Pony bead suncatchers are a fairly simple craft to do with most ages of kids. It is not difficult and requires just a few materials. However, adult supervision and assistance is required to ensure safety. This is especially true when using the oven and, if desired, a drill. They can be as colorful as desired, or have a design or pattern. We also tried solid-colored beads to give a different look.
My boys enjoy crafting, one of them a bit more than his brothers. I found a ‘how to’ for suncatchers and thought it would be a good craft to try out. Sometimes when I find craft ideas for my kiddos I like to try them out on my own first. That way I am able to figure out any issues I would have and become more familiar with the project. Then, when it comes to my boys crafting that project, I am more prepared to help them. Otherwise I feel a bit disorganized. This also helps me to tweak the project, if necessary, to make it suit our needs.
The supplies needed to make this suncatcher are minimal. Of course, if they are not on hand, the supplies are easy to find at the store. Once gathered, it is time to put this craft together. I like to use a muffin tin or silicone mold that is just for crafting. In other words, I do not use the materials to cook food in. Putting the beads in the tin can be done quickly. However, if doing a pattern or design, might take a little while longer. Due to cooking plastic, it is a good idea to use a well ventilated area. I have read that some crafters like to take a toaster oven outside when creating these. That way the fumes dissipate in the air. Personally, I use one of the ovens in my kitchen. I make these when the weather is nice enough to have my windows open.
Happy crafting!
Pony Bead Suncatchers
Make fun, colorful suncatchers with plastic pony beads.
Materials
- PONY BEADS Clear or Translucent plastic (a few solid pony beads, if desired)
- MUFFIN TIN (regular or mini, or oven-safe cookie cutters and a pie plate
- STRING, beading line, fishing line, or anything to hang the suncatcher
- OVEN or toaster oven
- DRILL with a small bit (to make a hole in the suncatcher for the string to fit through) -or- heat safe grommets -or- hot glue, epoxy or other strong adhesive
- SUCTION CUPS small, with hooks, to attach to a window (optional)
- SCISSORS
Instructions
Notes
Be creative with colors, patterns and designs. Sometimes sharp edges will form. This happens when there are not enough beads or if it does not cook long or hot enough. Watch the suncatchers as they are baking to see if you need to add another bead or two. Also, you can use some sand paper lightly to soften sharp edges. I have used some solid colors to form a heart, around Valentine's Day. It did not make a heart, but a blocky triangle. I have also used an oven-safe silicone mold to create heart-shaped suncatchers. They turned out fine. I have tried both epoxy for the hanger and drilling a hole to thread the line through. Be creative and see what you can create!
“Listen! It;s the voice of someone shouting, ‘Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!” (Isaiah 40:3, NLT)