Childhood101

playing. learning. growing.

  • Learning Activities
    • Mathematics
    • Literacy
    • Social Emotional Learning
    • Distance Learning Resources
    • Coding for Kids
    • Science & Nature
    • Art & Craft
    • Holidays/Celebrations
    • Best Books for Kids
    • Products We Love
  • Play Ideas
    • Group Games for Kids
    • Sensory Play Ideas
    • Outdoor Play
    • Fun Play Spaces
    • Pretend Play
    • Lego Challenges
  • PRINTABLES
  • Books for Kids
    • Picture Books
    • Chapter Books
    • Graphic Novels
  • Activities By Age
    • School Age Learners
    • Pre+K Learners
    • Toddler Play
    • Baby Play
  • SHOP

Melted Bead Suncatchers: Fall Craft Idea for Tweens

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 Suncatcher Shapes

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.

Melted Bead Suncatchers

 

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.

Melted Bead Leaf Suncatchers

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.

Melted Bead Shape Suncatchers

8. Thread a length of string or yarn through the hole and hang in the window to display.

Melted Bead Shapes

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!).

Rainbow activities for kidsFor 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.

Craft Ideas for Tweens: Craft Stick Lantern Kids weaving project ideas

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.

Filed Under: Bigger Kids Play, Featured

Previous post: Skittles Experiment: Cool Science for Kids
Next post: Glitter Ice Painting Sticks
Welcome
pinterestinstagramteachers pay teachersyoutubefacebook

Search

Tips & Resources


Latest

Best ideas for sensory play for toddlers

20 Best Ideas for Sensory Play for Toddlers

Looking for ideas for sensory play for toddlers? Today we have a super fun list … [Read More...]

Over 55 super ideas for sensory bins

55+ Super Sensory Bin Ideas for Kids

We are big fans of sensory play in our house! Since they were small, my girls … [Read More...]

65+ YA dystopian books for teens

21 Thrilling YA Dystopian Book Series for Teens

Inside: Our pick of the best YA dystopian books series for teens. If your … [Read More...]

The Book

Learning Resources


Activities by Age

Baby
Toddler
Preschool
School-age
Family

Copyright ©2022 · Childhood101 - All Rights Reserved ·

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • PRIVACY POLICY