kids Craft

A fun paper craft can be just the thing to keep kids busy at home. I love making tissue paper sun catchers because they add a little color to our windows. Kids can design these fun animal sun catchers using any color of card stock and tissue paper!

Sun Catcher Materials

• colored card stock
• colored tissue paper
• scissors
• craft glue
• printable template (below)

To make animal sun catchers, first print off one of these animals using our printable templates. Moms may need to cut out the animal shapes ahead of time for younger kids. Older kids can practice their scissor skills by cutting out these animals themselves.

Animal Sun Catcher Templates

Click on each template to open the full sized file. Once opened in a new window, right click and “save as”.

Print off each animal onto a sheet of colored card stock. Next, use scissors to carefully cut out the animal shapes. Poke holes or make a small slit in each inner cut-out section, to make the shapes easier to cut out. Because I have younger kids, I pre-cut all of these animal templates beforehand and my kids glued on the tissue paper.

Cut out the lion shape and then use your scissors to make a slit in each shape of the lion’s mane. Carefully cut out the inner sections. If you accidentally rip an edge, you can always glue it back down. The tissue paper will also help reinforce the edges.

When your animal shape is completely cut out, set it aside. Cut up small squares of colored tissue paper to create the colorful sun catcher effect. Use 6 to 8 or more colors of tissue paper to create a vibrant design.

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Next, lay the animal shape on a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent glue from stinking to your work surface. Use craft glue to attach small pieces of tissue paper over each cut-out hole on the animal sun catcher. Alternate colors and don’t glue same colored pieces of tissue paper too close to each other.

If you work on a piece of parchment paper while gluing on the tissue paper, the glue won’t stick to your work surface and tear the design. Once all the tissue paper is glued onto the animal and each cut-out hole is covered, allow the animal sun catcher to fully dry.

Turn the sun catcher over to reveal the colorful stained-glass inspired design! You can trim any extra tissue paper edges off with scissors.

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Colorful Window Decor

These tissue paper sun catchers are a fun and easy paper craft for kids. Easily make these animal sun catchers using some simple craft supplies. Also try this other butterfly design! You can make seasonal tissue paper sun catchers for any occasion and holiday! Kids crafts are a great way to encourage kids to create, practice basic skills, and learn about color and design!

Happy creating!

Katie Wallace

Hi, I’m Katie! I live with my husband and 4 kids in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. I love Jesus, coffee, creative projects, photography, and traveling. I’ve previously worked as a web designer, journalist, and barista. I hope you enjoy our creative projects and family adventures!