Colorful Bioplastic Suncatchers
Create stunning, eco-friendly bioplastic suncatchers with simple ingredients for a fun craft project that brightens up any window.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
- various Food coloring Various colors for customization
Materials Needed
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 non-stick baking mat or parchment paper
- 1 cookie cutters or stencil shapes
- 1 spatula or spoon for stirring
- optional glitter For added sparkle
Instructions
Preparing the Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cornstarch and 1 cup of water.
- Add in 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin to the mixture.
- Stir well until fully blended; the mixture should be smooth with no lumps.
Adding Color
- Divide the mixture into several smaller bowls.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl, mixing until you achieve your desired color intensity.
- For an extra sparkly effect, consider mixing in glitter at this stage.
Shaping the Suncatchers
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Spread the colored mixtures onto a non-stick baking mat or parchment paper, smoothing them out to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to create different shapes in the mixture.
Baking the Suncatchers
- Carefully place the baking mat onto a baking sheet and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 1-2 hours; check frequently to avoid burning. The suncatchers are ready when they feel firm and dry to the touch.
- Once done, turn off the oven and let them cool completely.
Finishing Touches
- After cooling, gently peel the suncatchers off the mat.
- Use a hole punch to create a hole at the top for hanging, if desired.
Notes
Experiment with layering different colors to create unique effects. Use natural dyes made from fruits or vegetables instead of artificial food coloring. For a 3D effect, layer multiple pieces together or incorporate ribbons for a hanging mobile.