How to Make an Indian Suncatcher

The dreamcatcher is the basic design of a suncatcher.

Indian suncatchers are made in the same manner as deamcatchers, except that they have bits that sparkle and catch the sun. Almost any embellishment can be added to the web of the suncatcher, which enables the maker to tailor it for a specific person or to suit a particular decor scheme. pieces of glass will reflect some light, as well as letting some stream through to make splashes of color wherever they hit. This project can be done in a day with supplies from most craft and hobby stores.

Things You'll Need

• Metal hoop, six to eight inches in diameter
• 1/4-inch wide leather
• Glue, hot or craft
• Pencil
• Size D beading thread
• Embellishments

Instructions

1. Glue the free end of a spool of 1/4-inch wide leather to your metal hoop. The leather is available in many colors, so choose one that matches what you have in mind.

2. Wrap the leather around the ring, gluing every inch or so. Do this until the entire ring is covered. Set the spool of leather aside until it is time to make the loop for hanging your suncatcher.

3. Make three marks on the leather with a pencil, so that the ring is divided evenly into thirds. Do this again to make sixths, and once more to make ninths.

4. Tie one end of the beading thread to one of the marks on the hoop. Make a half-hitch knot with the beading thread at the next mark. For example, take the thread to the next mark and loosely wrap around the wire rim. Bring the thread up through the loop that was created and tighten. Move on to the next mark and repeat.

5. Make the next row of your web the same way you made the first, except make the half-hitch knots in between the the first knots. On this row, you can start adding your embellishments. Run the thread through the opening on the charm, glass pendant, or crystal bead, then continue making your knots to form your web.

6. Continue adding web rows and embellishments until the design is to your liking. To finish, tie a double knot and add a drop of glue to it

7. Cut a length of leather to the desired length. Tie it around the metal hoop part of the suncatcher, so that it forms a large loop. Hang the suncatcher in a sunny window or outside.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add strips of leather to the bottom and sides of the suncatcher to hang feathers or other embellishments, as well as adding another design element. Tie one end of the leather strip to the catcher, slip on a pony bead and then glue feathers into place. Slide the pony bead over the ends of the feathers to cover them.

• Be careful when using hot glue, it is easy to get burned.