How to make colorful melted beads suncatchers that are wonderful for displaying or gift giving. This is an easy and fast way to make melted bead suncatchers with a simple built-in frame.
These colorful plastic bead suncatchers in embroidery hoop frames are my new favorite take on the melted bead suncatchers!
It is quick and easy to make plastic bead suncatchers and they 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?
How to Make Melted Beads Suncatchers in Embroidery Hoop Frames
MATERIALS
- Metal baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Wood embroidery hoop, any size that will fit on your baking dish and in your grill or toaster oven
- Translucent pony beads
- And/or Glitter pony beads
- Gas or electric grill (preferably outside)
INSTRUCTIONS
Step #1. Prepare suncatcher supplies
Place your wood embroidery hoop on a foil-lined baking dish.
Step #2. 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.
Step #3. 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.
Step #4. Melt the plastic beads
Bake for 5-15 minutes at 400-450 degrees F. I use a gas grill outdoors but I’ve heard that a toaster oven outside also works well. The time will vary depending on the size of the stained glass and the temperature. I set my timer for 5 minutes and then check it frequently after that.
Note: The fumes from melting plastic are not good to breathe, which is why we do the melting on the grill outside. If you decide to do it inside, make sure to ventilate well.
Step #5. Remove from heat
Remove from heat when the beads are completely melted and flat (ideally). 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. Hold up the suncatcher to the light and admire!
You can hang your plastic bead suncatchers in the window using a suction cup with hooks (just hook the embroidery hoop screw over the hook) as we did in these images. You can also make a hanging loop with ribbon or string and tie it to the screw. We’ve made a bunch with bead loops which are especially lovely!
Wouldn’t these make nice gifts?
3 More Melted Beads Suncatchers in Frames
- To see how to make shapes, such as hearts or stars, within the embroidery hoop frames, see this post of 7 Homemade Suncatchers with Plastic Beads.
- We’ve also used these frames to make seasonal suncatchers, such as this Jack-o’-lantern suncatcher for Halloween.
- And we’ve made Mondrian-inspired melted bead art in frames.
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