Ice Suncatchers
Looking for a beautiful and educational winter nature craft to do with your child? These botanical ice suncatchers are pure magic—combining science, art, and nature play in a single outdoor-friendly activity.
This simple project is a wonderful way to explore the states of matter (liquid to solid) while celebrating the beauty of the natural world in winter. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent or just looking for a meaningful weekend project, this frozen art activity will become a seasonal favorite.
Read on to see how we made them.
Supplies:
A variety of winter botanicals (pine needles, evergreen clippings, berries, small twigs, leaves)
Shallow paper bowl or paper plate
Water
String (6–8 inches long) for hanging
Freezing temperatures outdoors or access to a freezer
Directions:
Gather natural materials
Head outdoors with your child to collect winter botanicals. Look for evergreens, dried leaves, or small sticks—whatever is naturally available in your region.Arrange botanicals
Place your gathered items in a shallow paper bowl or plate. Let your child design their own pattern or just scatter them freely.Add water
Carefully pour water into the bowl until your materials are submerged.Insert string
Place the ends of your string in the water, creating a loop that will freeze into the suncatcher for hanging later.Freeze
Set your bowl outside (if the temperature is below freezing) or place it in the freezer overnight.Remove and display
Once the water is frozen solid, gently remove the ice suncatcher from the container. Hang it from a tree branch, porch hook, or shepherd’s hook and watch it sparkle in the winter sunlight!
Extend the Learning
Talk about states of matter (liquid ➝ solid ➝ liquid again).
Identify and discuss native winter plants in your region.
Use the opportunity to observe how light moves through ice and how the suncatcher changes as it melts.