Gift Idea - Bead Suncatcher...

If you love the joy of gifting handcrafts, then this one is for you.

Grandma would adore it - ((gift idea ;) ))

Or...

You can make them in festive colours 

hung individually use them to decorate your tree.

Either way - the bead suncatchers are simply FUN!

NOTE:

So this is where I will be honest with ya all.
This project was a near Pinterest FAIL!
This is what I discovered:

Don't buy pearl coated beads because they don't melt - your shape will disintegrate as you take it out of the mould.
Use a mould with a simple shape - hearts and circles are best.

Use a single layer of beads.

Some plastic beads melt together fabulously - others don't.
The clear glue backing method fixes this and makes the suncatcher stronger.
So now I have solved all these issues for ya all...
I can happily say 'It's a fun activity to do with the kids'.

You will need:

Plastic beads from the Dollar or craft store.

Old cookie cutter moulds.

Baking paper lined tray 

A skewer
Thick clear glue -(I used craft glue)
A piece of ribbon

To Make:

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees celsius (400F)

Place cookie cutters onto the tray

Pour a single layer of beads in the cookie cutter.

Place into oven

Bake for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven.

Cool slightly.

Use skewer to poke edge to remove from the cutter shape.

When cold:

Spread a layer of clear glue on the back of each shape.

Run the ribbon hanger to join each shape.
 Leave 24 hours to set.

Hang, wrap and gift for Christmas...

Or hang on your tree.