How interesting and decorative suncatchers really are. They always appear so artistic and, the type that are made with stained glass, seem to be very popular today. In fact, many are made from plastic sheeting. These are relatively easy to make as I am about to describe below. In the main I have found that I have given these out as presents and the receivers have always been delighted with them!

You can hang them anywhere in the car, in your home, garden, your office etc. and they catch the light so beautifully. There are so many different ways you can actually make them, it is no wonder they are popular.

So, let us start and this one is meant for a window! And here is a list of what you will need to make this. A roll of lead tape, a paintbrush, a hook of the rubber suction kind, 1x2cm of string in length, water pot, glass paints and thinner and a tube of glass outliner. On top of this you will also need an A5 size acrylic sheet and a pattern to work from.

It will probably give you more satisfaction if you go ahead and make your own design, but if this is not the case, go ahead and visit your local art supply shop. I am sure they must be able to sell you these.

So where do we begin on this venture? Make a start by taking your acrylic sheet and peeling the film off it. Your next step is to pick up your lead tape and cut a length from this and then take the backing off this. This tape then needs to be stuck the complete way round the outside edge of your plastic sheet.

Now you will require something to hang it by. To do this cut about 4cm of your lead tape and your string needs to go in the centre. Then the tape needs to be wrapped around the string and be left open at the end. All you do then is to stick this to one edge of your acrylic sheet to make your hanging hook!

What next? Well, let us move on to our design. This has to be put under your acrylic sheet. Then take your tube of outliner and draw your design on to the top of your sheet. Now you must leave it to dry.

The design has now been transferred to your sheet, so now you can start to use your glass paints to fill out your design. When you have finished this part I find it is better to give this plenty of time for drying. Therefore, if you leave it overnight, this is ideal. Your brush will need to be washed and given a good clean with the thinner if your glass paint contains solvent.

It is a possibility that you may have been using a water based paint with this so you only need to rinse and clean your brush with water. Now you need to hang your suncatcher where you can admire it and get endless pleasure from seeing the light captured by it. Take your rubber suction hook to the window and stick it to the glass. Hang your work of art on it and, once you have made one, what is there to stop you doing more!

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