Suncatcher Wands

For a fun outdoor activity on a summer day, make some Suncatcher Wands! Not only will kids love creating these wands, but they will have a blast playing with them outside in the sun!

Related: Shadow Art

These suncatcher wands are a fun and unique spin on the typical suncatcher craft. Kids will love to take these outside to see the beautiful and colorful shadows they create!

Supplies Needed

Here’s what you will need:

• Cake boards or cardboard
• Free printable templates – you can get them at the bottom of the post
• Colored cellophane 
• Carbon transfer paper (optional)
• Scissors
• Box cutting knife (adults only)
• Wooden dowel rods, 12 inch
• Glue stick
• Hot glue gun
• Tape
• Pencil
• *Optional supplies: sequins, curling ribbon, markers – for decorating

NOTE: A sharp box cutting knife is required, so adult assistance is required for this step.

How to Make Suncatcher Wands

1. Begin by taping your carbon transfer sheet to the cake board and add your printable on top.

Make sure the carbon transfer sheet is shiny side DOWN, and your printable stencil is facing up. 

NOTE: If you do not want to use the transfer paper, simply cut out the template and trace around it.

2. Trace over the stencil using a pencil or stylus.

You will need to trace the outside and inside of the line.

You will need to trace the printable stencil twice so that you can have two cutouts for each suncatcher. 

3. Use the scissors and box cutter knife to cut out the shape.

See which tool works best for the job.

We found that the scissors worked better for cutting the outside of the shape, and the box cutter (adults only) knife worked better for cutting out the inside “windows” of the shape. Take your time and work carefully. Using a sawing motion (up and down) worked best for us. This is definitely a task for an adult to handle! 

You can also use the box cutter to poke a hole in the center to get your scissors in and then use the scissors to cut out the inside part of the shape.

4. Once the two shapes are cut out, it’s time to apply the colored cellophane.

Cut the cellophane to size and shape by using your cutout as a guide. 

5. Use a glue stick to glue the cellophane in place.

Make sure to glue it on the backside of the cake board/cardboard.

6. Attach the wooden dowel rod by using a generous amount of hot glue (adults only). 

7. Use the glue stick to attach the optional curling ribbon on the backside of the cake board. 

8. Apply hot glue all the way around the cutout and place the other cutout shape on top to close everything in.

9. Decorate with optional sequins and markers.

Now it’s time to enjoy your new suncatcher!

10. Take the suncatcher wands outside on a sunny day.

See the different colorful shadows you can make with your new wands!

These suncatcher wands are a fun outdoor activity for a bright and sunny day!

Get the Free Templates Here

Kids will love to run around with their wands and watch the beautiful and colorful shadows that the suncatchers create.

For another shadow activity, try making these DIY Butterfly Wings.