A Simple Spring Nature Craft for Kids: Pressed Flower Sun Catchers
Spring is the perfect time to get kids outside, soak up some sunshine, and explore the beauty of nature with your kids. As flowers are blooming and color has returned to the world, it’s a great time to be outdoors with kids. Take this opportunity to turn a nature walk into a hands-on creative nature craft activity. This pressed flower sun catcher nature craft is simple, beautiful, and a wonderful way to help children slow down and appreciate the details of the season.
Why Nature Crafts Matter
Nature-based crafts encourage children to observe their surroundings, engage their senses, and express creativity. Collecting materials outdoors builds a connection to the natural world while also supporting fine motor skills, patience, and curiosity.
Pressed Flower Sun Catchers
What You’ll Need
- Fresh flowers and leaves (small, flat ones work best)
- Clear contact paper or laminating sheets
- Scissors
- Paper plate or cardstock (optional for framing)
- Hole punch
- String or ribbon
Step 1: Go on a Nature Walk
Start by heading outside for a simple nature walk. Invite your kids to collect small flowers, petals, grasses, and leaves. Encourage them to notice colors, shapes, and textures. This is a great moment to talk about different plants and the signs of spring. You could also give them time to draw or write in a nature journal.
Subscribe for a tutorial on how to use iNaturalist as well as printable scavenger hunts.
Remind children to pick responsibly—avoid pulling up roots or taking too many from one area.
Step 2: Prepare Your Materials
Once you’re back inside, gently clean and pat dry the flowers and leaves. If they’re too moist, let them air dry for a bit so they stick better to the contact paper.
Step 3: Create the Sun Catcher
- Cut two equal pieces of clear contact paper.
- Peel the backing off one piece and place it sticky side up.
- Let your child arrange the flowers and leaves however they like.
- Carefully place the second sheet on top, sealing the design inside.
- Press down firmly from the center outward, to remove air bubbles.
Step 4: Shape and Decorate
Cut the contact paper into fun shapes—circles, hearts, rectangles, rhombus, or trapzoids. If you’d like, glue the edges onto a frame cut from a paper plate or colorful cardstock.
Step 5: Hang and Enjoy
Punch a hole at the top, tie a string or ribbon, and hang your sun catcher in a sunny window. Watch as the light shines through, illuminating the natural colors and creating a soft, magical glow.
Extend the Learning
- Talk about how sunlight passes through objects
- Identify the flowers and leaves you collected. (We like this wildflower field guide)
- Press extra flowers in a book to use for future crafts
- Create a seasonal nature journal with drawings and observations
A Gentle Reminder
Crafting with nature doesn’t have to be perfect. Let your child lead the process, explore freely, and enjoy the experience. The goal is connection, creativity, and a little bit of springtime magic.
This simple activity turns an ordinary day into a meaningful memory—and a beautiful piece of art you can enjoy all season long.