DLTK's Crafts for Kids
DIY Pressed Flower Crafts for Kids: Suncatcher Tutorial
Are you looking for a fun and creative project to do with your kids? Our DIY pressed flower crafts for kids suncatcher tutorial is perfect for bringing out the little artist in everyone! With easy-to-follow steps and materials you likely already have at home, your kids will love creating their own unique suncatchers to brighten up any space.
Materials:
- Pressed flowers and leaves
- Clear contact paper
- Natural twine
- Scissors
- A ruler or tape measure
- A pencil or pen
- A hole punch
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Pressed Flowers and Leaves
Before we dive into the fun part, we need to ensure that our pressed flowers and leaves are ready to go. If you've never pressed flowers before, it's a simple process. Just lay your flowers and leaves flat between sheets of tissue paper or parchment paper, and then place them between the pages of a heavy book. Leave them to press for at least a week.
Once your flowers and leaves are pressed and dry, carefully remove them from the book. Lay them out on your work surface, and admire the gorgeous colors and shapes. You're one step closer to creating your masterpiece!
- Measure and Cut the Contact Paper
For a standard-sized suncatcher, you might want to cut your contact paper to about 8x10 inches, but feel free to get creative with the size and shape! You can use things like small plates or containers to trace different shapes onto your contact paper.
Once you've measured and marked your contact paper, use your scissors to carefully cut out both pieces. - Create Your Flower Arrangement
With your contact paper ready, it's time to create the beautiful arrangement of flowers and leaves that will be the focal point of your suncatcher. Start by peeling the backing off one piece of contact paper, revealing the sticky side. Lay it sticky side up on your work surface.
Now comes the fun part – arranging your pressed flowers and leaves! Take your time and play around with different combinations and patterns until you find an arrangement that you love. You can create a symmetrical design, or let your creativity run wild with a more abstract layout. Just remember to leave a border around the edge for sealing the suncatcher later.
Once you're satisfied with your arrangement, gently press the flowers and leaves onto the sticky side of the contact paper. Make sure they're firmly in place, but be gentle – you don't want to damage your delicate pressed flowers! - Seal Your Suncatcher
When you're happy with your pressed flower arrangement, it's time to seal your suncatcher. Take your second piece of contact paper and carefully peel off the backing. Then, gently lay it on top of the first piece, sticky side down. Be sure to line up the edges as close as you can, so your suncatcher has a clean and even border.
Once the two pieces of contact paper are stuck together, use your fingers to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Start in the center of the suncatcher and work your way out to the edges. This will ensure a tight seal and a nice looking finish. - Trim the Edges
Now that your suncatcher is sealed, you may notice some excess contact paper around the edges. Using your scissors, carefully trim away any excess, leaving a small border (about a quarter of an inch) around the entire suncatcher. This will help to keep the seal secure and give your suncatcher a polished look. - Punch a Hole and Add Twine
To hang your pressed flower suncatcher, you'll need to create a small hole near the top. Using a hole punch, create a hole about half an inch from the top edge of your suncatcher, making sure it's centered.
Next, cut a length of natural twine to your desired hanging length – I usually go with about 12 inches. Thread the twine through the hole you've punched and tie a secure knot or bow. This will add a charming, rustic touch to your suncatcher.
Now that your pressed flower suncatcher is complete, it's time to find the perfect spot to hang it! Look for a sunny window where the light can shine through and illuminate your beautiful creation. When the sunlight hits your suncatcher, the colors of the pressed flowers and leaves will come to life, casting a warm and inviting glow in your space.
That's it! You've created a stunning pressed flower suncatcher that's sure to bring a touch of nature and beauty to your home. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, and don't forget to share your masterpiece with friends and family.
Happy crafting!
Leanne
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