These suncatchers look awesome hanging in the window, but they’re also really fun to play with! Shine a flashlight over the suncatchers to experiment with the colourful shadows. So cool!
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Helpful Tips:
What is black glue?
Black glue is a combination of white glue and black acrylic paint. The black glue flows smoothly out of the bottle and it’s often used in art to create a contrast between the black lines and another medium, like watercolour paint, pastels, or markers. Black glue flattens a bit and turns matte as it dries, but it still provides nice, raised lines that are easy to colour in.
What kind of squeeze bottle works the best?
The squeeze bottle we used is actually meant for candy making. Basically you want to use a bottle with a small nozzle that allows you to create fine lines with the black glue.
Download our free printable templates to make these DIY suncatchers:
Click the links below to find many great options for tracing! The templates are free to download and print. See each page for PDF links that will open in a new window. Then print them on regular 8.5 x 11 (letter sized) printer paper.
»> Heart Outline «<
We used both the large and medium sizes of heart outline #1.
»> Butterfly Template «<
We used large butterflies #1 & #5 and drew our own butterfly patterns inside.
»> Star Template «<
We used the large star template #1. We also used the largest size on the ‘many sizes’ option of star #1.
What can I use as a base for my stained glass suncatcher?
We used transparency film, the kind used for overhead projectors. It’s a flexible, clear plastic that provides a sturdy enough base to make these suncatchers. You can also put a blank laminating pouch through a laminator and use that. Plastic folders would also work well, or you can cut out a flat part from a plastic clamshell (the kind that fruit and pastries come in).
What type of markers are the best for making DIY suncatchers?
We found permanent markers to be the best choice for colouring on the transparency film. We used Shuttle Art markers, but coloured Sharpies also worked very well. Be sure to use darker colours, because lighter colours don’t show up very well on the plastic. Glass markers would probably be another good choice. We tried washable Crayola markers, but the colours beaded up on the plastic. It’s definitely an option if that’s all you have, but you won’t get the smooth consistent colours you see in our photos.
How can I hang this suncatcher craft in the window?
We used removable double sided tape to hang these suncatchers, but sticky tack works as well. It looks best if you can hide whatever you use to stick it with behind the black glue sections. You can also make a small hole at the top with a one hole punch and hang the DIY suncatcher on a suction cup hook. This will allow the suncatcher to move in the breeze, as well!
Add a little colour to your life with this pretty DIY suncatcher craft. These suncatchers look gorgeous reflected in the sun, and they’re also really fun and inexpensive to make!
Here’s even more summer craft ideas:
Glass Bead Suncatchers
Coffee Filter Butterflies
Tape Resist Art
Melted Bead Suncatchers
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
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