How to Make a Cross Suncatcher
Cross suncatchers are simple crafts to make at home and with children. Make a cross suncatcher to give as a gift, or use this craft for a group activity at a church function. Large cross suncatchers leave you with plenty of space to add details and a variety of colors. Stick with one or two colors if your cross suncatcher is smaller in size for the clearest image.
Things You'll Need
- Paper and pencil
- Clear plastic lanyard
- Scissors
- Drinking straw
- 82 7mm transparent beads in a lighter shade, such as clear or pale blue
- 26 7mm transparent beads in a bolder shade, such as deep purple or red
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Suction cup with attached metal hook
Instructions
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1
Use your pencil to draw out a grid of 9-by-12 spaces on the piece of paper. Draw a circle in each space to symbolize each bead. Indicate a cross (lower-case "t") shape in the center of the grid by shading in these circles with your pencil. It will take 26 circles (beads) in total to make the shape.
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2
Cut nine strips of clear plastic lanyard, each at 10 inches long. Place the straw horizontally across the top of a flat surface. Place each of the nine strips of lanyard equally along the length of the straw so one end of each crosses over the straw and is perpendicular to it. Leave one inch of space at either side of the straw.
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3
Fold the ends of the plastic strips over the top and underneath the straw. Apply a small amount of hot glue to the underneath of the straw where the lanyard end is located to hold it in place.
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4
String each lanyard strip of beads according to the drawing you made of the cross, starting at one side and completing each strip before you move on to the next one. Tie a knot at the end of each beaded strip as it's complete. Add a small amount of hot glue to the knot to keep it knotted.
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5
Thread a piece of the plastic lanyard through the straw. Make a loop and tie a knot in the ends of the lanyard.
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6
Stick the suction cup on a glass surface or window. Hang the looped lanyard over the hook.
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Tips & Warnings
Beads that are in contrasting shades create a more identifiable image.
Do not use multiple colors for the background or the image will get lost.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit a glass cat suncatcher image by Jeannine Comeau from Fotolia.com
