How to Make an Autumn Leaf Suncatcher
An autumn suncatcher adds a brightening charm to any window that it adorns, and is a welcoming sight on a crisp fall day. Implementing the rays of the sun, suncatchers give off a glow that is as appealing as it is interesting. Using autumn leaves, you can make a suncatcher that will warm the heart of anyone coming in from a brisk fall day. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Collect fallen leaves from different types of trees. The brighter the leaves, the better your suncatcher will be, because the sunlight will shine through and intensify the colors. Golden hues and bright oranges look beautiful and will show off the veins and leaf structure the best.
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Cut a piece of crystal clear contact paper to whatever size you want. Suncatchers can be made to suit any taste and they can even be used to cover an entire window. This project is perfect for a window that needs some brightening up and an oversized suncatcher can give the appearance of stained glass when the light hits it.
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3
Arrange your leaves on the contact paper, with the sticky side of the contact paper facing up. Make sure that none of the leaves extend over the edges of the contact paper. The leaves can overlap, but there should also be clear space in some areas to allow the sun to shine through and show the detail of the leaves.
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Cut a second piece of contact paper, the same size as the first. Lay it on top of the one that has the leaves arranged on it. Press the contact paper down firmly, and gently smooth out any bumps with the palm of your hand. If the two pieces do not meet precisely on all sides, you can trim any excess with scissors
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Punch a hole in the top of the suncatcher with the hole punch, and thread the string through. For bigger suncatchers, you may want to use two holes to balance it out. Place the suncatcher in the window of your choice and enjoy the brilliance of the autumn colors.
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Tips & Warnings
This craft can also be done using two thin pieces of plexi-glass. The leaves can be arranged on the first piece, with a thick coating of hot glue along the edges, and the second piece firmly secured on top. Instead of a hole, a suction hanger can be used to attach it to a window.
Contact paper can be found in craft stores, and stores that sell home goods
Be sure to only use leaves that are completely dry, but not so dry that they crumble.
Resources
- Photo Credit www.morguefile.com