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Easy Paper Craft Projects - Sun Print Crafts

by Lee Hansen

Sun prints are easy to create indoors or out. With a few sheets of colored paper, simple flat objects for making shapes, and a good sunny day you can "print" interesting patterns on construction paper to make folded greeting cards or to cut out and use for other crafts. Sun prints are easy enough for a preschool child, but interesting enough for kids and adults, too.

See what types of interesting patterns you can print from common objects around your home and garden!

Sun Print Craft Directions

Gather several objects with simple solid shapes, the flatter the better - try different types of leaves, rocks, bottle caps, plastic lids, popsicle sticks, household tools or kitchen utensils. Alternatively, you can cut shapes from card stock or cereal boxes to use as stencils. For example, you can use coloring book shapes or cookie cutters for patterns.

Arrange your objects or stencils on top of the colored construction paper, fasten in place with a small piece of tape on the back if needed, or a rock placed on top and leave the whole thing in the sun for an hour or so. Do not move or lift the objects while they are "printing."

The sun does all the work - it will fade the areas not covered up and the the paper will look as if it's printed with darker ink in the shape of your design after you remove the objects.

Sun Print Project Ideas

• Create a greeting card by folding the printed sheet in half and glueing a piece of white or light-colored paper inside to write on and decorate. Add glitter or other trims if desired.
• Cut out the shapes leaving a border around the edges and glue them to another sheet of paper.

Tips for Best Results with Sun Print Crafts

• Use deep-toned construction paper for best results.
• Attach construction paper to a flat surface with tacks or tape to keep the edges from moving if you do this craft outdoors.

About the Author Lee Hansen is the publisher of Pastiche Family Portal, a web zine featuring hundreds of family printables, recipes, crafts and home making tips with articles and free resources for the whole family. Lee is a Giant Squid who writes extensively about paper crafts, clip art and related topics at Squidoo.