Suncatcher hearts for Valentine’s Day

Even this week’s creative idea is dedicated to getting ready for Valentine’s Day.  We have created suncatchers using craft foam (or card stock), tissue paper and contact paper.  These homemade suncatchers are just right to hang in your window during the holidays –filling your little artist’s room with color during these gray winter days 🙂

You can find a detailed explanation of the project here below. In addition, we have put together a “how to” video that we would like to share with you.  Take a couple of minutes to watch it and making these hearts will be as easy as making pie!

FunLab Mom Hints: The vibrant colors that characterize Valentine’s Day are a great contrast to the gray winter days ahead. These suncatcher hearts are just what you need to brighten up the house in time for 14th of February! We have used craft foam to make the frame for the suncatcher but it you don’t have it at home don’t worry because you can always use card stock as a replacement. Remember that foam glue can make a mess, so protect your work space before you start.

You will need:

Step 1: Make a template for your frame. Fold one A4 piece of white paper in half. Trace half of a heart shape to fill the entire space and then draw a smaller heart inside it. Cut out the template.

Step 2: Trace onto the craft foam. Cut out along the line. The inner heart can be used to make a smaller frame. Repeat with a second piece of craft foam.

Step 3: Use the cut out heart (see image) as a template on the contact paper to cut out the window of the sun-catcher. Add a little bit on the edge (see dotted line) so that there is enough overlap to glue into the frame. Cut out two.

Step 4: Peel back half of the paper backing from one of the contact paper hearts. Cover with the pink and red tissue paper squares. Once the first half is completely covered, peel back the second half and cover with tissue paper. Remove the backing from the second contact paper heart and layer over the first heart.

Step 5: Assemble the sun catcher Place one of the heart frames on a flat surface. Trace with the foam glue along the smaller heart. Place the window insert on top of the glue. Put some glue at the top of the heart and place the ribbon folded in half as shown in the picture below. This will serve as your hanger. Trace along the outside of the heart shape with the foam glue. Place the remaining heart frame on top. Gently press down to make sure that the frame will hold the insert. LET DRY!

Step 6: Use the heart that you cut out to make your frame to make another sun-catcher repeating all of the steps above.

Step 7: Attach the suction cup with hook to a sunny window. Hang your heart shaped sun catcher and enjoy!