This apple suncatcher craft is a simple, low-mess fall activity that only takes a few basic supplies (construction paper, crepe paper, scissors, and tape). Kids trace and cut an apple template, then fill it in with colorful crepe paper squares to create a stained-glass effect. It’s a great kids working on scissor skills and fine motor practice.
If you’re looking for a simple and colorful craft to kick off apple season or a fall theme unit, this apple suncatcher is a great pick. It’s a frugal project that turns into a beautiful hanging in a window. Your preschool and early elementary kids will have so much fun making their own apples as they work on scissor skills, tracing, and fine motor practice.
I’ve included a template plus printable instructions to make it even easier. Grab the free printable apple template below so you can get straight to creative fun!
Supplies You’ll Need for This Apple Craft
- Construction paper: red, green, and brown for traditional colors (also, yellow is nice for a Golden Delicious!)
- Crepe paper (or tissue paper) in a variety of colors
- Scissors
- Clear Tape
- Glue stick (to hold the crepe paper squares in place)
- Black Marker
- Optional: clear contact paper to place the tissue paper squares on
How to Make an Apple Suncatcher Craft
Cut out the templates. Trace the apple, leaf, and stem templates onto construction paper. You can use red paper for the apple, green for the leaf, and brown for the stem. OR use white paper and have your child color. Then, cut out the pieces.
Outline with a marker. Use a marker to trace the outline and details of each piece. This step adds definition and makes the shapes pop once the suncatcher is finished.
Attach the stem and leaf. Tape or glue the stem and leaf to the top of the apple shape.
Cut squares of crepe paper. Cut (or tear) an assortment of colorful crepe paper into small squares.
Fill in the apple. Flip the apple over and place tape (or clear contact paper) across the open center on the back. Press the crepe paper squares onto the sticky side so they fill the open space, layering different colors for a stained-glass effect.
When your apple suncatcher is complete, hang it in a sunny window and watch the colors glow through!
Why Kids Love This Creative Apple Activity
This craft rocks because it combines a few different skills in one simple project:
- Instant gratification: the finished suncatcher looks impressive with very little effort
- Scissor practice: cutting along the template lines leads to a cool craft
- Fine motor skills: placing and pressing small crepe paper pieces (also, if your child tears the pieces)
- Color mixing and pattern-making: kids naturally experiment with color placement
Tips for Success With This Apple Craft
- If you’re working with toddlers or younger preschoolers, pre-cut the apple pieces ahead of time so they can focus on preparing and adding the tissue paper pieces.
- Tearing crepe paper (instead of cutting) is a great alternative fine motor activity for younger kids.
- Don’t worry about neatness or it looking perfect. Overlapping, mismatched colors actually make the sun catcher look better in the sunlight.
- This craft pairs well with an apple unit, back-to-school theme, or fall nature study.
Keep The Apple Fun Going!
Let this apple craft be the start of even more learning fun. Try a paper plate apple craft that’s also super cute. This apple pie playdough activity is a bunch of fun. Oh, and your kids can learn about the life cycle of an apple with this printable diorama and foldable activity.
And use these Apple Movement Cards to get kids up and moving between crafts. It has 16 printable brain-break cards with a mix of gross motor, balance, stretching, and silly movement prompts. Perfect for pairing with this craft during an apple unit, indoor recess, or a rainy fall day!
What ideas do you have for customizing and enjoying this apple suncatcher craft? Please share in the comments area at the bottom of this post!
