Ingredients
- 1 blue wax crayon, standard 3 1/2 inch size
- 2 sheets of wax paper, each 10 inches by 12 inches
- 1 sheet of plain white paper, 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches (for tracing template)
- 1 piece of cardstock, 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches (optional for sturdier template)
- 1 standard size pencil
- 1 child-safe crayon sharpener or handheld craft grater, 1 tool
- 1 medium size scissors (adult use recommended)
- 1 household iron with a low heat setting
- 1 ironing board or heat-safe pressing mat, at least 12 inches by 18 inches
- 1 cotton pressing cloth, 12 inches by 16 inches (a clean pillowcase scrap works)
- 1 ruler, 12 inches long (optional)
- 1 hole punch, 1/4 inch opening
- 1 piece of cotton string, 12 inches long
- 1 drop cloth or old towel, at least 24 inches by 36 inches
- 1 pair of heat-resistant kitchen mitts
- 1 small tray or shallow bowl, about 6 inches wide
Instructions
- Cover your work surface with the drop cloth or old towel.
- Draw a simple sun template on the plain paper, measuring about 6 inches across.
- Trace the template onto cardstock and cut it out.
- Peel the wrapper from the blue crayon and make small shavings over the tray.
- Lay one sheet of wax paper on the pressing mat with the waxy side up and scatter the shavings over it.
- Place the second sheet of wax paper on top with the waxy side down and smooth it gently.
- Cover the layered wax paper with the cotton pressing cloth.
- An adult should press the iron over the cloth for 5 to 8 seconds at a time.
- Lift the cloth to check the sheet. Reapply heat if needed until the blue looks connected but translucent.
- Let the fused sheet cool flat for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Trace around the cardstock sun on the cooled sheet and cut it out.
- Punch a hole near the top ray and thread the cotton string through the hole, tying it off.
- Hang the sun catcher in a bright window.
Notes
Keep the iron away from children and supervise the use of sharp tools. An uneven first attempt is perfectly fine; embrace the handmade look.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
