Bring a little winter science and creativity to your day with these arctic animal suncatchers. It’s a simple, low-prep craft kids love. Using tissue paper and contact paper, children can create a penguin, seal, or polar bear while learning about animals that live in cold climates.
RELATED: Arctic animal worksheets
Arctic Animal Suncatchers (Easy Winter Craft for Kids)
Looking for a simple, low-prep winter craft that doubles as a learning activity?
These arctic animal suncatchers are a fun, hands-on way for kids to explore cold-weather animals while strengthening fine motor skills and creativity.
Using our printable template, children can create three different arctic animal suncatchers: a penguin, seal, or polar bear using just contact paper and tissue paper. T
he finished suncatchers look beautiful hanging in a window and make a great addition to winter or arctic animal units.
🌦️ Want even more weather fun? Explore all of our Weather Activities for Kids for weather‑themed crafts, games, and hands‑on learning! ☀️❄️🌈
What’s Included in the Printable
This printable pack includes three arctic animal silhouettes:
- Penguin
- Seal
- Polar bear
Each silhouette is designed to fit perfectly inside a circular suncatcher frame (also included), making it easy for kids to assemble independently or with minimal support.
Materials Needed
Parents and teachers will love how simple this supply list is:
- Arctic animal suncatcher printable – get a copy of the pdf template at the bottom of this blog post
- White cardstock to print the template.
- Clear contact paper or self-adhesive sheets
- Tissue paper or tissue paper squares
- Scissors
How to Make Arctic Animal Suncatchers
- Print and cut out the arctic animal silhouette and the circular suncatcher frame. Use a pencil to gently poke a hole in the center of the circle, then cut out the inside.
- Cut a piece of contact paper that is slightly larger than the circle and peel off the backing.
- Place the arctic animal silhouette face down on the sticky contact paper. Center the circle frame on top of the animal.
- Have kids fill the open space with small pieces of tissue paper.
- Use a variety of colors to create interesting color combinations.
- Cover with a second piece of contact paper to seal it, then trim around the edges.
- Hang the suncatcher in a sunny window and enjoy the colorful results! ☀️
This process is perfect for practicing hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and scissor skills.
Learning Benefits for Kids
These arctic animal suncatchers aren’t just a craft. They’re also a learning tool because they:
- Supports fine motor development
- Encourages creativity and design choices
- Reinforces learning about arctic animals and habitats
- Works well for preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary students
Teachers can easily tie this activity into science lessons, literacy themes, or winter bulletin boards.
Related Arctic & Winter Crafts for Kids
Toilet Paper Roll Penguin Craft – An easy penguin craft that works well for classrooms, libraries, and winter-themed units.
Arctic Animal Worksheets – These printable worksheets are a great way to reinforce learning about arctic animals while building early literacy and math skills.
Snowflake Mosaic Craft – A simple torn-paper craft that encourages creativity and fine motor development while exploring winter shapes and patterns.
Snowman Craft – This easy snowman craft is perfect for winter art centers, indoor recess, or a fun afternoon at home.
Torn Paper Polar Bear Craft – A hands-on collage activity that pairs beautifully with arctic animal lessons and sensory play.
Torn Paper Penguin Craft – Kids will love creating this penguin using torn paper while strengthening fine motor skills.
Newspaper Penguin Craft – A fun recycled craft that turns simple newspaper into an adorable arctic animal project.
Toilet Paper Roll Polar Bear – This 3D polar bear craft is a great way to reuse materials while encouraging imaginative play.
Download Instructions
Getting your hands on this fun and free printable template to make arctic animal suncatchers is really easy! Just fill out the quick form at the bottom of this post and hit that “send me the printable” button.
Once you’ve signed up, check your email to confirm; then voilà! You’ll officially be part of our mailing list and get instantly redirected to the PDF file with the free printable arctic animal suncatchers template.
Already subscribed? No worries! If you’ve downloaded from us before, simply fill out the form again, and you’ll be automatically sent straight to the download link for our arctic animal suncatchers; no extra steps needed.
Share With Us
These arctic animal suncatchers are a fun, low-prep way to bring winter learning and creativity together.
Download the printable and try it at home or in the classroom.
Then, if your kids make one, we’d love to see it! Be sure to tag This Tiny Blue House on Facebook and share your creations with us.
🌦️ Want even more weather fun? Explore all of our Weather Activities for Kids for weather‑themed crafts, games, and hands‑on learning! ☀️❄️🌈
📥 Before You Download – Quick Checklist
Please take a moment to read this before requesting your printable:
✔ Enter your first name and email address carefully into the download box just below this text box. (typos will prevent delivery)
✔ Check your inbox within a few minutes
✔ If you don’t see the email, look in your spam, junk, or promotions folder
✔ Confirm your email the first time you download from us
✔ After confirming, your PDF will automatically download
💡 Returning subscriber? Once you’ve confirmed your email once, future downloads will start immediately.
💡Having trouble? Visit our Download Help Page for step-by-step instructions.
