Earth Day Upcycled Suncatchers

Earth Day is around the corner. I'm joining with a group of talented bloggers to share upcycling activities for kids. This week's theme is Plastic.

Earth Day Upcycled Suncatchers

We've been crazy for strawberries and blueberries here lately. I put blueberries in my oatmeal every morning. The kids eat strawberries for lunch just about every day. Unfortunately, the berries we buy always come in a clear #1 plastic box. When I started thinking of possible Earth Day activities, those boxes were calling out for some upcycling!

(Actually, we do a lot of upcycling here, but sometimes it takes Earth Day for us to remember to call it that! For instance, these Letter Sound Rings are also re-purposed plastic.)

At the same time, I'd been thinking of making another suncatcher for spring.

Why not put the ideas together for an Earth Day suncatcher!

Big Kids Activity

I cut out circles from the berry boxes. I couldn't get the label off without leaving a messy residue. So the circles were fairly small. Unless you can find a larger piece of plastic, this is probably a better activity for older kids who can work on a smaller surface. (My 6 year olds surprised me and handled it well - but they have pretty good fine motor skills.)

Since I was working with smaller pieces, I decided to make them into sort of a mobile. But how to put them together?

The answer came from Liam's Easter basket. He was in such a hurry to scoop up the maximum number of eggs that he grabbed up a small twig by accident. When he got home and sorted through his loot, he deposited the twig out on the kitchen table.

Because, you know -- kids. 

I have failed to train them not to do stuff like this.

Lucky for me it worked out this time, and I had the perfect accessory for our little Earth Day suncatchers.

Suncatcher Materials

You can upcycle any kind of clear, thin plastic. Berry boxes just happen to be what I have on hand. I think some takeout box lids might also work.

• Plastic berry box, or other thin clear plastic
• Scissors
• Permanent markers
• 1/8" Circle Punch or regular hole punch
• Twine
• Small twig
• Printout of clip art (optional)

Suncatcher Instructions

1. Cut out 3 circles of plastic. Younger kids may need an adult to do this part.
2. Color each circle with permanent markers. Trace the clipart if you want to.
3. Punch a small hole in each circle using the circle punch or hole punch.
4. Tie each piece to the twig with twine.
5. Tie a loop to the twig so you can hang up your finished suncatcher.

Learning About Earth Day

This craft can be a starting off point for teaching kids about reduce-reuse-recycle, and the greater meaning behind Earth Day.

The Earth Day suncatcher in your window can be a reminder to make earth-friendly choices.

Upcycling Ideas

For other fun upcycling ideas for kids, you may like to check out these creative ideas from the Earth Month Upcycle Challenge.

Using Plastic Containers for Seed Starters from Kara Carrero
Plastic Masks from Milk Jugs from Crafty Mama in ME
How to Make this Fantastic Plastic Bottle Terrarium from Witty Hoots
How to Build a Juice Jug Greenhouse from Nemcsok Farms