How to Make Natural Suncatchers

Styles comes and go, but suncatchers are a decoration that never go out of style. You can buy suncatchers that have practically anything on them- flowers, insects, animals, scenes, zodiac signs, initials, and so on. Or, you can make your own suncatchers to enhance any room in your home. Of course, the use of these decorative items aren’t limited to the inside. They can also add an accent to your deck, porch, or other outside area.

One type of suncatcher that I find especially unique, as well as attractive, is made with natural flowers and rice paper. Most any type of flowers- Roses, Sunflowers, Poppies, Geraniums, et cetera- can be used to make a suncatcher. Whatever flowers you choose, they must be trimmed, flat and dried.

If you’ve never heard of it before, Rice paper resembles wood-based paper, except it’s actually made from rice, hemp, or bamboo. Because it’s strong and absorbent, it’s ideal for artwork and crafts. You can find Rice paper at your local craft store. If you’re really into making natural items, you can even make your own Rice paper.

To begin this project, you’ll need a piece of either glass or Plexiglas. (There are two advantages in using Plexiglas. It won’t crack or break if it’s dropped or hit, and it’s lighter in weight.) This piece will provide the base for your suncatcher. It can be as large or small as you choose. A base that measures five inches square makes a nice size, though.

Place old newspaper on your work area before you proceed so it can catch any messes. You’ll now need a paper cup, a bottle of Elmer’s Glue™, a small paint brush and some tap water. Pour a small amount of the glue into the paper cup. Stir in just enough tap water to water it down so it’s a little more milky looking.

Next, dip a narrow paint brush into the watered-down glue. Use the brush to evenly cover one side of the glass or Plexiglas with the sticky glue mixture.

Carefully press a dried flower- or more if they’re small- into the glue in the middle of the suncatcher. Now you’ll need to use a sharp pair of scissors to cut out a piece of Rice paper. The piece will need to be the same size, plus a quarter of an inch, as the glass or Plexiglas is.

Hold the piece of Rice paper over the base and line it up. Then, lower it down and press it over the flower. Carefully press the paper down against the flower and the base as well.

It’s now time to work on the reverse side of the suncatcher. Use the paint brush to spread the mix of Elmer’s Glue™ and water onto the base. Place another flower
or two on the base piece.

Then, cut another piece of the Rice Paper out. Again, hold it over the suncatcher and make sure it’s lined up. Then, carefully press it into place over the glue.

Set the natural suncatcher aside and allow the glue to dry thoroughly before you move on to the next step.

Next, after the glue has set, you’ll need a roll of metal tape. This can be found at your local craft or hobby shop as well. Measure the diameter of the outside of the suncatcher. Then, use a pair of sharp scissors to cut a piece of metal tape to that size. Wrap the tape around the edges of the suncatcher. Make sure, as you unroll the wrap, that you keep it lined up so it covers the edges equally. Press the metal tape down securely with your fingers.

The last step in this project is to add a hanger to your natural suncatcher. To do this, simply drill two small holes in each corner of the top. Attach a small-linked chain, about six to eight inches in length, to the holes.

Your new decoration is now ready to hang!

To make another natural suncatcher, you can use dried leaves, berries, small twigs, and other items you can find outside.