If You Have Chicken Wire And Beads, You Have The Start Of The Cutest DIY Suncatcher

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On a bright day, a suncatcher can completely transform a room with rainbows and light patterns. This window decor has traditionally been crafted from cut glass, but over time, DIYers have co-opted their own versions with household and craft items, like using a plastic bottle to create a suncatcher. One idea by @thediyjoy on Facebook is to hang beaded charms from chicken wire stretched across embroidery hoops or wooden frames. The charms, centered within the wire mesh, reflect a colorful pattern and captivate anyone who sees them.

One of the main perks of DIY projects like this is that they're often budget-friendly. For example, if you've ever repurposed chicken wire into stunning DIY decor for your home or used it in your garden, you probably have some extra rolls stored somewhere. If you don't, look for 1- or 2-inch mesh options, like this NUVO IRON 20-gauge Galvanized Hex Poultry Netting from Home Depot, or visit a local craft store. When working with chicken wire, always wear goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, and thick gloves for protection, and use proper tools, like wire cutters. 

This DIY beaded suncatcher also requires an embroidery hoop, like these bamboo Caydo Embroidery Hoops, that range from 3 inches in diameter up to 12 inches and beyond. Any of these sizes are suitable for the suncatcher, but the larger the hoop, the more charms you'll need to make. A wooden picture frame of any shape (with the glass removed) also works for this project. To make the charms, you'll need beads, head pins like these wmm 1.6-inch Stainless Steel Head Pins, and needle-nose pliers.

To build a suncatcher with an embroidery hoop, cut a piece of chicken wire that is slightly larger than the inner ring. Bend the edges of the wire around the hoop before nestling it into the outer hoop, trimming any exposed edges. Pull the wire tight, and position the mesh so the holes are taller than they are wide, giving the charms space to dangle. If you're using a picture frame, stretch the netting across one side and staple the edges around the frame. 

In the video, the creator makes tulip charms, but even simple beads will dazzle, and multi-faceted ones will give you the greatest sparkle. Slide two or three beads onto a head pin, and use pliers to bend the end to keep the beads in place. Then connect the charms to a jump ring and a lobster clasp, or make a chain of jump rings, and attach to the chicken wire. A jewelry-making set, one of the tools every DIYer should own, will have what you need for this step (the Qulltk Jewelry Making Supplies is an example).

Tie decorative ribbon to the metal clasp of the embroidery hoop or hot glue a loop to the back of the frame to hang the project. You could also string beads on a thin, flexible wire and attach that to the top of the suncatcher as an arched hanger. Need more sparkle? Thread beads onto strands of fishing line or ribbon and secure them to the bottom of the suncatcher.