Craft Bead Suncatcher

For today's project we'll be making a lovely  indoor/outdoor sun catcher out of inexpensive craft beads.

 

 

(Images by Feels Like Home from their website {http://www.feelslikehomeblog.com/2013/05/melted-bead-suncatchers-perfect-for-a-homemade-mothers-day-gift/}.)


 To complete this project you'll need: 

• Assorted Plastic Craft Beads
• Metal or Disposable Foil Pans
• String, Fishing Line, or Ribbon to Hang Suncatcher

 

Craft Beads, also known as pony beads, can be found pretty easily at major retailers with craft sections, like Walmart, and at any and every craft store, such as JoAnn's, Michael's, Pat Catan's, Hobby Lobby, etc. for just a couple dollars per bag.  Some basic varieties can also be found at dollar stores.  I bought my beads at Dollar Tree for just $1.

 Disposable foil pans can be found just about anywhere also.  I'd definitely recommend buying foil pans from the dollar store, or if you'd prefer to use actual metal pans, since we'll be melting plastic in them, it's a good idea to not use pans you cook & eat from.  I'd recommend buying some from Goodwill or a yard sale, so that you know you're not eating any remnants of melted plastic.

String, fishing line, or ribbon is readily available at any dollar store or retailer for just a dollar or two.


First, preheat your oven to 400°F.

Next, spread your beads out in your pan in a single layer so that they're lying flat.  It's a good idea to leave a small circular area free of beads, so that you have an easy area to hang your string or ribbon from later.

**Melting the plastic can produce some unpleasant fumes and odors, so it's highly recommended that you keep your kitchen well ventilated, opening windows and doors and turning on fans.

Cooking time can take up to an hour, depending on the thickness of your beads, to ensure that everything is evenly melted and smooth.

Next, you'll need to let your suncatcher cool before removing it from the pan.  Once it's cooled & removed from the pan, you can hang it from the open space that we left between the beads.  If your suncatcher melted all together & did not keep the empty space, you can always poke your own hole to pull your string or ribbon through.

 














 Once you've tied your ribbon or string onto your suncatcher, you're all done & it's ready to hang!

Voila! You've made a Craft Bead Suncatcher!
Thank You & Enjoy!