For most of the country this winter seems to be never-ending. If we have to put up with permafrost, we might as well try to get something out of it. Making an icicle sun catcher studded with natural materials is a favorite winter activity for my son. With just a some water, natural materials, freezing temperatures and a little time, kids can create an unexpected, glistening decoration to brighten up the doldrums of winter inside your home or out in the yard. It isn't just pretty, this simple project offers some great added benefits. Searching for the leaves and twigs will force the kids to leave the house and venture outside on a gloomy winter day and waiting for the project to freeze hard is a great way for them to experience delayed gratification. If you don't have freezing temps (lucky) you can also just toss this in the freezer.
1. Gather fallen twigs, leaves, pinecones, berries or other small natural materials to use as decoration for your sun catcher. My son often included pebbles and small rocks in his and if nature isn't your thing you could use small toys, food coloring, paper cut outs, glitter or whatever you have around the house. The sun catcher also needs a hanger, I use a small loop of rustic looking twine to match the outdoorsy motif, but any sort of string or ribbon will do.
2. Fill a vessel halfway with water. A cake or pie tin works well . Arrange your decorations in the water and freeze. Remember to position the hanger in the water leaving the loop out for hanging later. During freezing temperatures you can work on the entire project outside, it takes just minutes, and then leave the pan to freeze overnight. If outside freezing isn't an option leave the pan on a terrace, a wide windowsill or pop it in the kitchen freezer for a several hours.
3. When frozen, un-mold your icicle by leaving the pan to thaw for a few minutes or running the underside through warm water for a few seconds until it loosens. Hang your creation in a sunny window or hang from a tree in the yard. Remember if you hang the sun catcher on the inside of the window be sure to leave a drip pan underneath to catch the water as it melts.
Find more fun things to do in Boredom Busters Activities Guide.