Rainbow Beaded Suncatcher
Brighten up your windows with this cheerful Rainbow Beaded Suncatcher. This easy craft is perfect for spring, summer, or St. Patrick’s Day and makes a beautiful decoration for any sunny space. Kids will love choosing their favorite bead colors and watching the light shine through their finished creation.
Supplies
• 2 yards of 1 mm clear spaghetti cord
• 2 suction cups
• 42 light blue translucent pony beads
• 7 purple translucent pony beads
• 7 red translucent pony beads
• 7 orange translucent pony beads
• 7 yellow translucent pony beads
• 7 green translucent pony beads
• 7 blue translucent pony beads
• Craft glue
• Scissors
Instructions
Cut your clear cord into two equal pieces.
You will weave the beads from the bottom up. Use the printable pattern as your color guide.
Start by stringing the bottom row of beads onto one cord.
For the second row, string the beads onto the left cord beginning with the first bead on the left. Then string the right cord through the same beads in the opposite direction. Pull both cords snug so the row tightens neatly.
Weave the third row in the same manner, continuing to follow the printable pattern for color placement.
Continue weaving each row until the rainbow shape is complete.
Tie a secure knot in each side close to the last bead.
Slide a suction cup through each knot. Add a small dab of craft glue to each knot and allow it to dry completely. Trim the excess cord close to the knot.
Hang your rainbow suncatcher in a sunny window and enjoy the colorful sparkle.
Fun Facts
A rainbow is actually a full circle, but from the ground we usually only see part of it because the horizon blocks the rest. From an airplane, you can sometimes see the full circle.
The legend of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow became popular in Ireland in the 17th century and is still part of folklore today.
Source: National Weather Service – HOW DO RAINBOWS FORM?
Patterns, Templates and Printables
Click on the pattern to open it in a new window and print at full size. Use it as a color guide while weaving your rainbow beaded suncatcher.
Teacher Friendly Educational Extension
This rainbow craft pairs perfectly with a simple weather lesson. Talk about how sunlight and water droplets work together to create rainbows.
You can also turn this into a math activity by having students count beads by color or create their own repeating bead patterns before weaving.
For younger students, practice color recognition by calling out each rainbow color as they string their beads.
Supplies
2 Yards of 1 mm Clear Spaghetti Cord
2 Suction Cups
42 Light Blue Translucent Pony Beads
7 Purple Translucent Pony Beads
7 Red Translucent Pony Beads
7 Orange Translucent Pony Beads
7 Yellow Translucent Pony Beads
7 Green Translucent Pony Beads
7 Blue Translucent Pony Beads
Craft Glue
Scissors
Instructions
You will be weaving the beads from the bottom up. Click on Printables and using the pattern as a color guide, string on the bottom row of beads.
String the second row from the bottom on the left hand cord beginning with the first bead on the left. String the right hand cord through the same beads in the opposite direction. Pull snug.
Weave the third row from the bottom in the same manner.
Continue weaving in this manner until the sun catcher is complete.
Tie a knot in each side close to the last bead.
Slide a suction cup through each knot. Dab craft glue on each knot. Let dry. Trim close to knot.
Patterns, Templates and Printables
Click on a pattern to open it in a new window
Contributor
These projects are created by Terri, Betty, Jamie or one of the talented staff members at MakingFriends.com. They have been created exclusively for publication on FreeKidsCrafts.com with supplies you'll be able to find around your house.
