Summertime is in full swing and these patriotic-themed star suncatchers are a festive way to decorate for July 4th. You probably have most of the supplies on hand as well!

Why these are so fun

These star suncatchers are a great way to decorate for any patriotic holiday, including the 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Patriot Day. Using a few supplies, kids can make several of these to decorate windows to add a festive touch to the holiday.

This is an easy craft for kids to make using simple supplies. They are fun to display and a great way to keep the kids busy.

Try our other fun suncatcher tutorials as well! Heart Suncatcher | Paper Plate Watermelon Suncatcher | Easter Egg Suncatcher | Colorful Glue Suncatcher | Candy Corn Suncatcher

two star shaped sun catchers on a white board

Craft Supplies Needed

The hole punch and ribbon is an optional decoration, but makes a fun shooting star!

labeled supplies for sun catcher craft — Get full list of supplies and directions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Craft Information

Age Level: 5 and up
Mess Factor: minimal
Time to Complete: 30 minutes
Cost estimate: 50 cents using supplies I had on hand

Crafting Tips

If kids want to work on their scissor-cutting skills, have them cut the tissue paper instead of tearing it.
Young kids may need help with the star drawing and cutting as well as the contact paper steps. You can prep steps 1-4 ahead of time if you prefer.
Once the sun catcher is done, you can add gems to the star shape if you’d like!

How to Make a Star Suncatcher

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this project. Please scroll down to simply print out the instructions!

Fold one piece of the construction paper in half on the vertical side, then unfold it.
Use the pencil to draw a star shape, having the center top point of the star hit on the fold line. Leave about a 2” border all the way around the star.
Stack this with the other piece of construction paper together, with the star drawing on top. Fold the 2 papers vertically using the existing fold and cut the star shape out through both pieces of the construction paper.
Lay 1 contact paper piece sticky side up on a flat work surface and carefully put one of cutout star papers on top and press down.
Tear the red, white and blue tissue paper into tiny pieces and press onto the contact paper.
When the tissue paper design is complete, lay second construction paper star over the first one.
Now lay the second piece of contact paper (sticky side down) over that.
Cut out the star following its shape, leaving about an inch border.
Use a hole punch to make a single hole on the star’s bottom two points.
To create a shooting star, run ribbon through the holes and tie.
Add some rolled clear tape to 1 side and affix your star suncatcher to a window.

child holding a star suncatcher over his head

If kids are interested in learning more about the Declaration of Independence, have them check out nps.gov/inde. However you celebrate, these suncatchers are a festive way to decorate for the 4th of July. Happy Birthday USA!

More Fun Patriotic Crafts for Kids

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