We don’t usually buy disposable water bottles, but in the summertime as we go places with the kids, we tend to use them a bit more often.
Rather than just pitch them in the recyclables, we’ve been trying to use them in a few recycled crafts for kids.
This Water Bottle Suncatcher is so simple to make and it looks beautiful hanging outside in the garden.
We love crafting with recyclables. They offer so many possibilities, and you can’t beat the price when it comes to using recyclables for kids crafts.
When it comes to recycled water bottle crafts, this one has become one of our favorites to do each spring.
It makes a fun backyard camp craft idea!
If you are looking for a fun way for kids to carry their own water bottles this summer, check out this idea for a duct tape water bottle holder.
Water Bottle Suncatcher
Materials Needed:
- Water Bottles
- Permanent Markers
- Scissors
- String or Wire (to hang them)
To make your plastic bottle suncatcher, start with a clean, dry water bottle.
We decided to craft outside so permanent marker didn’t get on the kitchen table. You may want to put a protective cloth down if you are crafting at a good table.
I gave the kids a selection of permanent markers and told them to color the entire bottle.
The more you color the water bottle, the prettier your suncatcher will be.
Once the coloring is completed, carefully trim the bottom off the bottle. (This step is best done by an adult.)
Next you will make a cut on the bottom edge and then start cutting around the bottle in a spiral. Our spirals were about 1 inch thick.
Plastic Bottle Suncatcher
When you are finished, tie your hanger around the bottle’s neck and check out your creation!
The kids were fascinated by the rainbow shadows this recycled craft made on the ground.
Your water bottle suncatcher will look beautiful hanging outside.
You may want to make several to hang from the trees or in the garden.
You may also like:
- Water Bottle Crafts for Kids
- How to Make a Beach-Themed Fairy House for the Garden
- Recycled Parts Water Wall for Fun Outdoor Play
- Make a Colorful Water Bottle Fish
- DIY Calm Down Bottles
- Kids Crafts — Our complete collection of craft ideas
Don’t miss out on awesome kids crafts! Subscribe to our twice monthly newsletter.
Originally published July 5, 2014.
ChristyM says
Those are so pretty! And simple too.
Emma @ P is for Preschooler says
I can’t believe how lovely these come out! The rainbow shadows are awesome – great idea!
OneMommy says
I wasn’t expecting the rainbow shadows — they were an extra cool bonus!
Molly Young says
What a cool idea!! Can’t wait to do stuff like this with my little ones when they’re a little older!
Susen says
Very pretty!!
OneMommy says
Thank you!
Elizabeth says
Isn’t this fun and frugal?! Love it.
Nichole {youclevermonkey} says
Such a simple idea! I love how they catch the light. Sharing 🙂
OneMommy says
Thank you so much for sharing it! 🙂
Sam says
This is great! I’ve been looking for some ideas to reuse items for a girl scout badge!
OneMommy says
Love helping the Girl Scouts! 🙂 We reused toilet paper rolls for a craft this year at scouts, but now that you mention it, we may need to do this one when we start back with meetings! 🙂
Anne says
I’m staring at a water bottle right now, and a couple others on my counter that just might get colored tomorrow. My question for tomorrow’s activity has now been solved. Thanks!
OneMommy says
I have to say that was my favorite pic! So glad it captured the colors!