This past weekend, my family enjoyed the Apple Harvest Festival. As we were there, memories flooded my heart, as that particular festival was the first family event we took our oldest son to after my husband and I became parents 5 years ago!
The next morning, the boys woke up to an invitation to create Apple Suncatchers. We needed something bright, cheery, and seasonal hanging in our home, and after a weekend of apple fun, it just seemed like the right kind of craft!
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
Apple Suncatchers are created using the same technique as the Rainbow Suncatchers that were shared on my blog this past February.
Apple Suncatchers
Supplies Needed:
- white chenille stems (1 chenille stem/apple)
- faceted plastic beads
- cookie sheet
- parchment paper
- scissors and wire cutters
- fishing line
Directions:
1. String 1 chenille stem with your choice of beads.
2. On one end of the chenille stem, string 3 green beads to create a stem. Bend the chenille stem into the shape of an apple.
3. Twist and tuck the ends of the chenille stems into each other to secure the shape of your apple.
4. Place the beaded apple onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Fill in the entire shape with loose beads.
5. Place the cookie sheet into a cold oven and set for 350º. After the oven has reached the proper temperature, set the timer for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the beads should be fused together. Turn off the oven and allow the cookie sheet to cool inside of the oven.
6. When the suncatchers are cool, string a piece of fishing line through them. Hang and enjoy!
Of course we will have to make Jack-o-Lantern Suncatchers with this technique next! More kid-created seasonal decor for my home, and more fine motor practice for the kids!
Kristina @ SchoolTimeSnippets says
After making suncatchers this summer with pony beads, my son has been dying to do it again! And finally made several more with family visiting this past weekend! I’ll have to try this method of melting them as the melting plastic wasn’t too strong… but it wasn’t pleasant either!
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Let me know how it goes!!
Mary says
What kind of beads are they and where can I get them? Super cute!
Cornelia Niehus says
Be carefull with melting plastic-beads. The damps can be toxic!
Linda says
I wanted to make an autumn themed sun catcher and couldn’t find cookie cutters so I came up with using pipe cleaners and shaped them into leaves and acorns. I cooked it at 400 deg. for 15 min. and then too a copper ring and stem I made already and placed it into the bead and twisted the wire to lock it… and put it back into the oven for another 10 min. and it came out awesome…
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
So glad to hear it!
Dawn @ Pin-n-Tell says
How fun! And, simple too 🙂 I’m pinning this so I can make these suncatchers with my nieces and nephews!
Sara says
Can wax paper be used in place of parchment paper or will that mess things up? Asking so I know whether I have to go to the store this weekend 😉
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
I would stick with parchment!
Ashley says
These turned out so pretty! My kids loved doing it with pony beads; maybe it is time to try some more!
Victoria says
Super Cute!!
Laura Cyborski says
We do not have ovens in our school….can the beads for the apple craft be melted in a microwave?
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
I wouldn’t use a microwave because of the pipe cleaners (they are metallic and will spark). My best suggestion is to bring a toaster oven to school and place it near an open window. Again, I think a microwave would not be a safe choice!