Ingredients
- Copper wire
- Beads or glass gems
- Scissors
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
- Circular frame (optional)
Instructions
- Plan your design. Decide whether you want a free-form arrangement or a design built around a circular frame. Choose where you want the loops, spirals, and beads to sit.
- Cut the wire. Use the wire cutters to cut several lengths of copper wire to suit your planned shapes. Leave enough length for bending and attaching the pieces.
- Shape the wire. Use the pliers to form spirals, loops, or other simple shapes. Bend the wire gradually rather than forcing it sharply, which can make it harder to control.
- Add beads or glass gems. Thread them onto the wire and position them where you want them in the design. Check that each one is held securely.
- Attach the shapes, if using a frame. Use additional wire to fasten the shaped pieces to the circular frame. Adjust their positions before tightening the connections.
- Secure the ends. Tuck or bend every wire end so there are no exposed sharp points. Carefully check the back and edges as well as the front.
- Hang your suncatcher. Place it in a sunny window and enjoy the reflections from the beads or glass gems.
Notes
Beads or gems need an opening large enough to fit over the wire. Glass pieces can be fragile, so handle them carefully and check that they are secure before hanging the suncatcher.
