Tissue Paper Butterfly Sun Catchers

Childhood is filled with opportunities to learn and create, and these butterfly sun catchers are a perfect example. They’re simple to make, fun to design with bright tissue paper, and a great way for kids to practice cutting and gluing. As they choose their own color combinations, kids also get to explore their creativity and critical thinking. No two butterflies will look the same!

Tissue Paper Butterfly Sun Catchers

Easily make your own customized tissue paper butterfly sun catchers by following these simple instructions.

1. Print off our simple butterfly outline template (open the link below, right click and “save as”).
2. Lay the template on top of a piece of cardstock and clip the layers together so they don’t shift when you cut.
3. Cut out the butterfly shape, and poke holes in the inner cutout areas using something pointy such as a meat thermometer.
4. Use small crafting scissors to cut out the inner butterfly details. You can be as intricate as you’d like!

Download this Butterfly Sun Catcher Printable Template »

Once you’ve cut out the butterfly sun catcher outline, next comes the fun part! Glue small pieces of colored tissue paper to the back of the butterfly outline using craft glue. When you’ve covered all the cutouts, let the butterfly fully dry before you flip it over to reveal the beautiful butterfly sun catcher design!

Tip: We used a piece of parchment paper as a workspace to glue the tissue paper onto the butterfly outline. Once dried, the glue peels right off the parchment paper without tearing the detailed butterfly design.

These butterflies are so easy to create and so pretty once you put them up in a window!

Butterfly Sun Catchers – Printable Templates

Right click on these template files and select “save image as”.

1. Print off a butterfly outline template, choose from two below.
2. Lay the template on top of a piece of cardstock and secure the layers together so they don’t shift when you cut.
3. Cut out the butterfly shape using small craft scissors, or safety scissors for kids.
4. Carefully cut out the inner butterfly details. The more intricate the better!

Butterfly Template #1

Butterfly Template #2

Vibrant DIY Butterfly Sun Catchers

As illustrated, making homemade stained glass butterfly sun catchers is simple and fun. All you need are scissors, card stock, glue, and a variety of colored tissue paper. Print off a butterfly template to create the pattern, then let kids use safety scissors to cut out the butterfly shapes on black or colored card stock.

The finished sun catchers brighten up any window with their vibrant colors, especially in the fall when sunlight streams through. Kids will be proud to see their handmade butterflies on display, and you’ll love the cheerful, creative touch they add to your home.

Find more creative activities for kids on our Kids Activities page!

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!