Looking for an inexpensive, colourful craft that keeps little hands busy while encouraging creativity? These DIY suncatcher kites have become one of our favourite daycare projects! They’re simple enough for preschoolers to help create, use affordable supplies you probably already have on hand, and look absolutely beautiful hanging in a sunny window.
At Little Duck Family Child Care, we’re always looking for crafts that combine creativity, fine motor practice, and a little bit of imagination. These homemade suncatcher kites check every box, and the finished results make children so proud of their artwork.
Whether you’re a daycare provider, preschool teacher, parent, or grandparent, this is a fun activity everyone can enjoy.
Why Kids Love This Craft
There are so many reasons this project is a hit:
- Bright, vibrant colours shine beautifully in the sunlight.
- Great for practicing cutting, tearing, and placing materials.
- Encourages creativity with endless colour combinations.
- Makes a wonderful window decoration to take home.
- Budget-friendly and easy to customize for any season.
Every kite turns out completely unique, making this a wonderful open-ended art activity.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Construction paper
- Clear contact paper
- Colourful crepe paper
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue stick (optional)
- Hole punch
- String or yarn
- Markers or crayons (optional for decorating)
Step 1: Create the Kite Frame
Begin by folding a sheet of construction paper in half.
Draw a large diamond shape, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge. Carefully cut out the centre of the diamond, creating a window while keeping the outer frame intact.
This construction paper frame becomes the outline of your kite.
Step 2: Add the Contact Paper
Cut a piece of clear contact paper slightly larger than the kite opening.
Lay it sticky-side up and carefully place the construction paper frame onto it.
The sticky surface will hold all of the colourful pieces in place while creating the transparent suncatcher effect.
Step 3: Decorate with Crepe Paper
Invite the children to tear or cut small pieces of colourful crepe paper.
They can place the pieces all over the sticky contact paper, overlapping colours to create beautiful patterns.
This is a fantastic opportunity to talk about colours, shapes, and even colour mixing as sunlight shines through the finished craft.
There are no rules—every kite becomes its own masterpiece.
Step 4: Seal the Suncatcher
Once everyone is happy with their design, cover the artwork with another sheet of contact paper.
Press gently to remove air bubbles and seal all of the colourful paper inside.
Trim away the extra contact paper around the edges.
Step 5: Add the Kite Tail
Punch a hole in the bottom point of the kite.
Tie a piece of string or yarn through the hole.
Children can also tie extra strips of crepe paper onto the string to create a flowing rainbow kite tail that dances in the breeze.
Punch another hole at the top and add a loop of string so the kite can easily hang in a sunny window.
Learning Opportunities
While children are busy creating, they’re also developing valuable skills including:
- Fine motor coordination
- Hand-eye coordination
- Colour recognition
- Creativity and self-expression
- Scissor skills
- Following step-by-step directions
- Patience and concentration
Simple crafts like this help children build confidence while having fun.
Ways to Make It Even More Fun
Try changing the colours and decorations throughout the year.
- Rainbow kites for spring
- Red, orange, and yellow for autumn
- Snowflake-themed winter kites
- Heart-shaped window decorations for Valentine’s Day
- Pastel Easter designs
- Red and white Canada Day decorations
The same technique works for nearly any holiday or classroom theme.
More Fun Kids’ Crafts from Funky Frugal Mommy
If your little artists enjoyed this project, don’t stop here! There are plenty more easy and affordable children’s crafts on Funky Frugal Mommy.
Some reader favourites include:
- How to Make a Fun Pirate Ship Craft for Kids
- Easy Toilet Paper Roll Crafts for Preschoolers
- Simple Seasonal Crafts Kids Can Make at Home
- Fun Nature-Inspired Activities for Curious Little Explorers
Each project is designed to use inexpensive materials while encouraging creativity, learning, and family fun.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the simplest crafts become the most memorable. These colourful suncatcher kites are inexpensive to make, easy enough for young children, and beautiful enough to brighten any window.
Watching the sunlight shine through the vibrant colours never gets old, and every child loves seeing their own unique creation hanging proudly at home.
If you make these suncatcher kites, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Share your colourful creations and tag Funky Frugal Mommy so we can celebrate your little artists together.
Happy crafting!