Make a Suncatcher

Suncatcher (Sun Catcher) or LightCatcher is a small, reflective crystal or glass component that is usually suspended in windows, so that it "catches the light" from a nearby source. Depending on the crystal supplies used, it can emanate a rainbow effect often looking like "dancing lights".

Over the years I've gathered ideas and tricks to mould crystal suncatcher designs into cherished keepsakes for friends and family. They are great gift giving ideas and more importantly, they are hand-crafted by you. People appreciate it when the thought and time is invested into the gift they have received.

Crystal Suncatchers are the perfect gift giving idea for:
- Christenings
- Births
- Housewarmings
- Wedding
- Birthday
- Mothers Day or Fathers Day
- Teacher
- Best Friend
- School Fete
- Christmas plus more!

Crystal Drops or Crystal Prisms
are the focal component used for the Suncatcher Crystal. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. I like using the Crystal Sun Disc - they are 45mm in diameter & radiate the most magnificent sparkle



Metal Craft Charms
are an ideal component to add a little character. There is such a variety of designs available, including angel wings, dragonflies, hearts, moon, astrology zodiac charms, plus more.




Crystal Octagons
add the sparkle and color. I find these are a necessity, as these help create the dancing lights!




Glass Beads
or little Metal Butterfly Beads are perfect to add decoration





Jewellery Findings:
Tigertail Beading Wire
Gold or Silver Crimp Beads
Pendant Bail (optional)

Crimping Pliers

Cutting Pliers

Chain Nose Pliers

I always place the Crystal Prism and colored beads in front of me and move them around into place, before I string them.

Often I go wild and use vibrant colours as this brightens up my mood. If I'm feeling mellow, I love subtle colors - like blues, greens, turquoise.
You will know what colors you will want to work with, as it often depends on the emotional mood that our body, mind and spirit is in.

When you are happy with the layout, then go ahead and thread the components, with your beading wire.

Now we need to fasten the crimps to the beading wire to stop our beads from falling off. Before we start, let me give you a brief explanation of these essential items:

Tigertail - the beading wire used to thread your beads and crystals. I use a smooth, silver nylon coated thread that doesn't kink. My favourite brand is Beadalon, sold in various lengths. The length to make your crystal suncatcher is entirely up to you - depending on how decorative you would like to make it.

Crimp Beads (Crimps) - these are little metal beads in gold or silver. They are used to secure your thread. Basically it avoids tying knots. The wire is threaded through the crimp bead, around the clasp loop or through the top of the Crystal Prism and then back through the crimp bead.

When you have your crimp in place, you compress it with Crimping Pliers, which curls/bends the crimp bead and seals the connection. Alternatively, if you don't have Crimping Pliers, you can use Flat Nose Pliers. The difference is that the Flat Nose Pliers wont curl the crimp around the wire, instead your crimp will lay flat.

Your done! Now hang your Crystal Suncatcher in a window that catches the Sun and watch the dancing lights.

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