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7 Ways to Make Melted Plastic Bead Suncatchers

by Jean Van't Hul
March 5, 2022
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Here are some of our favorite ways to make melted plastic bead suncatchers on the grill. These homemade suncatchers are easy to make, durable & beautiful!

Updated February 2024

If you know anything about The Artful Parent, you’ll know that we love suncatchers and that we REALLY love melted bead suncatchers! Melted bead suncatchers are durable enough to withstand the elements and time making them perfect for outdoor use. They make great gifts too!

We’ve made all kinds of melted plastic bead suncatchers. Here are a few of our favorite ideas!

Important Note! The melting plastic is not good to breathe, so be sure to do this project outside.

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How to Make Melted Plastic Bead Suncatchers

MATERIALS

  • Translucent plastic pony beads
  • A metal pan of some sort, whether a cookie sheet (for many of the flat suncatchers), an old muffin tin (for the small round disks), metal cookie cutters (for the fairy wands or shaped ornaments), or a thrift store jelly mold (for the 3D hearts and stars)
  • A way to heat and melt the beads. Important Note! The melting plastic is not good to breathe, so be sure to do this project 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!

Make sure to read our post on how to make melted bead suncatchers first.

melted bead suncatchers
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

1. A Classic Melted Bead Suncatcher

Melted bead suncatchers are easy to make from kids’ plastic pony beads. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a beautiful and durable suncatcher.

Making Plastic Beads Suncatchers in Rainbow Designs
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

2. A Rainbow Plastic Bead Suncatcher

Arrange your pony beads into a rainbow for a beautiful addition to any window!

suncatcher mobile
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

3. A Melted Bead Suncatcher Mobile

How to make a colorful suncatcher mobile. This is such a fun craft to do with kids & makes a great decoration or gift!

heart shaped melted bead suncatcher
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

4. Make Suncatcher Hearts

You can melt beads to make suncatcher hearts, stars, words, shapes, and more if you string them on thread or wire first.

pony bead suncatchers in embroidery hoop
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

5. Suncatchers in Embroidery Hoop Frames 

Use an embroidery hoop as your suncatcher frame! They are perfect for displaying or gift giving.

suncatcher wands
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

6. Make a DIY Fairy Wand with Plastic Beads

Learn how to make a dazzling DIY fairy wand from plastic pony beads! These kids’ fairy wands make great gifts, party favors, and pretend play accessories!

Free form melted bead pony bead suncatchers
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

7. Make Melted Bead Art

Make easy and beautiful melted bead art and free form suncatchers and mobiles using beads and thread or wire.

And remember: melting plastic is toxic, so be sure to follow the directions for each of these projects closely and do this project outside!

More Suncatcher Crafts for Kids

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