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This is The Coolest DIY Suncatcher You’ll Make This Spring

March 30, 2015 by Lisa Fulmer

You know those products you buy that come inside thick plastic packaging that are really hard to open? Here’s a tip – it’s worth your time to carefully cut the plastic apart with a craft knife, because you can recycle that plastic into colorful embellishments for a cool craft project, like this sparkling suncatcher! You’ll find another fun spin on this project in my book, Craft Your Stash.

suncatcher2

Supplies

  • Recycled clear plastic, cut into 1” squares
  • Washed lid from a soup can, cut with a safety rim can opener
  • Alcohol inks and applicator
  • Cardstock
  • 0.8mm clear stretchy beading cord
  • Small beads
  • Short eye pins, jump rings
  • Round nose beading pliers, wire cutters
  • Heavy-duty hole punch

 

  1. Cover the top of the can lid with a circle of cardstock, then punch 8 small holes evenly around the perimeter of the can lid, about ½” in from the edge. Punch 4 more holes at north, south, east and west positions about ¼” inside the ring of 8 holes. The inside ring of 4 holes will be for the hanger. Punch one final hole through the center of the lid. If your hole punch won’t make it to the center, hammer a nail through the lid against a scrap piece of wood, then remove the nail.

 

canlid

 

  1. Cut 8 pieces of beading cord to your desired length – I used 11”. Thread one cord down through the top of the lid into each of the 8 exterior holes. Tie a knot (pull it tight to secure) around a small bead for the top of each cord to hold it in place.
  1. Add a few beads to the center of each cord and tie a knot under them so they “float” in place. Vary the colors and positions of your beads on each cord. Cut 2 or 4 cords opposite each other shorter by inch or two shorter to vary the lengths if desired. Be sure the beads on each cord are approximately the same number and size/weight.

 

plastictiles

 

  1. Tint one side of the plastic tiles with one or more colors of alcohol inks. A quick pouncing motion with the applicator will yield a pretty marbleized effect. When dry, punch a small hole in the top and bottom of each tile.
  1. Create 8 mini beaded dangles by inserting a short eye pin into a small bead, then curl the top of the pin into a small loop with the pliers. Attach a bead to the bottom of each tile with a jump ring, then attach a beaded tile to the end of each cord with a jump ring – pull the knot in the cord tightly.
  1. To create the proper tension across the lid for even hanging, thread two short lengths of stretch cord through the interior holes at north/south and east/west in the lid and secure each end with a knotted bead underneath the lid.

suncatcher1

  1. Make a longer, heavier beaded dangle for the center of your suncatcher on a separate length of cord – this weight in the center will help it hang straight. Thread the top of the cord up through the center hole and tie it in a knot around the intersection of your tension cords. Add a couple jump rings through the intersection of cords, then you’re ready to hang your suncatcher on a hook in your window, under a cabinet or outside on a tree branch (bring inside during bad weather).

 Have you ever made a sun catcher?


Follow AllFreeKidsCrafts’s board DIY Wind Chimes & DIY Suncatchers on Pinterest.

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Lisa Fulmer
Blogger at Lisa Liza Lou
Lisa has worked in the craft industry for many years as a designer and marketing consultant. She loves being an artist, crafter, writer and teacher! Lisa has written two popular craft project books - "Craft Your Stash" and "Stylish Craft Foam Projects." She's a columnist for Bella Crafts Quarterly Magazine and she writes about her city's art scene for a news blog and local newspaper. Lisa is also an active member of the Craft & Hobby Association.
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Latest posts by Lisa Fulmer (see all)
  • Embossed-Look Handmade Cards - September 18, 2015
  • Recycled Crafts: Give new life to an old vase - July 1, 2015
  • UPCYCLE! How to Make Bracelets From Old Necklaces - June 16, 2015

Filed Under: Kids' Crafts Tagged With: Kids' Crafts, Recycled Crafts

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