DIY Suncatcher with Air Dry Clay

Create your own unique suncatcher using air dry clay! This fun and easy DIY project allows you to mold and shape the clay into any design you desire. Whether you want to make a simple geometric shape or a more intricate pattern, the possibilities are endless. Once you have molded your clay into the desired shape, simply let it dry in the air until it hardens. This suncatcher with air dry clay is a great way to add a personal touch to your home decor or to give as a thoughtful handmade gift to someone special. Let your creativity shine with this fun and customizable craft project!

DIY Suncatcher Supplies:

• Air dry clay
• Rolling pin
• Mini cookie cutters
• Sandpaper
• Dremel or small drill
• Clear acetate sheets (I used these that I had in my craft supplies, but you could use any clear plastic — you could cut a piece of a clear plastic take out box or any plastic packaging you have in your recycling bin)
• Acrylic paint
• Clear Elmer’s glue
• Paint brushes
• Mod Podge
• Gold chain
• Gold jump rings (I used 10mm and 8mm size)
• Pliers
• Wire cutters
• Mini suction cup hooks

STEP 1: Begin by kneading a piece of your air dry clay with your hands until it is a softer, more pliable texture. Roll out the clay on a clean surface (I like to use wax paper for easy clean up) until you have a flat even piece that is about 3/16 inch thick.

STEP 2: Using your square mini cookie cutters, press into the clay to make a mix of both large and medium squares. Then press the small square cutter into the middle of the clay and pull out the center piece. You should be left with a mix of solid and open squares (like the image above). I ended up using 4 large, 5 medium, and 2 small solid squares for my 3 completed suncatchers, but I would recommend making a few extra of each just in case.

Dip your finger into a bowl of water and gently smooth out any rough edges and surfaces to complete your square shapes.

Allow the clay pieces to dry for about 48-72 hours.

STEP 3: Once your clay has fully dried (it should now be white in color), use a drill and a small drill bit (or I used my Dremel tool) to gently drill a small hole all the way through the clay in the middle top and bottom of each square. You want this hole to be as close to the outside edge as possible, but not too close that you risk the clay breaking.

TIP: In hindsight, I wish I would’ve planned out my designs before drilling the holes in the clay pieces. If you do this, be sure to note which clay pieces will be hanging at the end of your suncatchers and only drill one hole in the top. It’s not a big deal, but it will look more finished!

STEP 4: While your clay is drying you can start making the faux stained glass pieces. For this you are going to use clear plastic. I used a sheet of clear acetate. If you use this same product, be sure to remove the plastic protective layers from both sides of the sheet before you begin.

Mix a dollop of clear Elmer’s glue with one small drop of acrylic paint in whatever color you would like. This is going to create a more transparent paint color. Mix together with a paintbrush then paint a solid block of your glue-paint onto your plastic sheet.

STEP 5: Allow your paint to dry for a few hours. Then carefully cut out squares of your plastic that are 1”x1” in size. You will want these to be larger than the square opening in the middle of your clay squares but not bigger than the area between your two drill holes. You may need to trim the plastic as needed to fit on the backing of your squares.

STEP 6: Now it is time to seal your clay squares with mod podge. Give the front surface and all edges a coat of matte mod podge and allow to dry for a few hours. Now turn your squares over and paint a layer of mod podge on the back. Before allowing this to dry, press down your “stained glass” squares onto the backing of your clay squares to glue them down. The painted side should be face up. Paint over the colored square with a generous layer of mod podge to be sure it is secured down and sealed to the back of your clay square.

Allow the squares to fully dry before continuing.

STEP 7: Now it is time to assemble! For this step you will need chain and jump rings. Open up the 8mm jump rings and carefully push them through the drill holes in your clay squares. Before closing, attach a piece of chain whatever length you would like. Then close up the jump ring with a pair of pliers so the circle is fully closed. Continue this process until your suncatcher is whatever length you would like it! I used the 10mm jump rings at the top of the chain to hang the piece.

Attach your suction cup hooks to your clean and dry window. Then hang the top loop of your suncatcher on the hook. You can hang these on their own or you can group them together. I loved how three in a row looked in my window :)