Bioplastic Suncatchers
Create beautiful, eco-friendly suncatchers using simple kitchen ingredients. This fun craft is perfect for engaging kids and decorating your home sustainably.
Ingredients
Suncatcher Mixture
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup Can substitute with honey or agave syrup.
- 2 tablespoons corn starch Can be replaced with tapioca starch.
- as needed food coloring Use various colors for customization.
- 1 heat-safe bowl For mixing the ingredients.
- 1 whisk or spoon For stirring the mixture.
- 1 wax paper or silicone mat To shape the suncatchers.
- as needed cookie cutters or stencils To create desired suncatcher shapes.
- 1 straw For making holes for hanging.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a heat-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons of corn starch.
- Use a whisk or spoon to stir until well mixed.
Cooking
- Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Watch for the mixture to bubble and thicken; this indicates it’s ready!
Adding Color
- Once thickened, carefully remove the bowl (it will be hot) and add a few drops of food coloring.
- Mix well until the color is even.
Shaping
- On a piece of wax paper or a silicone mat, pour the mixture into desired shapes using cookie cutters or stencils.
- Use a straw to poke a hole at the top of each shape.
Drying
- Allow the suncatchers to dry completely, which can take several hours or overnight.
- Once dry, gently peel them off the wax paper or mat.
Hanging
- Thread a piece of string or fishing line through the holes.
- Hang your beautiful creations in a sunny window and enjoy the colorful reflections!
Notes
Customize colors by mixing different shades, consider adding glitter for sparkle, and try different cookie cutter shapes for variety. Store suncatchers in a cool, dry place to prevent melting or warping.