A Molten Pearl Sun Catcher is such a fun way to celebrate the return of lots of sunshine and warm weather. This easy family craft uses pony beads to create a colorful light-catching craft that is an instant pick-me-up when seen hanging! Kids of all ages will love this craft with a little help from adults. Plus, this kid-friendly craft is made on your BBQ outside in the sun!
DIY melted pearl suncatcher
Suncatchers are reflective, refracting, and sometimes iridescent decorative ornaments that can be hung in (or near) the window to catch the light. I like that a cloudy day can be brightened up with a colorful sun catcher.
Related: Perler Beads Ideas for Kids
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Supplies needed to craft a Beaded Suncatcher craft
Instructions on how to make a beaded suncatcher craft
Step 1
Use the aluminum foil to line your baking pan. This makes it much easier to remove the sun catcher when it’s done and prevents damaging your pan.
step 2
Arrange the beads in the pan so that they lie flat on their side. We made a rainbow pattern for one sun catcher and then just randomly added the beads for the other.
There are so many possibilities!
step 3
Once the beads are arranged, set the pan outside on the grate of your grill. Heat on high for five minutes, then check. It’s done when all the beads have melted, but don’t let it sit for too long.
step 4
When all the pearls have melted, remove from heat and allow to cool completely. Lift the foil out of the pan and peel it off your sun catcher.
step 5
Drill a hole in the top, thread some string or wire through and hang it on your window!
preparation time
10 mins
active time
5 minutes
total time
15 minutes
difficulty
Middle
Estimated costs
$5
Tool
round baking pan
aluminum foil
Outdoor BBQ
Drill or something hot to pierce
hanging thread or wire
Hook
instructions
- Line the baking pan with foil.
- Arrange pony beads flat and in desired pattern.
- Place the pan on the cooking grate and heat on high for 5 minutes.
- Keep watching to make sure all the beads have melted in 5 minutes, but be careful not to wait too long.
- Remove from stove.
- Once cool, lift the foil out of the pan.
- Drill or heat a hole for the string.
- Hang in the window!
Is heating pony beads toxic?
The internet is a bit mixed about whether heating pony beads is toxic. If you melt them in the oven or toaster you will get a strong toxic plastic smell. This is one of the reasons we really like doing this outdoors with good ventilation so that fumes from melting pony beads don’t linger in your home.
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Tell us how your DIY beaded suncatchers turned out!