DIY A Simple Crystal Bead Suncatcher

These simple to make Crystal Bead Suncatchers are my favourite crafty thing to create! 

The cut glass crystal ball at the end is the extra special touch, for it's what will cast rainbow colours through the room when the sunlight catches it!

Even on a bit of a cloudy day, it's still beautiful!

Hung in a window frame, like I do, they help deter birds from flying into your windows.

Not only that, they are a very quick, simple homemade gift to make.

You can hang the suncatchers in groups. If you make them different lengths, you'll have a little curtain of beaded suncatchers.

Or you could fill in the entire window with suncatchers.

This suncatcher only took 15 minutes to put together.

To make your own Crystal Bead Suncatcher, you will need:

Wire, I used 0.6mm silver wire (22 gauge)

An assortment of glass beads in different sizes in your chosen colours

A large cut crystal ball, size/diameter, 13cm (5 inches)

Wire Cutters

A small hook for hanging

Step1: Cut the wire to the length you have decided on.

Step 2: Thread one end of the wire through the hole at the top of the cut crystal ball. Then twist the wire at the top several times to secure it.

Step 3: Add a larger bead to cover the twisted wire.

Step 4: Thread your beads. This is where you get creative with the sizes and pattern placement of the beads.

Step 5: Once you have beaded the wire, you are happy with the design, and have beaded it for the desired length, twist a small loop at the top. Then trim the wire.

Step 6: Attach a small hook to the inside window frame.

Hang the Crystal Bead Suncatcher for all to enjoy!

I can wait for the sun to shine, for the glass beads to light up and for rainbows everywhere in the room from the crystal ball!

Save the birds Hanger

You might also like to make a blue suncatcher.

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Irish Hillside Living St Patricks Table Centrepiece

 I have a complete love affair with table centre pieces!

For me, it's all about the enjoyment of creating one for an occasion or just because you want a special decor focal piece!

At the moment, I'm thoroughly loving putting living elements into the table centre pieces I make.

And this one, an idea for St Patrick's Day, is no exception!

What I adore about this is it is reminiscent of an Irish hillside.

Let's Talk About The Elements Used:

Plants: Clover with roots (dug up from my lawn), live moss, lichen, moss-covered bark.

Cloche:  I upcycled a clear glass lightshade.

Container:  A gold plastic plate that is recessed so it will hold moisture.

Florist Foam: 

Green for fresh flower arranging, which has been soaked until thoroughly wet.

Pot Of Gold: 

A small glass jar (I used an old moisturiser jar), gold ribbon, and gold-wrapped sweets (Hershey's Kisses).

A dollar store wood label pick.

A green coloured oil paint marker.

A gold permanent marker with a fine tip.

Other Things:

Wire cutters, thin wire.

Embellishments: 

A large, beautiful stone, a piece of interestingly shaped wood (for height), two sparkling natural crystal rocks, small pebbles, straw flowers, tiny glass bottles with cork stoppers (found on Temu). 

A gold plastic placemat.

Note: I decided not to use the brass dragonfly or the stone carved heart shown in the photograph of supplies.

How To Create A living St Patricks Day Table Centrepiece:

Prepare the sign by colouring it green, using the oil paint pen.

Set it aside to dry

Use up and down strokes of the oil paint pen to colour the jar.

It doesn't have to look perfect.

When the sign is dry, write your chosen words using the metallic gold pen.

Cut a piece of the wet florist foam to fit your plate, then place the wood at the back of the foam. Check the cloche fits over everything before adding anymore elements.

Use the end of a spoon to make a hole in the foam to plant the clover.

 

Push the offcuts around the roots.

Secure bits of bark to the foam using u shaped pieces of wire.

Attach the moss and lichen in the same way.

My wood piece had an opening at the base that looked like a cave, so I popped two golden strawflower heads into it for a 'cave of gold'.

I also added some small pebbles around the base of the foam.

Tie a ribbon with a bow onto the green painted jar.

Position it in your arrangement.

Fill the jar with gold foil-covered sweets.

Add embellishments, like these mini bottles.

Use vaseline to wipe over your rock to make it glossy and bring out the patterns and colours

Place in the arrangement, as well as the other rocks you choose to use.

Place your cloche over the top of the centrepiece.

Put the gold tablemat under it when you position it on your table.

You can adapt this project and use all artificial elements if you prefer!

But the living version is super special and worth the hour it took to create.

You'll find more St Patrick's Day ideas, including free printables, HERE.

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Two FREE St Patrick Day Printables

 St Patrick's Day is the next celebration on my list, so I've started thinking about table centre piece design and some new printables. 

 Today's printables are an arty abstract four-leaf clover and a fun Robin Williams doppelganger leprechaun. 

You can use these images for personal use:

*cards

*scrapbooking

*framed for St Patrick's Day decor

*stickers or labels for sweet bags

*screensavers

The True Meaning of St Pat's Day:

 St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17th, is widely recognised as a time for revelry and festivity, with parades, green attire, and plenty of Irish music. However, beyond the shamrocks and beer, there lies a deeper significance rooted in history, culture, and faith.

Historical Background:

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is credited with bringing Christianity to the island in the 5th century. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave, but he escaped, only to return years later as a missionary. His efforts in converting the Irish to Christianity were profound, and he used the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity—an enduring symbol of his mission.

Symbolism of the Day:

The shamrock, symbolizing both faith and the Irish identity, is celebrated alongside St. Patrick’s legacy. March 17th, the day of his death, was initially recognized as a religious holiday, commemorating his life and contributions.

Leprechauns are part of this day because they have an iconic place in Irish folklore and mythology.

Cultural Significance

While the day has evolved into a celebration for many, it remains a cherished occasion for the Irish and those of Irish descent to honour their heritage. Parades and festivals across the globe highlight traditional Irish music, dance, and cuisine, bringing communities together, regardless of individual backgrounds.

Celebrations Today:

Today, cities worldwide celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with vibrant parades, green decorations, and cultural showcases. Many embrace this day as an opportunity to reflect on the themes of unity, community, and shared heritage, reminding us of the rich tapestry that makes up our diverse world.

You'll find more St Patricks Day Ideas HERE.

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