Bioplastic Suncatchers
Create eco-friendly and colorful bioplastic suncatchers that brighten up your home and garden, perfect for all ages and a great educational activity about sustainability.
Ingredients
For the Bioplastic
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- Food coloring (various colors) Choose your preferred colors for the suncatchers.
- Glitter, seeds, or dried flowers (Optional) For embellishments.
For the Crafting
- Clear plastic wrap
- Cooking pot
- Mixing spoon
- Cookie cutters or stencils
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper To protect the workspace and for drying.
Instructions
Preparation
- Clear a flat surface and cover it with parchment paper to protect it from spills and messes.
- Gather all your materials to ensure you have everything at hand.
Making the Bioplastic
- In a cooking pot, combine 1 cup of cornstarch, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of corn syrup.
- Stir the mixture over medium heat until it thickens and becomes gelatinous — this should take about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Adding Color
- Divide the mixture into separate bowls, depending on how many colors you want to use.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and mix until fully combined.
Shaping Suncatchers
- Lay a piece of clear plastic wrap on your work surface.
- Spoon the colored bioplastic mixture onto the plastic wrap and spread it out using a spatula or spoon, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters or stencils to create your desired shapes.
Drying
- Carefully transfer the shapes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Allow them to dry for 24-48 hours in a cool, dry area.
Finishing Up
- Once completely dry, carefully peel the suncatchers off the parchment paper.
- Optionally, add glitter or embellishments to enhance their beauty.
Notes
Experiment with different food coloring combinations for unique shades. Use natural dyes made from fruits or vegetables for an eco-centric approach. Cut your suncatchers into smaller shapes for a fun mobile or garland. Add essential oils to the mixture for a scented touch.