Ingredients
- 8 fluid ounces clear-drying school glue, such as Elmer's Clear School Glue
- 1 sheet of clear plastic acetate, 8 inches by 10 inches
- 1 piece of white cardstock, 5 inches by 7 inches, for the template
- 6 to 10 small pressed or fully dried flowers, each about 1/2 inch to 1 inch wide
- 2 tablespoons dried flower petals, optional for filling small spaces
- 1 piece of cotton cord, 12 inches long
- 1 small wooden craft stick, 4 1/2 inches long
- 1 small soft paintbrush, about 1/2 inch wide
- 1 pair of sharp scissors, 5 to 7 inches long
- 1 roll of painter's tape, 3/4 inch wide
- 1 sheet of wax paper, at least 12 inches by 16 inches
- 1 clean glass or small bowl, 8 to 12 fluid ounces, for holding the cord
- 1 pair of disposable nitrile or vinyl gloves, one pair
- 1 table covering, such as a plastic drop cloth or opened paper grocery bag
- 1 small sheet of fine sandpaper, 220 grit, optional for smoothing a rough edge
Instructions
- Cover the table before you open the glue with a drop cloth or flattened paper grocery bag.
- Make the hanging template by placing the 5-inch by 7-inch cardstock on the acetate and taping the corners lightly.
- Tape down the plastic by smoothing the 8-inch by 10-inch acetate over the wax paper and taping all four outer corners.
- Spread the first glue layer by pouring about 3 fluid ounces of clear glue into the center of the template and pushing it outward into a rectangle about 4 inches wide by 6 inches tall.
- Leave a small border by stopping the spread of glue about 1/4 inch from the template edges.
- Place the dried flowers while the glue remains wet by arranging 6 to 10 flowers and pressing each down with the tip of the brush.
- Add small petals by sprinkling up to 2 tablespoons of dried petals into open spaces.
- Add the second glue layer by spooning the remaining 5 fluid ounces of glue over the flowers and guiding it across the surface until the flowers look covered.
- Check the edges and bubbles at eye level and gently nudge large bubbles toward an open edge.
- Make the hanging loop by folding the 12-inch cotton cord in half and tying the loose ends together in a small knot. Lay the folded loop into the wet glue at the top center.
- Let the panel dry flat in a dust-free place for 24 hours before checking it. Wait the full 24 to 48 hours before lifting or trimming.
- Peel and trim carefully by removing the tape and gently lifting one corner of the clear panel from the acetate, cutting away uneven glue strings.
- Finish and clean up by hanging the suncatcher only after the glue feels firm from edge to center, and washing the craft stick and brush with warm water.
Notes
Keep the piece away from direct outdoor weather, strong heat, and places where it can rub against a hard surface. Do not place it directly on unfinished wood.
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
