Earth Stained Glass Craft/Earth Suncatcher

Teaching kids about our planet? This Earth Stained Glass Craft (Earth Suncatcher) is the perfect hands-on activity! 🌎
It’s bright, easy, and uses just a few supplies you probably already have at home. Kids love seeing their “Earth” glow in the window when the sunlight shines through.

This project is perfect for Earth Day, science units about land and water, or simply a fun afternoon craft.

🧰 Materials Needed

• Black construction paper (for the frame)

• Waxed paper (cut into 2 circles)

• Tissue paper (shades of blue + green)

• Liquid glue (preferred)

• Scissors

• Hole punch

• Yarn or string (for hanging)

📸 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Frame

Cut two circles from black construction paper. Cut out the center of each one, leaving a ring shape. This will be your frame for the “Earth.”

Step 2: Prepare the Waxed Paper

Cut two circles from waxed paper. Make them the same size as the rings so that it is easy to glue the black ring on top of the circles. 

Step 3: Cut the Tissue Paper

Cut small squares of tissue paper in various shades of blue (for water) and green (for land).

Step 4: Create Your Earth Design

Glue the tissue paper squares onto the first waxed paper circle. Overlap them slightly to make a “stained glass” effect. Cover as much of the circle as you can.

Step 5: Seal the Design

Once you’re happy with how it looks, glue the second waxed paper circle on top to “sandwich” the tissue paper inside.

Step 6: Add the Frame

Glue the black paper ring around the waxed paper circle to create a nice finished edge. (Glue one on the front and one on the back if you made two frames.) If needed, trim any exposed waxed paper poking out so the black rings look nice and even. 

Step 7: Punch and Hang

Punch a hole in the top and thread a piece of yarn through it. Tie a loop so you can hang it in a sunny window.

🌱 Learning Connections

• Science: Talk about land vs. water, continents, and oceans. Learning about Space? Talk about how the earth is the only planet in our solar system with air, water, dirt, plant and animals! The earth is amazing! It's the best planet to live on! In fact, no one could live on any of the other planets! 

• Art: Explore color mixing by overlapping blue and green tissue paper.

• Earth Day: Discuss ways we can take care of the planet.

🌞 Final Thoughts

This Earth Suncatcher craft is simple but stunning. Kids will be so proud to see their “Earth” glowing in the sunlight — and it’s a great visual reminder of how beautiful our planet is.

👉 Save this idea on Pinterest so you’ll have it ready for your next homeschool lesson or rainy-day project!

For more craft ideas, thematic video lessons for children ages 3-7 about the Ocean, Space, Forests, Polar Habitats, the Desert, Rainforest, African Savanna- and with stellar phonics and reading instruction- go to https://www.missannasclass.com/.