There’s something magical about sunlight pouring through color—whether it’s a stained glass window or the ocean on a bright day. That same magic is exactly what you get with these Crayon Suncatchers. Made from nothing more than wax paper, crayon shavings, and a touch of heat, they create dazzling bursts of color that dance across your walls when the sun hits them.
I adore this project because it’s both simple and surprisingly elegant. You can make them in an afternoon, and they look like they belong in an art gallery. For these, I went with all shades of blue—soft sky blues, deep navies, and aquas—so they’d mimic the sea and sky. But you can choose any palette your heart desires.
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Why You’ll Love This Craft
- Quick & Easy – From start to hanging in under an hour.
- Budget-Friendly – Made with crayons you probably already have at home.
- Customizable – Create any color scheme or shape you like.
- Sun-Activated Beauty – The light changes their look throughout the day.
What They Look & Feel Like
These suncatchers are thin, smooth, and slightly translucent. The melted crayon spreads into dreamy gradients, with each shade blending softly into the next. When sunlight streams through, the colors glow like liquid light—absolutely mesmerizing.
Benefits of Making Crayon Suncatchers
- Fun for All Ages – Safe for kids (with an adult handling the iron).
- Great for Upcycling – A perfect use for broken or leftover crayons.
- Decor That Changes Daily – Sunlight makes each piece feel alive.
- Relaxing to Create – The slow melting and color blending is almost meditative.
Materials You’ll Need
- Assorted blue crayons (light and dark shades)
- Pencil or crayon sharpener
- Wax paper
- Iron
- Scissors
- String or thread for hanging
Tools You’ll Need
- Old dish towel or parchment paper (to protect your iron)
- Hole punch (optional, for threading string)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Shave the Crayons
Use your pencil or crayon sharpener to shave assorted blue crayons into small pieces. Varying shades will make the final suncatchers more dynamic.
Step 2: Prepare the Iron
Set your iron to low heat. Too hot, and the crayons can scorch instead of melt evenly.
Step 3: Create the Base
Lay one sheet of wax paper on a flat surface. This is where your suncatcher design will live.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Color
Spread the crayon shavings evenly over the wax paper, leaving some open space for light to pass through.
Step 5: Add the Top Layer
Place another sheet of wax paper over the shavings to sandwich them in.
Step 6: Melt the Magic
Cover the top layer with an old dish towel or parchment paper to protect your iron. Press the iron gently and move slowly across the surface until the shavings melt and blend into a sheet of color.
Step 7: Cool & Cut
Let the wax cool for a minute, then peel away the top wax paper. Use scissors to cut your melted masterpiece into shapes—stars, circles, waves, hearts—anything you like.
Step 8: Hang & Enjoy
Punch a small hole, thread string or thread through, and hang your suncatchers in a sunny window. Watch them come to life!
Tips & Variations
- Mix in other colors (like white or yellow) to create soft ocean foam or sunshine effects.
- Try a gradient look by placing darker colors at the bottom and lighter at the top.
- Laminate shapes after cutting for extra durability and fade protection.
Storage & Longevity
These will last a long time if kept out of constant direct sunlight, which can fade crayon colors over time. If storing, keep them flat between sheets of paper to prevent bending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use baking paper instead of wax paper?
A: No—wax paper is key because the melted crayon bonds to it.
Q: Can I reheat the crayon if I don’t like the pattern?
A: Yes! Just sandwich it again between wax paper and melt until you’re happy with the look.
Q: Is it safe for kids?
A: Yes—with supervision. Adults should handle the iron, but kids can help with shaving and sprinkling crayons.
Conclusion
Crayon Suncatchers are a simple yet striking way to bring color into your home. Whether you go with cool ocean blues, fiery reds and oranges, or a rainbow explosion, they’ll turn sunlight into art right in your own window.
If this project brightened your day, you might also love:
- Melted Crayon Art on Canvas
- DIY Tissue Paper Stained Glass
- Watercolor Salt Painting
Share Your Creations!
If you make these suncatchers, tag me on Instagram or share them on Pinterest so we can admire your window transformations together.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 0.
Vitamin D: 100% (from sunlight beaming through your window).
