The Budget-Friendly DIY Suncatcher That Anyone Can Make

If your craft stash is overflowing with leftover beads, broken jewelry bits, or glitter you haven't touched in ages, here's your sign to finally put them to good use. This DIY suncatcher is not only easy on the wallet — it's also a fun way to upcycle what you already have into something beautiful. Just mold these colorful extras with some clear glue, and you'll be on your way to creating a quirky upgrade that'll brighten up your dull patio, balcony, or window.

There's also a less obvious reason for adding this project to your weekend fun list. Getting the creative juices flowing boosts your mental well-being. It doesn't matter if you're playing music, writing a book, painting, or spending a happy Saturday morning making a suncatcher, you'll notice your stress levels go down, and a positive shift in your mood. So, why not give your mental health a welcome boost with this fun DIY project? Getting started only requires a few basic supplies (some of which you may already have on hand). We're talking glitter, beads, a silicone mold, and clear glue. If you don't already have some in your stash of craft supplies, you'll also need some ribbon to hang your creation up with.

As creative home decor ideas go, making your own suncatcher ticks all the boxes. It's also a great way to bring personality to your space. To begin, squeeze a thin layer of clear glue (about an eighth of an inch) into the bottom of your silicone mold. Then, add the beads, arranging them however you like. You could go abstract or create an image like a flower, it's up to you. To help position them, your fingers or a toothpick both work well. Sprinkle a little glitter over the top to give your masterpiece some added shimmer and leave it to dry for about 48 hours.

The silicone mold route is just one of many ways to go, though — ask Google and you'll be inundated with DIY suncatcher ideas. For example, if you're looking for something more designer-y than your artistic talents allow for, you can always purchase a suncatcher kit. Small beads can also pose a problem for little hands (not to mention ears and noses). To create a child-friendly suncatcher, trace mason jar lids on white paper, then draw a bold black outline design for the kids to color in. When they're done, apply a thin layer of cooking oil with a cotton ball to make the design translucent, then glue it inside the mason jar lid. Finally, tie some twine around the lid to hang the suncatcher up.