Wax Paper Sun Catchers: A Simple Craft That Shines With Love

Last summer, during one of those “nothing-to-do” afternoons, my daughter and I were sitting at the kitchen table with half a box of broken crayons and no plan. It was too hot to bake, too windy for bubbles, and I was on my third cup of reheated coffee. Out of nowhere, she pointed at the kitchen window and asked, “Why doesn’t it have anything pretty like Grandma’s?” That’s when I remembered those sun catchers Grandma used to hang up every spring—soft colors melting into one another, catching the sun just right.

We didn’t have fancy supplies, but we had wax paper, crayons, and creativity. And that was more than enough.

Why You’ll Love Making Wax Paper Sun Catchers

• Kid-Approved – This is a mess-in-a-good-way project, ideal for ages 3 to 93.
• Budget-Friendly – Chances are, everything you need is already in your drawers.
• Light Up Your Space – These look magical in windows, especially during sunrise or sunset.
• Creative Learning – Teaches kids about color blending, light, and even shapes.
• Eco-conscious – A great way to reuse those stubby crayons we all have lying around.

Materials You’ll Need

What	Why
Wax Paper	The base and top layer of your sun catcher.
Old Crayons	Pick vibrant colors – the more the merrier.
Cheese Grater or Crayon Sharpener	To make colorful shavings.
Iron	A regular household iron works great.
Parchment Paper	Protects your iron from the wax.
Scissors	For shaping the final sun catcher.
String or Ribbon (Optional)	For hanging in windows.

How to Make Wax Paper Sun Catchers (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace
Lay down some parchment paper or newspaper to protect your table. Trust me, grated crayon bits roll everywhere!

Step 2: Grate the Crayons
Choose 3–5 colors and grate them into small shavings using a cheese grater or crayon sharpener. Little hands can help here—just keep an eye out.

Step 3: Make the Magic Sandwich
Lay a sheet of wax paper on your parchment surface. Sprinkle the shavings evenly over it, like you’re seasoning a pizza. Then place another sheet of wax paper on top.

Step 4: Iron It Gently
Cover the whole “sandwich” with parchment paper. With your iron on low heat, gently press down. The crayons will melt quickly and blend into a stained-glass effect. Don’t overdo it!

Step 5: Cool and Cut
Let the wax paper cool completely. Then use scissors to cut out your desired shapes—circles, hearts, leaves, or even little suns.

Step 6: Hang with Love
Punch a small hole in the top and thread some ribbon or string. Hang it in a sunny window and watch the colors come alive.

Ideas to Make It Your Own

• Seasonal Shapes – Pumpkins in fall, snowflakes in winter, butterflies in spring.
• Themed Colors – Try sunset shades, ocean blues, or galaxy purples.
• Glow in the Dark – Use glow crayons and watch your sun catchers shine at night.

FAQs About Wax Paper Sun Catchers

1. Can I use something other than crayons to make sun catchers?

Crayons work best for this craft because they melt evenly and provide bold, translucent color. Colored pencils or markers won’t melt the same way and could result in a dull or uneven look. If you don’t have crayons, try experimenting with small pieces of tissue paper layered between wax paper—but keep in mind it won’t create the same vibrant stained-glass effect.

2. Is wax paper the same as parchment paper?

Nope! This is a common mix-up. Wax paper has a thin layer of wax on both sides, which makes it perfect for melting crayons inside. Parchment paper is heat-resistant and non-stick—it’s great for baking or, in our case, protecting the iron from melted wax. You’ll need both for this craft.

• Wax paper: Used in the sun catcher itself
• Parchment paper: Used as a barrier between the iron and wax paper

3. What temperature should the iron be set to?

Keep your iron on low heat (no steam). You’re not pressing shirts—you just need enough warmth to melt the crayon shavings gently without scorching the wax paper. Too much heat can cause the wax paper to crinkle or burn.

4. Can kids do this on their own?

Kids can definitely be involved, especially in picking colors, grating crayons, and arranging designs. But adult supervision is required for the ironing step. It’s a great opportunity to teach about safe crafting and handling heat responsibly.

5. How do I hang a wax paper sun catcher without damaging it?

Here are a few easy, gentle ways to hang them:

• Use clear tape on the edges and press onto a window
• Punch a small hole at the top and thread string, yarn, or ribbon through it
• Use suction cup hooks with clips for an easy, removable option
• Try double-sided window dots if you want a seamless look

6. How long do wax paper sun catchers last?

If hung indoors (especially in a window without too much moisture), they can last for months or even a year. Over time, colors may fade slightly with direct sunlight. You can also laminate them to extend their life.

7. What shapes work best for cutting?

Simple shapes work best—think circles, hearts, stars, flowers, leaves, or even your child’s initials. You can also use cookie cutters as templates for tracing shapes before cutting. For younger kids, sticking with larger shapes is easier for little hands to manage.

Craft Time Pairing

Turn this into a craft and snack session! Serve cold lemonade with some graham crackers and make it an easy, sunny afternoon filled with memories.

Final Thoughts

Making Wax Paper Sun Catchers isn’t just about the finished product—it’s about the time spent together. Whether you’re crafting with kids, grandkids, or just giving yourself a quiet, creative break, this is a project that brings light both literally and figuratively.

Give it a try, and let your windows shine with a little handmade love.

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