How to Make DIY Wax Paper Sun Catchers: A Step-by-Step Guide

As an enthusiastic crafter, one of my favorite projects to create are wax paper sun catchers. These delightful decorations transform ordinary sunlight into stunning displays of color, making them perfect for brightening up any room or window. Whether you’re a seasoned craft enthusiast or a beginner looking for a fun activity to share with your kids, making wax paper sun catchers is a simple, enjoyable, and relatively mess-free endeavor.

What Are Wax Paper Sun Catchers?

Wax paper sun catchers are vibrant, translucent pieces of art made using wax paper and colorful materials. They capture and reflect sunlight, creating a mesmerizing play of colors that can be seen from both inside and outside your home. This project has gained popularity among parents, teachers, and crafting aficionados alike, especially as a wonderful way to celebrate seasons and holidays. They are excellent for spring and summer themes, and you can easily customize them for Halloween, Christmas, or any festive occasion!

What You Need: Materials and Tools

Before we get started, let me round up the materials you'll need for this project so that we can craft confidently:

Materials:

• Wax paper: Smooth and clear is ideal.
• Crayons: Choose your favorite colors—vibrant hues will show beautifully in sunlight.
• Iron (with parental supervision): This will be used for fusing the crayon shavings between the wax paper.
• Pencil sharpener: For shaving the crayons.
• Scissors: To cut the wax paper into your desired shape.
• Cardboard (optional): To create a stable workspace, keeping the wax paper flat while you craft.
• String or yarn: For hanging your sun catcher.

Safety Warning:

Always ensure that young crafters are supervised during this project, particularly when using the iron. Avoid direct contact with the hot iron, and ensure your workspace is safe and clutter-free.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Workspace

Start by finding a clean, flat workspace where you can easily access all your materials. If you have kids helping, cover the area with newspaper or a craft mat to catch any crayon shavings that may fall.

Step 2: Shave Your Crayons

Using a pencil sharpener, carefully shave the crayons to create colorful crayon shavings. I recommend utilizing the wider side of the sharpener for larger pieces, as they will melt more evenly. You will need a handful of shavings. The more colorful you make it, the more spectacular the finished piece will be!

*Tip: You can mix colors or stick to a palette for a more cohesive look, depending on your vision.*

Step 3: Prepare Your Wax Paper

Cut the wax paper into your desired shape and size. For a simple sun catcher, rectangles or circles work beautifully. Ideally, make them about 8×10 inches. You can even cut them into fun shapes like stars or leaves if you want to match a particular theme.

Step 4: Layer Your Crayon Shavings

Lay one piece of wax paper flat on your workspace, then sprinkle the crayon shavings evenly across it. Don't overload it—instead, aim for a nice, even layer. Leave some space around the edges for the next sheet.

Step 5: Seal Your Creation

Take the second piece of wax paper and place it over the crayon shavings like a sandwich. Alignment is key here—I find lining up the edges helps keep the design unified.

*Why This Step Matters: Sealing the crayon shavings is crucial, as it protects them from directly contacting the hot iron and ensures they will melt properly.*

Step 6: Ironing Time

Set your iron to a low heat, without steam (the steam can cause the paper to warp). Place a thin cloth or piece of parchment paper over your wax paper sandwich to protect it.

Now, gently press the iron on top for about 10-15 seconds, moving it around to ensure even melting. You’ll know the crayon shavings are melted when you see a slight glossy sheen on the wax paper.

*Tip: Keep the iron moving to avoid burning the wax paper, and check your progress often to prevent overheating.*

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Once the crayon shavings have melted and the wax paper is fused together, carefully peel back the top layer of protection. Let your creation cool completely. Once cooled, trim any excess edges for a clean look.

Step 8: Hang Your Sun Catcher

Use a hole puncher to create a small hole at the top if you plan to hang it. String or yarn works well for this—just cut an appropriate length, thread it through the hole, and find a sunny spot to showcase your new masterpiece.

Troubleshooting Tips

Too Much Wax Paper: If you've added too many crayon shavings, the wax paper may bubble or warp during ironing. If this happens, you can try to cut and re-fuse it with a newer piece of wax paper.

Irregular Melting: If you notice some areas didn’t melt well, it’s likely because of uneven pressure from the iron. Next time, be sure to apply smooth, consistent pressure and keep the iron moving.

Creative Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to customize your wax paper sun catchers:

• Layering Colors: Instead of a single layer, add multiple colored layers of crayon shavings to create depth.
• Cut-Out Shapes: Consider cutting shapes out of the wax paper before layering the crayons, creating silhouettes that will be illuminated by the sun.
• Nature Themes: Add pressed flowers, leaves, or dried herbs into your sun catcher for a unique floral touch.

Conclusion

Creating DIY wax paper sun catchers is not only a joyful artistic endeavor but also a fantastic way to add beauty and color to your home. I've experienced countless sunny afternoons filled with laughter, creativity, and serenity while making these crafts. So gather your materials, get comfortable, and let the sunlight guide your creativity. Whether you're making them for yourself or to gift to a loved one, the happiness that these little projects foster is truly invaluable.

Happy crafting!