"Thankful" Leaf Sun Catchers
Guest Blog Post by Alesha from Full Time Mama
My kids love to do crafts, and as Thanksgiving is almost here I thought it would be fun to do a Fall/Thanksgiving themed craft. A friend of mine had some transparency paper she thought I could use for crafting, and I knew the perfect craft for it: Fall Leaves Sun Catchers (with a Thanksgiving twist, of course)! I've loved looking at the things my children are thankful for, and they're also helping us to enjoy the fall colors (since we don't get those here in Phoenix)! They're fun, adorable, and best of all, easy!
Here's what you need:
-Transparency paper
-Leaf printables (simply do an internet search for free leaf printables and choose your favorites)
-Black Magic Marker
-Clear liquid glue
-Food coloring (in the colors you'd like your for your leaves)
-Liquid dish soap
-Paint brush
-Scotch tape (double sided is best, but not necessary)
-Scissors
Here's how to make your Thankful Leaf Sun Catchers: Either print out the leaves from the leaf template onto your transparency paper using your printer OR you can print out the leaf printables on a regular piece of paper, place underneath the transparency paper and trace over them using your black magic marker. Be sure the ink from your printer is dark, or you'll want to outline the leaves (after painting) to make them stand out better. 
Prepare your sun catcher paint by pouring some clear liquid glue into a small bowl (you'll want to do one for each color you'll be using). Add 1-2 drops of liquid dishsoap and mix well. Pour a few drops of food coloring into the bowl glue. Do the same for the other bowls, each with a different color of food coloring. Mix until combined. You can test the color by painting on a small section of your transparency film, and can add a few more drops of food coloring if you'd like the color to be darker. 
Let your child paint the sun catchers. 
Once you're done painting, set the painted leaves aside to dry. Cut out the leaf sun catchers. If your child is old enough, you can have him cut them out. Be sure to supervise for safety. **As the homemade glass paint is water-based, try not to handle the sun catchers
with moist hands. Have your child share with you a few things he is thankful for. Using the black magic marker, write those things on the leaves. You may choose to do this on each leaf, or only a few; it's totally up to you!
Use double-sided tape (or regular tape, folded) to stick the leaf sun catchers on glass windows or panels. We chose to display ours on the back sliding glass door, since we get the most sunlight streaming through there. Voila!
If your kids love to do crafts there are tons of awesome ideas on Pinterest (love it)! However, if you don't have the time or desire to gather needed materials, Manhattan Toy has tons of fun imagine i Can make-it-myself kits and arts and crafts kits!
