This cheerful craft turns an ordinary metal coat hanger into a bright sun catcher that looks lovely hanging in a window or on the porch. It’s simple, flexible, and great for different ages working together.
🧺 Materials (Easy to Find at Home)
- 1 metal coat hanger
- Yarn, string, or ribbon (any colors you like)
- Tissue paper or plastic wrap
- Tape
- Scissors
- Optional decorations: beads, buttons, pony beads, or scraps of foil
✂️ Step-by-Step Instructions (Written for Grandma 💕)
- Shape the Coat Hanger
Gently bend the metal coat hanger into a circle or oval shape.
Grandma tip: This step is best done by you—metal can be stiff. - Wrap the Frame
Tape one end of yarn or ribbon to the hanger and let your grandchild wrap it all the way around.- No need to be neat—crisscrossing looks beautiful.
- Tape the end when finished.
- Fill the Center
Stretch strips of yarn back and forth across the middle, taping or tying them to the frame.
This creates a “web” to hold decorations.
Little hands may need help tying knots. - Add Color
Tear tissue paper into small pieces and tape them onto the web, or gently press bits of tissue onto plastic wrap stretched across the frame.
Tearing paper is a wonderful job for young children. - Decorate
Thread beads or buttons onto yarn and tie them onto the hanger wherever you like. - Hang and Enjoy
Add a loop of string at the top and hang it in a sunny window. Admire how the light shines through.
👶 Safety & Sanity Notes
- Watch for sharp ends on the hanger—bend them inward and tape if needed.
- Scissors and tying knots may need adult help.
- This is a relaxed craft; short breaks are perfectly fine.
💡 Gentle Variations
- Make a heart shape for Valentine’s Day.
- Use blue and white for a “winter sky” theme.
- Create one big sun catcher together instead of individual ones.
