Inside: These melted bead suncatchers look fabulous hanging in the window and make a great project for tweens who like to craft.
If there is one thing that epitomises Fall as a season it has to be the changes in the leaves. Watching them transform is simply magical, and this fun suncatcher craft is perfect for representing the changing colours.
Of course, this process for melting pony beads works just as well for other seasons and themes, just swap out the type of metal cookie cutters you are using, and the colours of your pony beads.
It really is a simple process, fabulous as a project for tweens, and the results look simply magical hanging in a window!
RELATED: Looking for more colourful melting craft ideas? Why not try making your own rainbow crayons.
Melted Bead Suncatchers
You will need:
- Plastic pony beads
- Metal cookie cutters – click here for leaf shapes
- Baking tray
- Aluminum foil
- Toothpick or bamboo skewer
- Thread or yarn
- Drill fitted with ⅛ inch drill bit, optional
Hints & Tips:
- Please be aware that the beads do release plastic smells/fumes as they melt. To avoid the smell, you can use a toaster oven outside.
- Don’t have metal cookie cutters? Experiment with making freestyle designs on a baking tray covered with aluminium foil or baking paper. Be especially careful not to disturb your design as you transfer the tray to the oven.
To make:
1. Preheat oven to 200˚C/400˚F.
2. Line the baking tray with aluminum foil to protect the tray and make it easier to lift the melted ornaments from the pan.
3. Place cookie cutters into the baking tray. Fill each ornament with a single layer of beads. Use a toothpick or bamboo skewer to arrange the beads.
4. Carefully put the baking tray into the oven to melt the beads. The time required can vary based on the type of bead so be sure to keep a close eye on your suncatchers. Begin checking at 5 minutes (these ornaments took 15 minutes to melt).
The ornaments are ready when the beads are melted and the hole in each bead has disappeared.
5. Remove tray from the oven and allow to cool completely.
6. To remove the ornaments from the cookie cutters, gently pull the sides of the cookie cutter away from the ornament.
7. If desired, use the drill to create a small hole in each ornament for hanging.
8. Thread a length of string or yarn through the hole and hang in the window to display.
For more colourful projects that are more than a little magic, be sure to check out our cool eResource – Rainbows & Kaleidoscopes: 25 STEAM Activities Exploring Colour (and Color!).
For more crafts that look great displayed in your tween’s bedroom or personal space, click through to see our Craft Stick Lantern or Weaving on a Twig Frame.
Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.
