Let's Make Sun Art!

This summer, surprise your kids with an easy yet mind-bending art project: Sun Art. By laying out objects on photosensitive paper, you can create lasting images of ferns, leaves, flowers and other found objects.

Sun Print Paper

The skinny on the science behind sun art? The sun's ultraviolet light waves have enough energy to break the bonds of chemicals, like the dyes in paper. This changes the paper's color - where ever the sun hits the page! Science and nature wonder is everywhere :)

Want to get a better idea how this works? Check out this 4 minute video by SciShowKids called Taking Pictures with the Sun. Share the video with your children to inspire them to jump into the project.

For a twist on this idea, try Starlight UV Arts and Crafts. Using an included UV flashlight and the same principles as sun art, cast shapes on the paper that can include intricate designs. For example, look at how the patterns of this drinking glass can create a pattern on the paper. Beautiful!

Create some meaningful memories outside with your children with this easy to manage, not messy and wonder-inspiring, old-school summer craft. Have fun!