Sun Catchers – Add Sparkle to your Classroom

Title – Sun Catchers
By – Dr. Kathleen Wild
Primary Subject – Art
Grade Level – 4th- 7th

Materials Needed:

1. Nylon jewelry string
2. Small, medium and large glass or plastic beads (glass works better)
3. Silver or gold jewelry wire (very thin gauge)
4. Scissors
5. Wire jewelry cutters
6. Ruler
7. Mosaic mirrored glass squares (optional)
8. Tacky glue or hot glue (optional)
9. Clothes pins (optional)

Directions:

1. Measure 24-inches of the nylon thread for beads.
2. Fold the nylon string in half, so it looks like you now have a 12-inch strand.
3. Make a knot by tying the string ends together.
4. Have the student string one large bead through the end of the string that is not knotted; it will be double thread.
5. Next, have the student string two medium beads and then string four small beads.
6. Continue this process until the 12-inch string is almost full, leaving about two inches to tie a knot and leaving a small hole to insert a piece of wire that looks like a hook.
7. Small glass mirror pieces can also be glued between some of the beads.
   • The mosaic mirrored glass is about 1-inch in size.
   • You would attach the back of the mirror to the nylon thread on both sides using tackey glue or hot glue.
   • If the student decides to do this, then you would use two one-inch mirror squares, gluing one square and then gluing another mirror to the back of the first mirror.
   • You will be gluing the squares directly to the nylon chord, placing a clothes pin to hold them together overnight to allow the glue to properly set.
8. Using the wire jewelry cutters, help the student to cut about a 3-inch piece of wire and make a hook and attach the hook to the top of the knotted project.
9. Hang from the ceiling or from a plant hook near a window where the sun shines. These even look nice hanging on plant hooks on a porch or a tree.

Suggestions:

• This would make a nice gift or even a great decoration for the beginning of the school year to hang in the class room for Parent Teacher Night!
• You could also sell these as a student fundraiser or at your school craft show. They are very whimsical!

E-Mail Dr. Kathleen Wild !