Chinese New Year Suncatcher Craft - A Peek Into Our Process

Have you ever wondered how we come up with our printable ideas at Lingo Buddies? While Pinterest offers endless inspiration, the real magic happens when I observe children at play and witness their learning in action.

As a former teacher, I’ve had firsthand experience guiding students through the process of learning a new language. Now, as a mom, I see things from a fresh perspective. This dual lens shapes the way I design our worksheets for learning Mandarin Chinese.

Let’s face it—many traditional worksheets rely on rote repetition, the classic “practice makes perfect” approach. But for children aged 3 to 8, this stage of exploration is about making sense of the world. The last thing I want is for their introduction to Mandarin to feel dull or disconnected. My goal is to bridge the gap between language learning and their everyday lives. It’s this connection—linking words to their world—that makes learning stick and fosters a lifelong love for Mandarin.

After wrapping up a year’s worth of worksheet planning, I thought it’d be fun to share how one of our printable activities came to be.

Inspiration Strikes

Every morning, my little one and I take a moment to observe the sky from our balcony before diving into the day. This simple ritual sparked the idea for a suncatcher printable. I could have bought one, but where’s the fun in that when they’re so easy to make at home?

Sketching It Out

I began with quick sketches, letting my ideas flow freely. At this stage, it’s all about brainstorming. Pinterest helped refine the vision and added a sprinkle of creative direction.

Design Refinement

Once I had a handful of sketches, I focused on simplicity—easy-to-cut shapes and minimal tools to keep little hands engaged without frustration.

Digital Drafting

Using Adobe Illustrator, I transformed the sketches into clean, symmetrical outlines. The designs were practical: just trim the edges, fold in half, and cut out the center.

Testing and Tweaking

Next came testing. I printed, cut, and assembled each suncatcher, making small adjustments to ensure the process was smooth and enjoyable.

Capture the Process

I love capturing the steps of the craft in photos so you can follow along visually. Here’s a quick look at the process from start to finish, so you can see how the suncatcher comes to life.

The Final Product

And voilà! Our Chinese New Year suncatchers came to life, featuring festive designs like gold coins, ingots, and lanterns. When hung on the window, they catch the morning light beautifully, bringing a warm, celebratory glow to the home.

So, there you have it—a behind-the-scenes look at how our printables come to life. I hope you’ll try making these suncatchers with your little ones. They’re not just a fun craft but a meaningful way to welcome the new year together.

I’d love to see your suncatchers! Share your creations with us on social media using #LingoBuddiesCrafts—let’s celebrate the new year together!

Here are some related activities for you to try:

DIY Lucky Red Envelopes
My Lucky Minibook
Chinese New Year 2D Lantern

These activities are designed to keep the learning fun and engaging while celebrating the holiday season. Enjoy crafting and learning together!