Ingredients
- 1 sheet of clear laminating pouch film, 8.5 by 11 inches
- 6 to 8 blue crayons, standard 3.5-inch crayons in assorted shades
- 1 white crayon, standard 3.5-inch size (optional)
- 1 sheet of white cardstock, 8.5 by 11 inches
- 1 piece of light blue or white ribbon, 12 inches long and 1/4 inch wide
- 1 household iron
- 1 ironing board or heat-safe work surface
- 1 pressing cloth, about 12 by 14 inches, made from plain cotton
- 1 hand pencil sharpener
- 1 pair of scissors, sharp enough for cardstock and plastic film
- 1 ruler, 12 inches long
- 1 pencil, standard
- 1 roll of painter’s tape, 1 inch wide
- 1 drop cloth or several sheets of newspaper, enough to cover about 2 by 3 feet
- 1 pair of heat-resistant household gloves (optional)
- 1 dust mask (optional)
Instructions
- Cover your table first with a drop cloth or several sheets of newspaper.
- Gather all your materials: clear film, crayons, cardstock, ribbon, iron, pressing cloth, ruler, pencil, scissors, tape, and protective items.
- Peel the paper wrappers from 6 to 8 blue crayons and the optional white crayon.
- Make crayon shavings with the hand sharpener, ensuring they cover about two-thirds of the 8.5 by 11-inch film.
- Choose a simple pattern for arranging the crayon shavings and lay one clear film sheet flat on the table.
- Arrange the shavings on top of the clear film sheet while keeping the wax pieces away from the outer 1/2 inch on every side.
- Place the second clear sheet over the shavings, lining up the corners, and press gently from the center outward.
- Set the iron to a low, dry setting with no steam and place the pressing cloth over the packet.
- Warm small areas of the packet for about 5 to 8 seconds, lifting the iron straight up to check the film.
- Continue warming small sections until the wax softens and the two sheets begin to join.
- Let the packet rest flat for 10 to 15 minutes to cool down.
- Measure and mark a smaller shape inside the fused sheet, then cut it out carefully.
- Make a small hole near the top of the finished piece for hanging.
- Thread the ribbon through the hole and tie a loose knot, trimming the ends for a neat finish.
- Hang the suncatcher in a sunny window.
Notes
Keep the suncatcher away from direct heat sources and wash it only with a dry cloth to avoid damaging the surface.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
