With some basic wire and beads, you can add a glimmer of color to your windows.
With the kids back to school, parents may find themselves taking an extra minute or two in the morning to enjoy a cup of coffee and take in nature.
Adorn your window with a pretty beaded suncatcher that you can enjoy as you enjoy your java time. Have your son or daughter help you create it, and they won't be far from home or your thoughts as you enjoy the colorful gem-filled suncatcher.
The suncatcher can be made to be any size, and embellished with some of your favorite beads. Visit local bead or specialty shops to find an array of beads in all shapes, styles and sizes. Take the craft a step further and research some of the beads and colors you plan to use to make your suncatcher even more meaningful.
Suncatchers can be used individually in windows, or hang several at varied lengths to give the window added interest.
The simplicity of this craft is the thing that makes it so fun to do. It requires few supplies and just a small time investment. Make several and keep them on hand for gifts. The recipient will be sure to be pleased and it will save you some time and money in the long run.
You can bump this craft up a notch and create shapes from the wire — just be sure to create small loops or bends in the wire that will allow your beads to anchor somewhere. If not, they will all end up in a clump at the bottom of your design.
For this craft, you will need glass beads of different shapes and sizes, round-nose pliers, flat-nose pliers, 20-gauge wire, a soda can, a hole punch and tin snips.
Decide how long you would like your suncatcher to be, double the measurement and add 2 inches. For example, if you want your finished suncatcher to be about 5 inches, you would cut a 12-inch length of wire.
Bend the wire in half and create a loop at the halfway point by twisting one end several times around the length of wire. This will be your bottom, and you should still have a long tail of wire remaining after it has been wrapped. If you wish to embellish the bottom with a design, cut the desired shape out of the soda can and punch a hole in it. Thread this on to the end of the wire before it is wrapped.
Bead the length of wire that was not wrapped with about 4 to 5 inches of beads, leaving about 3/4 of an inch of wire at the top. Use the round-nose pliers to bend this end downward into a loop, and flatten it to itself with the flat-nose pliers.
Take the loose tail of wire from the bottom and manipulate it in a spiral around the beaded wire. Lead it to the top and use your pliers to secure it, wrapping it around the bottom of the loop at the top. This will seal in the bottom of the loop and secure your spiral wire.
Hang with clear fishing line and enjoy.