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Sustainable Suncatchers That Glow in the Sunlight

A calming craft project that teaches you to make beautiful suncatchers using bioplastic and natural inclusions.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 suncatchers
Course: Crafting
Cuisine: Crafting
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Cornstarch
  • Water
  • Glycerin optional
  • Thin recycled clear plastic sheets
  • Dried flowers
  • Pressed leaves
  • Tiny seeds
  • Small feathers optional
  • Mica powder or biodegradable shimmer powder
  • Small glass beads or recycled bead fragments optional
  • Heat-safe silicone mat or parchment paper
  • Small saucepan and heatproof bowl
  • Cookie cutters or small silicone molds
  • Fine sandpaper optional
  • Twine thin cork, driftwood, or brass ring
  • Scissors and small tweezers
  • Shallow tray or flat surface
  • Timer or watch

Method
 

  1. Prepare your workspace so it feels calm and clear.
  2. Keep a towel and water nearby.
  3. Lay the silicone mat or parchment on the table.
  4. Choose your inclusions and arrange them on the mat.
  5. Mix the bioplastic base if you use it.
  6. Warm the mixture slowly in a double boiler.
  7. Pour or spread the warm mixture onto the mat.
  8. Arrange dried flowers, mica, and beads on the warm surface.
  9. For defined shapes, press a cookie cutter into the warm sheet.
  10. If you use recycled plastic sheets, cut your shapes first.
  11. Allow each piece to cool in a quiet spot.
  12. Trim rough edges with scissors or fine sandpaper.
  13. Add a small hole for hanging with a heated skewer or punch.
  14. Thread twine or a brass ring through the hole.
  15. Test how the piece catches light by moving it toward the sun.
  16. If you want more glow, dust a tiny bit of mica or shimmer powder on top.
  17. Clean your workspace and store spare materials in labeled jars.

Notes

Suncatchers can be made using a variety of recycled materials and can be stored flat to prevent bending.