Easy Valentine’s Day Craft: DIY Heart Sun Catchers for Kids
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to get creative with your little ones! Whether you’re looking for Valentine’s Day craft ideas to do at home, a craft for Valentine’s Day parties, or a fun classroom valentine’s day arts and crafts for kids activity, these DIY Valentine’s Day sun catchers are a great choice.
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Not only are they easy, budget-friendly, and mess-free, but they also make beautiful decorations for your windows, letting colorful light shine through like stained glass. Plus, if you’re looking for Valentine’s Day craft ideas, this project is fully customizable—kids can add their own unique touch with different colors, patterns, and embellishments!
If you need more inspiration for Valentine’s Day crafts for kids, keep reading for step-by-step instructions, fun variations, and even more Valentine’s Day arts and crafts ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Valentine’s Day Craft
– Easy for all ages – Even toddlers can participate with a little prep!
– No-mess and low-cost – Uses simple supplies you likely already have.
– Perfect for Valentine’s Day decorations – Adds a festive touch to your home or classroom.
– Encourages creativity and fine motor skills – Kids can experiment with colors and textures.
– Great for gifting! – These make sweet presents for family and friends.
Supplies You’ll Need
Gather these simple materials to make your Valentine’s Day sun catcher:
- Valentine’s-colored tissue paper (reds, pinks, purples, whites)
- Contact paper or no-heat laminating sheets
- Paint or markers (for decorating the heart frame)
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue stick (for sealing edges)
- Glitter, sequins, or stickers (optional for extra sparkle)
- Tape or glue dots (for hanging the sun catcher)
How to Make a Valentine’s Day Sun Catcher
This Valentine’s Day craft for kids is as simple as cut, stick, and decorate!
Step 1: Create the Heart Outline
Draw or print a heart outline onto cardstock or thick paper. The heart should be large enough to serve as a frame for the sun catcher. If you want, let your child paint or color the outline to add a personal touch.
Tip: If you want a more intricate design, you can cut out multiple heart shapes or even create layered effects.
Step 2: Cut the Tissue Paper
While the heart outline is drying, cut tissue paper into small squares or irregular shapes. These will create the mosaic effect for the sun catcher.
For younger kids, pre-cut the pieces to make the process easier. Older kids may enjoy using scissors themselves to practice fine motor skills.
Tip: Encourage your child to mix colors for a stained-glass effect!
Step 3: Prepare the Contact Paper
Cut a sheet of contact paper slightly larger than your heart outline. Peel off the backing and lay it sticky side up on a flat surface.
Tip: Tape down the edges of the contact paper to prevent it from moving while your child works.
Step 4: Design the Sun Catcher
Place the heart outline onto the sticky contact paper and begin filling the center with tissue paper pieces.
- Kids can create random patterns, a gradient effect, or even a heart-in-heart design with contrasting colors.
- Add glitter, sequins, or stickers for extra sparkle.
- For a fun challenge, use tissue paper to spell out a word like “LOVE” or “XOXO.”
Tip: This is a great time to talk about color mixing and symmetry with your child!
Step 5: Seal the Sun Catcher
Once the heart is filled in, carefully place a second sheet of contact paper over the top. Smooth out any bubbles to ensure everything is sealed properly.
If any tissue paper pieces stick out, use a glue stick to secure them before sealing.
Step 6: Trim and Hang
Cut around the outer edge of the heart, leaving a small border to keep the seal intact.
Use tape or glue dots to hang your Valentine’s Day craft on a window or glass door. When the sunlight hits, the colors will glow beautifully!
Tip: Punch a hole at the top of the heart and thread a ribbon through it to hang as a mobile!
Variations for This Valentine’s Day Craft
Want to switch things up? Here are some creative Valentine’s Day craft ideas to make this even more fun!
1. Stained Glass Effect
Instead of tissue paper, try using colored cellophane sheets for a brighter, more vibrant effect.
2. Handprint Keepsake
Have your child trace their handprint onto the contact paper before adding tissue paper. This creates a cute, personalized keepsake for Valentine’s Day!
3. Glitter Explosion
If your child loves sparkle, mix glitter into glue and paint the heart outline with it. Once dry, assemble the sun catcher as usual.
4. Window Clings
For a different twist, use gel window clings instead of tissue paper to create reusable sun catchers!
More Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! If you’re looking for more Valentine’s Day arts and crafts, check out these fun projects:
- Katie’s DIY Valentine’s Kisses –> https://galladventures.com/diyvalentinekisses/
- Haley’s Easy DIY Heart Wands –> https://haleymartinoxo.com/2025/01/26/easy-diy-heart-wands-craft/
- Caitlyn’s Toddler Valentine’s Day Craft –> https://meetthemungers.com/toddler-valentines-day-craft/
- Ciara’s Floral Valentine’s Keepsake –> https://ciaradeanne.com/floral-valentines-keepsake/
Final Thoughts
This Valentine’s Day craft is a perfect activity to bring fun, creativity, and love into your home or classroom. Whether you’re making them for decoration, a keepsake, or a special Valentine’s Day gift, these sun catchers will brighten up the holiday!
Will you be trying this arts and craft for Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to share your creations on Instagram and tag me @lexienoelleundem!
Happy crafting!!
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