DIY Bioplastic Suncatchers
Create beautiful and delicate suncatchers using gelatin and dried botanicals. This project encourages mindful crafting and results in stunning light-catching pieces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 suncatcher
- Category: Craft
- Method: Crafting
- Cuisine: N/A
- Diet: N/A
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2 tablespoons gelatin powder (plain)
- 1 teaspoon glycerin (optional)
- Dried flowers, thin leaves, or small petals
- Shallow tray or silicone mat
- Parchment paper (if not using silicone)
- Fishing line or ribbon (for hanging)
- Cookie cutters (optional for shaping)
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Instructions
- Measure and mix the base.
- Warm the distilled water in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling.
- Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface and let it bloom for a minute.
- Stir the mix slowly until the gelatin fully dissolves.
- Add glycerin and stir until blended.
- Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring steadily.
- Prepare the shallow tray lined with a silicone mat or parchment.
- Pour the warm gelatin mixture into the tray in a thin, even layer.
- Press the dried botanicals into the liquid using tweezers.
- Let the mixture set until tacky, about an hour.
- Air dry for 24 to 48 hours until firm.
- Peel the film from the mat carefully.
- Add hanging hardware and display your suncatcher.
Notes
Use fully dried plant material to prevent cloudiness. Store finished suncatchers flat to maintain their shape. Rotate in sunlight to prevent fading.
Find it online: https://www.cozyhandsdiy.com/diy-bioplastic-suncatchers-6/