Winter Sun Catcher

Winter Sun Catcher

Age: Preschool and up
Time: An hour (plus overnight to dry)
Type of activity: Arts and Crafts

Try using cupcake tins and shorter ribbon (6 inches) to make several small sun catchers.

Materials Needed:
· Ribbon or yarn (at least 12 inches long)
· Water
· Aluminum pie plate, or other metal dish
· Food coloring or crayon shavings
· Flower petals, berries, leaves, or other materials

What to do:

Step One: Make a loop with the ribbon and place it in the pie plate. Leave at least 5 inches of the looped end hanging over the edge

Step Two: Fill the plate with water.

Step Three: If you'd like your sun catcher to be colored, add a few drops of food coloring to the water and mix it around.

Step Four: Add the crayon shavings, berries, or other materials for your sun catcher to the water.

Step Five: Let the materials fall into place, or arrange them in a design. (Keep in mind that the materials may move around on their own.)

Step Six: Put the plate in the freezer, or if it's cold enough, leave it outside to freeze.

Step Seven: Let the plate sit for at least one day. If it's outside, you may need to let it sit longer.

Step Eight: When the water is completely frozen, carefully remove the ice from the tin.

Now your project is ready to catch some rays! Hang your sun catcher outside from a tree or windowsill for friends and neighbors to admire.