Sun-catchers are an amazing thing, and I always appreciate the charm they add to my windows day as well as night. I always have held a special place in my heart for them since I was a little girl, and it's because my first memory of a sun-catcher was at my Nana's home. My grandmother always had one in her window, and I remember when it was time for a nap how the sun would hit the crystal just right… Little rainbows arching all across the walls, ceilings and carpet. What's a little girl not to love?
Courtesy of Nature.org
It's why I always stock up on crystals that are just right for these types of projects, and I enjoy making these time and time again. I believe it takes longer shucking the oyster than it does drilling the hole and stringing the beads… Or it's just a sign of how terrible I am at shucking oysters. I really started making these as little presents for some friends at christmas time, and then I really just kept most to myself… They became decorations for my house, my Christmas Tree, and even my garden. Yet now that Winter is finally coming to a close (thank you!) I find that I am itching to make more of these, and therefore it was off to Michael's again for supplies. With my extremely patient hubby in tow, I walked and sifted in the jewelry section for at least half an hour for three items… I had to find the perfect blue to offset the pearl beads - pshhh but of course! I'll be honest I didn't quite make the holes in the oysters, that was a job for the Mr. I just sat and directed the procedure. So for those of you without drills, I suggest a friend, or another method. After all the sun-catcher only needs a crystal, and not the extras!
Supplies
- Oyster Shell (Cleaned, and drilled at the top and bottom with a thin drill bit)
- Beads (7 medium sized beads, and 6 spacers)
- Crystal (Large size, and preferably clear)
- Fishing Line (One 10-inch segment, and one 8-inch segment)
Instructions
- Find the end of the oyster that you would like to hold the crystal underneath it, this is the section where you will be putting the beads, and the crystal.
- Taking the 10-inch segment on fishing line, you want to slide the crystal you are using into the middle. Bring the two ends up and start threading beads onto the doubled-up line. This will ensure the crystal stays in place.
- After you have your beads strung, take the fishing line and securely tie it onto the end you chose in your oyster. Double knot it just in case! Then trim off the excess fishing line.
- At the top of the oyster, you just want to take the 8-inch segment of fishing line and thread it through the drilled hole. Tie it securely towards the ends so that you have a loop in which to hang it from a nail or hook.
Clearly I forgot to take the sun-catcher pictures when you know, the sun was up… Yet I think you'll still notice how nice these would look in anyone's window. It's also something that can be altered in any way, shape, or form. That type of project is always a winner for me!
Has anyone else made a sun-catcher before? What was your earliest memory of these light-refracting charmers?