248/366: Pintember Sun Catchers

I'm not a big fan of sun catchers, but I had to try this one.  Seemed too easy.

All you need are those cheap plastic pony beads in translucent colors.  If I were to do this again, I would consider purchasing a bag with only clear beads, as well as a bag of mixed.

Here is the original post I found on Pinterest:


Source: craftster.org via Carrie on Pinterest

Okay, it really is so simple.  If your kids like Perler Beads, this is a close second, or maybe first.  I like the freedom of no little pegs to place the small perler beads on, yet, it can get frustrating for little ones.  Or big ones when said Big One bangs the pie dish into the oven shelf prior to melting, in turn ruining the contents.

So, get your beads, pans, needle-nosed pliers (optional), metal cookie cutters (optional).

I used an old cookie sheet because I was afraid the plastic would stick to the pan and I'd have to throw it out.  Turns out, it's bad to use an old pan because some of the build up will adhere to the finished product.

In the case of the star, there are small specks of "loving use of my old pan" that stuck to the plastic beads.  Go ahead, use the good stuff, it's worth it and it will not ruin your pan...trust me!

Little Man made the ghost...pliers helped with the eyes.

The tree and the G were baked for the allotted 15 minutes.  The bead shape is still quite visible.  The others, including the big round one above were in the oven close to 30 minutes.  I like how it all melts to a flatter surface.

Couple hints:  Needle-nosed pliers are helpful in setting the beads upright and for adding eyes to fish.  Leave a space open to make a hole for hanging.  The Pinterest post shows them drilling a hole into the finished piece.  That's too much work for me.  Luckily, most of mine have small openings where I will be able to hang them up without drilling.  Next time, I'll be leaving a bit more room!

It was fun and cheap!  What did you do today?

I'd love to hear from you.  Please leave a link or note below if you are participating in Pintember, or if you are just being creative for the day!