How to make a suncatcher

Brighten up your windows with this suncatcher made using pretty petals, flowers and leaves.

The finished sun-catcher with green, pink and yellow flowers and leaves

It doesn’t take long to make, so try making a few in different sizes at the same time and hang them around your home. 

This guide is part of our Sense Arts, Sport & Wellbeing programme. This activity can be done at a time that suits you, either in your own space or in an educational setting.

Who is this for?

This is a crafting activity for people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities.

Why does this make a difference?

This is a creative and sensory activity that helps people learn by engaging with nature and using their senses to connect with their surroundings, exploring touch and different textures while supporting independent choice. 

How to do this activity

What you’ll need

  • Sticky back plastic or clear document pocket sleeves
  • Twigs
  • Hole punch
  • String
  • Scissors
  • PVA glue
  • Tape
  • Leaves and flowers
Leaves, sticky-back plastic, string, a stick, scissors on a wood table

Step 1

Cut a piece of sticky back plastic double the size that you want your suncatcher to be. Peel the backing off halfway.
Two hands placing flower petals onto the sticky back plastic

Step 2

Lay the flowers and leaves on in any pattern you want. Remember you can cut them up to make different shapes afterwards, so you can experiment with how you lay them out.
Hands folding the translucent plastic over the petals and flowers

Step 3

Carefully peel the rest of the backing off and lay it over the pattern.
The finished sun-catcher with green, pink and yellow flowers and leaves

Step 4

Punch holes in the corners and tie to the sticks, and tie another loop to the middle of the stick and hang in the window!

Top tips

  • If you’re using a clear plastic document wallet instead, cut it open and glue the flowers down, then carefully re-close and leave the glue to dry. Tape the edges together afterwards.