Wire Make a round wire form from a bead and attach adorable charms to make a DIY crystal butterfly suncatcher with glass beads. This adorable hanging reflects rainbow colors in your home for a mesmerizing experience when sunlight enters the window hanging.
Let’s learn how to make a beaded suncatcher globe with your favorite charms and beads:
Content:
Step by step instructions for beginners
1. Create structural rings
- The globe effect is created by interlocking three to four wire circuits.
- Cut three equal lengths of 20-gauge wire (approximately 12-15 inches depending on desired size).
- Insert glass beads in assorted colors and sizes. At this time they move around the circle.
- Form each into a clean circle. Overlap the ends by an inch and secure by wrapping the ends tightly around the main loop using your flat-nose pliers.
Pro tip: Use a round object like a large jar or coffee tin as a mandrel to make sure your circles are perfectly round.
2. Assemble the sphere
- Slide the rings inside each other to form a cage or sphere shape.
- At the top and bottom poles where all the wires meet, use a 6-inch piece of 26-gauge wire to wrap all the intersections several times. This locks the 3D shape in place.
- Leave a loop at the very top to hang.
3. Prepare the central butterfly
- Cut a length of wire that will hang vertically in the center of your sphere.
- Attach your butterfly charm to the center of this wire using the wrapped loop technique.
- Slide a few accent beads above and below the butterfly. Attach these wires to the top and bottom poles of your sphere so that the butterfly floats in the middle.
4. Add floral and bead accents
- Set the inserted bead in position using the E6000. Let it set.
- Using thin 26-gauge wire, sew your glass flowers and other beads onto the outer rings.
- Wrap the thin wire around the structural ring three times, thread the wreath/flower, then wrap the other side three more times. This prevents the bead from sliding around the circle.
- Plant them organically outside to mimic climbing vines.
5. Hang the prism
Attach your heaviest crystal prisms (teardrops) to the bottom of the sphere and to the short pendants hanging from the wire inside. This provides the necessary weight to hang the suncatcher upright.
Note for beginners: If your wire becomes kinked, pull it through a piece Nylon-jaw pliers Or a soft cloth to straighten it before starting. Smooth wire makes for a more professional looking end product!
Commonly Asked Questions
1. How do you clean your beaded globe?
Do not submerge the curtain in water, as this can weaken the line over time. Instead, use a feather duster or microfiber cloth to gently wipe the beads. For a deeper clean, a light mist of water and vinegar can restore the shine to the glass crystals.
2. How do you get your suncatcher to make a rainbow?
The rainbow effect comes from faceted lead crystal or high-quality K9 glass prisms. Look for AB coated (Aurora Borealis) crystals to get the most vibrant color reflection.
3. What is the best wire for suncatchers?
For structural integrity, 20-gauge wire is the gold standard. It is thick enough to hold its shape but flexible enough to be manipulated with hand tools. For intricate beadwork, 26-gauge is best because it fits easily into small bead holes.
Here are some more creative ways to make beaded suncatchers:
learn Make a veil of beads
Learn to make this stunning A beaded chandelier.
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