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    Home » Crafts

    Suncatcher Craft

    Published: Apr 28, 2025 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · 23 Comments

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    suncatcher craft pin
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    Looking for a fun way to keep the kids busy? This Suncatcher Craft is perfect for a sunny afternoon and easy enough for little hands to help with. We love easy crafts for kids like this one! Whether you're chasing away rainy day blues or just want to add a little sparkle to your windows, this summer activity is a winner!

    suncatcher craft pin

    This suncatcher craft is not only eye-catching, but it serves a very useful purpose when hung outdoors.

    Why You'll Love This Suncatcher Craft

    • Perfect for sunny days – As the weather warms up, this is a fun way to take your crafting outdoors and soak up some fresh air.
    • Great for all ages – Easy enough for little hands, but fun for older kids too. It’s a simple project the whole family can enjoy together.
    • Brightens up your yard or windows – These suncatchers add a pop of cheerful color wherever you hang them.
    • Doubles as garden protection – Bonus! The shiny movement can help deter curious birds and critters from digging in your garden beds.
    • A fun way to welcome spring – Celebrate the season with a craft that feels fresh, colorful, and full of sunshine-y vibes.

    Supplies for Sun Catcher Craft

    • Gel glue - It dries nice and clear!
    • Old CD - Or a new one if that’s what you have on hand
    • Colorful jewels and gems - Look for flat-backed gems in different shapes and colors. The more variety, the more your suncatcher will sparkle when the light hits it!
    • Invisible thread or fishing line - For hanging.
    • We used some old CDs we had lying around—hello, easy recycling!
    cd, craft jewels and gel glue on wooden table

    anezus 120PCS Craft Jumbo Jewels, Large Sequins with 2 Packanezus 120PCS Craft Jumbo Jewels, Large Sequins with 2 Packanezus 120PCS Craft Jumbo Jewels, Large Sequins with 2 Pack111Elmer’s Liquid Gel School Glue, Washable, 7.625 Ounces, 1 CountElmer’s Liquid Gel School Glue, Washable, 7.625 Ounces, 1 CountElmer’s Liquid Gel School Glue, Washable, 7.625 Ounces, 1 CountVerbatim CD-RW 700MB 2X-12X Rewritable Media Disc - 25 PackVerbatim CD-RW 700MB 2X-12X Rewritable Media Disc - 25 PackVerbatim CD-RW 700MB 2X-12X Rewritable Media Disc - 25 Pack

     

    How To Make a CD Suncatcher

    1.Gather your supplies and head outside if the weather’s nice—this is a fun one to do in the sunshine!

      2. Pick your jewels. Let the kids choose their favorite colors and shapes. It’s their time to shine (literally)!

      3. Add glue. Squeeze a bit of gel glue onto the back of each jewel. Kids can place them on the shiny side of the CD, arranging and rearranging until they’re happy with the design.

      child making a suncatcher craft

      4. Let it dry. The glue will take a few hours to fully dry, so this is a great time for a snack break.

      5. Add string. Once dry, cut a piece of invisible thread or fishing line - about 15 inches long. Carefully slip it through the center hole of the CD and tie a knot.

      kids making a suncatcher craft

      6.Hang it up! Find a sunny spot outdoors (or even a bright window) and let your suncatcher sparkle.

      cd with crafts jewles on it on granite counter

      How To Use This Suncatcher Craft for Kids

      We hung our CD suncatchers over some seeds we had just planted. We had some hungry birds who kept trying to dig up our seeds but our suncatchers have stopped all that. The wind makes the CD spin and move and when the sun hits it, it creates lots of reflections.

      suncatcher craft hanging with fence in background

      Kids Suncatcher Crafts

      Easy summer crafts like suncatchers are a bright way to keep kids creative and engaged on sunny days. They’re perfect for breaking up screen time, inspiring imagination, and making simple, sparkly memories together. Ready to catch some sunshine? Here are a few fun ideas to try:

      • Suncatcher Craft for Kids Using Crayon Shavings
      • Upcycled Plastic Suncatchers
      • Nature Collage Suncatcher
      • Rainbow Suncatchers

      Tips For Suncatchers Crafts

      Tip 1: Use gel glue for the clearest finish. It dries more transparent than white glue, so your suncatcher will catch the light beautifully!

      Tip 2: Let kids play around with their gem design before gluing. Since the glue takes time to dry, they can rearrange until it looks just right.

      Tip 3: Hang your suncatcher where it gets plenty of sunlight and a bit of breeze—more sparkle, more spin, and more fun!

      FAQs for Suncatcher Craft

      Can I use something other than a CD?

      Yes! A clear plastic lid or sturdy piece of transparency film can work in a pinch, though CDs give you that fun spinning shimmer effect.

      What if I don’t have gel glue?

      You can use white school glue, but keep in mind it may dry cloudy. Gel glue just helps the light shine through more clearly.

      Can little kids do this craft?

      Absolutely. It’s great for preschoolers and up, with a bit of grown-up help for the glue and hanging part. Bonus: it’s a wonderful fine motor activity!

      Whether you're looking for a fun afternoon project or a clever way to protect your garden, this Suncatcher Craft checks all the boxes. It's simple, sparkly, and a great way to get creative with your kids, especially on those sunny summer days.

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      Suncatcher Craft

      Create a sparkling suncatcher craft using an old CD, colorful gems, and a little sunshine! This easy craft is perfect for kids and adds a cheerful touch to any garden or window.
      Author: Vicky

      Materials

      • 1 old CD or DVD shiny side works best!
      • Gel glue dries clear
      • Flat-backed jewels or gems
      • Invisible thread or fishing line about 15 inches

      Instructions

      • Choose a variety of colorful gems and arrange them on the shiny side of the CD.
      • Add a small dot of gel glue to the back of each gem and press it onto the CD.
      • Let the glue dry completely (this may take a few hours).
      • Cut a 15-inch piece of invisible thread or fishing line.
      • Slip the thread through the center hole of the CD and tie securely.
      • Hang your suncatcher in a sunny spot and enjoy the sparkle!

      Video

      Notes

      • Gel glue dries clearer for extra sparkle
      • Let kids arrange gems before gluing
      • Hang in a sunny, breezy spot for maximum shine
      Please supervise children at all times during this activity.

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      Comments

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        Recipe Rating




      1. Krystal says

        March 30, 2018 at 11:04 am

        Where did you get your large container of jewels?

        Reply
        • Vicky says

          April 20, 2018 at 11:22 am

          I got mine here: https://amzn.to/2K0uvlA This is an affiliate link.

          Reply
      2. Mardene Carr says

        May 10, 2016 at 9:05 pm

        Oh how cool. You guys are so innovative to come up with these things

        Reply
        • Marsha says

          July 03, 2017 at 9:50 am

          You don't mention what glue you use but most Elmer's glues are not water-resistant so if you want to use it outside, clear silicon might be a better choice. Love the suncatcher and will share with friends at our park. Thank you.

          Reply
          • Vicky says

            July 05, 2017 at 9:45 am

            Thanks for the great tip!

      3. Rebecca says

        May 10, 2016 at 4:57 pm

        This looks like a real fun and easy craft! So pretty too!

        Reply
      4. Nikki says

        May 06, 2016 at 3:52 pm

        Those turned out so pretty! This looks like a craft I could replicate with my kids, and they would love using jewels to decorate.

        Reply
      5. Denea says

        May 06, 2016 at 5:24 am

        I loved making this in school! So pretty and I cant wait to do stuff like with my daughter!

        Reply
      6. Amber Nelson says

        May 04, 2016 at 7:35 pm

        I love suncatchers. This looks like so much fun to make with the kids.

        Reply
      7. HilLesha says

        May 04, 2016 at 7:09 pm

        That suncatcher is gorgeous! I know that my kids would enjoy making something like this.

        Reply
      8. CourtneyLynne says

        May 04, 2016 at 5:17 pm

        Omg how cute are these suncatchers!?! My daughter would love to make these. Definitely adding it to our to do list.

        Reply
      « Older Comments
      Vicky from Mess for Less

      I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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