Create a colorful heart suncatcher craft with your kids using tissue paper and contact paper! This Valentine’s Day activity for kids is quick, fun, and the final piece is absolutely gorgeous every time.

What is a heart suncatcher?
A heart suncatcher is kind of like the preschool version of a glass mosaic, minus the glass and the welding and the danger. 😂
To make these, we’re using sticky contact paper (which kids l o v e) and tissue paper squares.
This is the perfect opportunity to use some of the art tissue paper you have that somehow never runs out, gift tissue paper, or anything translucent.
Why you’ll love this heart suncatcher
This activity checks all the boxes: it’s easy, inexpensive, and oh-so-cute.
It’s a great option for a rainy day, a preschool Valentine’s Day or love theme, or as a it’s-never-the-wrong-time-to-make-hearts activity.
And since it’s a process art project, the final result is precious and something you’ll definitely want hanging up for a while to admire.
Looking for more Valentine’s Day fun?
Materials
Friends Art Lab is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.
How to make a heart suncatcher
- On the non-sticky side of a piece of contact paper, draw a large heart outline. I added a face to mine because #moreismore, but a simple heart outline is equally darling.
- Peel the backing from the contact paper and stick it to a window, sticky side out. (Pro tip: If it slides down while you’re taping it, just fold back the top corners for extra grip!)
- Use tape to secure the contact paper to the window.
- Invite kids to fill the heart shape with tissue paper squares. They can overlap colors to create a stained-glass effect.
- Once finished, you can either leave it as-is, stick the heart suncatcher directly to the window (sticky side in), or seal it with another piece of contact paper to preserve it.
Creative ways to use heart suncatchers
Want to take this craft to the next level? Here are a few ideas:
- Display your suncatchers in different windows around the house or classroom for bursts of color.
- Explore using primary colored tissue paper (red, yellow, and blue) to observe the secondary colors (orange, green, and purple) made vs. “Valentine’s Day colors.”
- Make a bunch of smaller hearts to decorate windows all around your home or classroom.
- Invite kids to draw their own hearts and faces.
Heart suncatchers are perfect for classrooms or groups
So many of the art projects that we do as solo-projects (which is great!).
However, sometimes it’s fun to provide kids with opportunities to create art with others, be it peers, siblings, teachers, family members, etc.
Because this is a process art project,it’s a dreamy opportunity to turn this in a collaborative piece of art.
Benefits of creating art on vertical surfaces
Did you know there are extra perks to crafting on vertical surfaces like windows?
Working on a vertical surface improves shoulder, arm, and hand strength, which helps with writing and other fine motor skills.
It encourages proper wrist positioning, making it easier for kids to learn pencil grip.
Plus, standing while creating art promotes better posture and core stability—bonus points for sneaky physical activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course! Stick the contact paper to a tabletop or wall instead.
Absolutely—try confetti, small papers, or small stickers.
Definitely—use egg shapes for Easter or pumpkins for Halloween!
LEAVE A COMMENT