The Paper Chain Craft That Takes Advantage Of A Sunny Day

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If you think hard enough, you can probably remember creating paper chains in your childhood days. This simple task can bring immense satisfaction to young kids, thanks to the quick gratification and productive nature — when it's done, the paper chain can be hung up as a banner or decor, instantly making for a festive touch. You can even use the chains as countdowns to vacations or milestones. While you might no longer be a kid, completing paper crafts can still be enjoyable. And there's a fun spin on the classic paper chain craft that can help you take advantage of a sunny day: using colorful light-filtering sheets instead of opaque paper to form the links of the brightly hued chain. 

Inspiration for this craft comes courtesy of the Instagram account @cheerstomonday. In the video, the creator shows a brightly colored, homemade chain that she hangs in front of a sunlit window. Since she utilizes colored light-filter sheets that allow sunlight to pass through instead of plain craft or construction paper, the chain creates a fun visual effect. The chain is formed exactly how you used to make a paper chain as a child, starting with cutting the sheets into strips. The result is a light-filtering chain that throws colorful light reflections around the room when hung from a window. Despite being a simple craft, it's undeniable that this happy project could be a great way to brighten up your home.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly DIY suncatcher that anyone can make, this one is simple, and you'll need just a few supplies, starting with the right colored light filter sheets. One good choice is the Lystaii Gel Light Filter Overlays ($7.99 on Amazon). You'll also need a hot glue gun and a pair of scissors. This craft comes together quickly, especially if you have experience making paper chains. Cut the colored sheets in evenly sized strips, then arrange them in the order you want the chain assembled. This will save you from having to fumble for the colored strip you're looking for next.

Once your hot glue gun is hot, use a tiny dot on one end, create your first loop and apply light pressure until the glue dries (be careful to press on either side of the dot of glue so you don't burn yourself through the sheet). Thread your next strip through the first loop, make it into a loop, glue it, and continue the process until you've completed the craft to your satisfaction. Once finished, you'll be ready to drape your paper chain around a brightly lit window in your home. Then, you can stand back and enjoy your colorful craft on the next sunny day. If you're on a roll, you can DIY another stunning and colorful suncatcher from simple Dollar Tree items.

If you want to personalize this craft to better suit your preferences, there are a number of ways to do so. While the creator of this concept used normal scissors to cut her strips, you could use scalloped scissors, like these JSTL Green Pinking Shears ($10.69 on Amazon), for a little extra visual appeal on the edges of your chain. 

Additionally, you can customize the colors and the order you use them in. The original created used the colors of the rainbow, using several loops of each color before moving on to the next. You could opt for a few of your favorite colors, instead. Another way to make this craft feel more personal is to choose a few shades of a particular color to create an ombre effect for your suncatcher chain. Around the holidays, why not use red and green filter paper for a sun-catching chain garland idea for some DIY Christmas decor that's full of cozy charm?

Not sure where to put your suncatcher chain in your home once it's finished? For starters, choose a corner or room of the house where you get plenty of sunlight streaming through, as this will allow you to fully appreciate its beauty. This could include a kitchen or dining room window or even an office, if you like a bit of whimsy in your workday. A natural place to install this fun craft is in any space where children like to hang out. Think of areas like your kid's bedroom, their sunny reading nook or a playroom — colorful decor can be a boon for healthy child development. These suncatcher chains could also make for superb, summery decor on your patio or sunroom for a gathering with friends.