Ingredients
- 1 clear plastic sheet, 8 inches by 10 inches, from a clean report cover or craft acetate
- 1 cup clear-drying school glue, such as Elmer's
- 12 to 20 lightweight pressed flowers and small leaves, each about 1/2 inch to 2 inches wide
- 1 small flat paintbrush, about 1 inch wide
- 1 disposable paper plate or 1 small washable bowl for the glue
- 1 pair of small scissors, adult use recommended
- 1 roll of painter's tape, about 1 inch wide
- 1 piece of white cardstock, 8 inches by 10 inches, for a light-colored work background
- 1 length of ribbon or cotton cord, 12 inches long, for hanging
- 1 single-hole punch
- 1 plastic table cover or drop cloth, at least 2 feet by 3 feet
- 1 pair of child-size craft gloves, optional
- 1 sheet of wax paper, about 12 inches by 14 inches, for protecting the drying surface
Instructions
- Cover the table with a plastic table cover or drop cloth.
- Set the white cardstock in the center and lay the clear plastic sheet over it. Tape the four corners lightly.
- Trim the plastic sheet to 8 inches by 10 inches if needed, using small scissors carefully.
- Pour 1 cup of clear-drying glue into the paper plate or washable bowl.
- Brush a thin, even coat across the plastic sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch clear around all four edges.
- Let the first coat rest for 5 minutes until it feels tacky.
- Arrange 12 to 20 pressed flowers and leaves on the glue, starting with larger pieces and filling in with smaller ones.
- Press each flower gently with a fingertip or the flat part of the brush, avoiding dragging petals.
- Brush a second thin coat of clear glue over the flowers, working from the center toward the edges.
- Leave the taped border mostly free of glue for a neater finish.
- Check for bubbles and crowded flowers before moving the piece.
- Transfer the taped suncatcher onto wax paper and let it dry undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours.
- Remove the painter's tape when the surface feels smooth and dry.
- Punch a hole near the center of the top edge, then thread the ribbon or cotton cord through it and tie a small loop.
- Clean the brush and bowl with warm water while the glue is still soft.
Notes
Children can help arrange flowers and brush glue with supervision. An adult should handle scissors and the hole punch. Keep glue away from eyes and mouths, and wash hands after the project.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
