Create a Colorful Sun Catcher Craft

Learn how to make this simple sun catcher craft using inexpensive materials. This is a great crafts for adults and teens! These are so colorful hanging in a window, or they can be hung on their own or in groups from the ceiling. The best part is, they are really easy and fun to make. The materials are inexpensive, so why not give it a try?

To make these little sun lovers, clear cellophane wrap is sandwiched between embroidery hoops. Cellophane wrap? Its the same kind you buy in a roll and is used to wrap gift baskets. Better yet, you can buy the kind that shrinks up too with the heat of a  hair dryer, but it is not necessary and I didn't use that type in my project. And what is used to make those vibrant spots of color? Alcohol inks. It seems I'm finding more and more uses for these great inks, and their use was always a mystery to me when I saw them in the craft store (side note: To see another alcohol ink project, check out my alcohol ink tiles and my alcohol ink heart).

Read on for all the step by step directions on how to create this beautiful stained glass craft!

Step by Step Directions for Making a Sun Catcher Craft

1. These can be made big or small, you choose the size based on the size embroidery hoop that you use. The ones in this project were 12 inch and 8 inch.

2. Sandwich a length of clear cellophane gift wrap in between the rings.

3. Cut away the excess film, leaving a bit overhanging. Tighten the wrap on all edges then tighten the knob on the embroidery hoop. If you are using the heat sensitive cellophane, then this is the time to use the hair dryer to shrink it up (although not necessary).

3. Before working with alcohol inks, be sure to protect your work surface and to wear gloves.  Alcohol inks are toxic and they stain everything.  To begin adding the color, simply start applying drops of the alcohol inks to the cellophane, as shown.

4. Once you are done with one color, try adding another. You will get different looks by waiting for colors to dry in between applications, or by letting them be wet while overlapping colors. Experiment! Because these are alcohol inks, you could also try spraying isopropyl alcohol on top of the spots and watch what they do! There is no right or wrong way. If you don't like they way it is turning out, you can wipe the cellophane clean with a tissue dipped in rubbing alcohol, and begin again!

5. Once everything is dry, cut the excess cellophane film from the edge of the embroidery hoop. Tie a string around the fastener to the hoop and hang in a window.

Would you consider a small donation? 

You will receive my craft ebook as a thank you!

Every little bit helps! If you are enjoying this site, would you consider making a small donation? I use the extra money to help with the cost of craft supplies! With any $5.00 donation or more, you will receive my 650 page ebook full of 178 craft tutorials from this site.  Thank you for your consideration!

Click here to learn more about the book, and to make a donation. 

Like this Site? Please share the Love!

You can follow me here:

Craft-a-holic craft lover T-shirt
by CraftsForAllSeasons