DIY Bead Sun Catcher

Here's what you'll need for DIY Bead Sun Catchers:

• Translucent Pony Beads (2-3 cups)
• Metal Cookie Cutters (I used  these Wilton Hearts)
• Aluminum Foil
• Cookie Sheet
• Fishing Line
• Scissors

These sun catchers can easily be made with any shape of cookie cutter, but we happened to have heart shaped cutters around. Do NOT use plastic cookie cutters, since these won’t hold up in the oven. Trust me on this. Also note, there will be a smell when these are baked. Just an FYI, so you’re not surprised. We had the windows open during baking since the weather outside was nice, so just be aware.

Begin by gathering supplies and covering a sheet pan with aluminum foil.

Place metal cookie cutters on sheet pan and pour beads into a bowl for easy access.

Begin filling cookie cutter shapes with pony beads. Try making a pattern, like the flower in the large heart below, and be sure to fill up the entire cutter. Wherever you’re planning to hang the sun catcher, leave one bead out where you’d like to string the fishing line.

Place pan in an oven at 325 degrees and leave for 20-30 minutes, or until beads have melted. They may still have a bit of a lumpy shape to each bead, but the edges should be melted together.

Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes on sheet pan. Remove from cutter and pan.

Cut a 1 foot length of fishing line and thread it through the opening you left in the top of your sun catcher. If your sun catcher doesn’t have a natural opening, then you can use a nail and hammer to create a hole. Tie up the ends of the fishing line, and hang your sun catcher!

My kiddos loved making these sun catchers and all but one have survived. One bit the dust when it fell off of the hook on the window, so do be aware they can break when falling from a distance. Creating fun patterns would make this a great project for any group of adults as well.

This project would also be fantastic garden art if four or five were made and then hung like chimes to go outdoors. They would really catch the light! I hope you have a great week and happy gardening!