Make colorful bead suncatchers in a frame, wonderful for displaying or gift giving. This is an easy and fast way to make melted bead suncatchers with a simple built-in frame.
Updated March 2024
These colorful plastic bead suncatchers in embroidery hoop frames are a great new take on the melted bead suncatcher!
It is quick and easy to make plastic bead suncatchers and these come with a built-in frame. You can get embroidery hoops in just about any size from teeny-tiny to rather large and the little holder at the top is perfect for hanging.
Wouldn’t a window full of these suncatchers in various sizes be lovely?
Note: melting plastic is toxic, so be sure to follow the directions closely and do this project outside!
How to Make Bead Suncatchers in a Frame
MATERIALS
- Metal baking dish*
- Aluminum foil
- Wood embroidery hoop, any size that will fit on your baking dish and in your grill
- Translucent pony beads
- And/or Glitter pony beads
- Gas or electric grill (preferably outside)
*After doing this several times, we’ve decided that it’s best to use older or thrift store baking dishes that you’ll dedicate to crafts.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare suncatcher supplies
Place your wood embroidery hoop on a foil-lined baking dish.
- Create pony bead pattern
Add the plastic pony beads in any pattern desired inside of the embroidery hoop. You can go for random, abstract, or representational designs.
- Fill frame with pony beads
Insert extra beads into any spaces you see. Make sure to fill the hoop completely.
The beads melt to fill the space, but then contract a little when they cool. If you don’t have enough beads, the suncatcher might pull away from the embroidery hoop.
- Melt the plastic beads
Important Note! The melting plastic is not good to breathe, so this step is best done outside.
We make all of our melted bead suncatchers on the gas grill outside so that we don’t get any toxic chemicals inside. The grill works great and only takes about 10 minutes! You could also use a toaster oven outside. But whichever way you melt the beads, be sure to do so outside!
Bake for 5-15 minutes at 400-450 degrees F. The time will vary depending on the size of the stained glass and the temperature. We typically set a timer for 5 minutes and then check it frequently after that.
- Remove from heat
When the beads are completely melted and flat, remove from the heat. Be sure to not let it get too hot and start to bubble.
Let it cool completely, then peel the aluminum foil off the back of the suncatcher.
You can hang your plastic bead suncatchers in the window using a suction cup with hooks. Hang the hoop right on the hook, or tie a ribbon loop around the screw of your hoop and then hang.
Wouldn’t these make nice gifts?
More Bead Suncatcher Crafts for Kids
- How to Make a Suncatcher with Beads
- 7 Ways to Make Melted Plastic Bead Suncatchers
- How to Make a Melted Bead Suncatcher Mobile
- How to Make Rainbow Plastic Bead Suncatchers
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