Need a fun holiday craft for kids to do before winter break? Here is one of my favorite and simple holiday crafts! Below I have compiled a step by step guide for you to create a sun catcher snowman with your students. Below I have listed the supplies you will need:
–laminator (or contact paper). This is not the exact one I used since my snowmen shapes were larger, however this will work if plan to use smaller shapes!
–tape
Step 1- Draw Your Shape
You really can do any shape that you want here. I like using snowmen, because they are not specific to Christmas per say. I try not to center all activities around Christmas and keep things pretty neutral. Here are some other ideas for neutral sun catchers: coffee mug, ice skate, penguin, polar bear, mitten, candy cane, etc. Something to keep in mind before you draw your shape is what size laminator you have. I used my school’s laminator which is about 20 inches wide so I was able to draw a larger shape. If you only have a 11 or 13 inch laminator, just make sure your shape fits inside your lamination pouch.
Step 2- Cut Out Your Shape
You’re going to need to cut the inside of your shape. I simply use scissors and start in the center of the shape. I make a small hole in the center of the shape with my scissors and then I can cut outward from the hole. You’re going to want to cut out enough of the shape to only leave about one inch of a trim. The rest should be hollow!
Step 3- Laminate Your Shape
Next up you are going to laminate your shapes. Run your shapes through the laminator and then cut only what is on the outside of the shape. Therefore don’t cut the inside of the shape! I have also heard that you can use contact paper for this step in the case that you don’t have a laminator and lamination pouches.
Step 4- Rip Tissue Paper
Now your shape is ready for tissue paper. Have your students choose their colors and tear small pieces of tissue paper for some fine motor incorporation! I am not picky here with how my students tear the paper. Remember, this is their creation! Let their art be their art.
Step 5- Glue Tissue Paper
Glue the tissue paper to only one side of your shape. I like to use Elmer’s glue sticks. They are such good quality for an activity like this! Once the glue dries, you can have your students cut any shaggy edges around the snowman if needed and then your art is finished!
Step 6- Display Your Holiday Craft
Pick any window and use some tape to display your snowman! I like to tape the side with all the tissue paper facing the window so that the glossy side of the lamination is facing you!
I hope this was helpful to you! Most importantly, hope that this activity is a fun memory you can create with your students or kids before winter break!
Happy Teaching! Be sure to check out my other posts here!
