SUMMER SUNCATCHER

*SUNCATCHER* Tutorial
Since the beginning of human existence, civilisations have 
worshiped the sun and it's not hard to understand why!

The sun is the star that dominates our solar system. It
produces energy in heat and light and has done so for many 
millions of years, bringing life to so many living things. 
It also generates our planet's weather, creating wind and the 
earth's water cycle. So, with the current summer warmth
radiating all around us, I thought a Suncatcher project would
be perfect for this month!

I have designed this as a garden decoration, however,
you can always scale it down and adapt the design to
work as a jewellery pendant.

STEP 1

For a large scale piece, I used 2mm aluminium wire and
created a spiral to the size required.

STEP 2 

Next, cut 4 pieces of the same wire, approximately 2"
longer than the spiral diameter.

STEP 3

Cut an arm's length of 0.4mm wire and use this to join
and secure 2 of the lengths at the centre, to form a cross.
Weave the wire up and around, like a figure of 8
(basket weave).

STEP 4 

Add the third wire in, placing it across the middway point and
continue the basket weave, around all the wires, securing
them in place.

STEP 5

Finally, add the last wire and weave in, to form a 'star' shape,
using up all the remaining fine binding wire.
(*If the centre feels a bit raised and bulky, use the nylon mallet head
of your Whammer hammer to tap it down and flatten).

STEP 6

Place the centre of the spiral (from Step 1) at the centre of
the 'star' and secure in place with length of 0.4mm wire.

STEP 7 

Attach a long arm's length of 0.4mm wire to the central point,
in readiness to secure in your chosen beads...

STEP 8

 



















Thread your beads onto the central wire and secure around
the 'star' stems as you follow the spiral curvature framework...

STEP 9

Continue adding more beads and wire, until you have filled the
central gap within the spiral.

STEP 10 

To keep both frames secured together, use the 0.4mm wire to
bind a bead at the outer edge of the spiral frame, onto the 
radiating stem ...

STEP 11 

Repeat (step 10) and secure beads to each of the stems. 
Use your wire cutters to snip off and even out the ends of 
the projecting 2mm aluminium wires.

STEP 12 

Individually place each of the radiating stem tips on a 
steel block and using the steel head of your Whammer, 
flatten and spread until they mushroom out. (This is great
Whammer Therapy!!). You can then choose to pierce a hole 
in the top and base stem, so that you can secure a hanging loop 
and pendant drop. (I attached a sparkling heart shaped crystal, 
however, a cascade of facated beads, a feather, a shard of glass, 
anything you've got to hand, would all look equally decorative!)

Finally, you can decorate the centre by glueing in a glass nugget,
or wiring in a bead.

I am now enjoying my suncatcher in the
garden, where I can see it from my kitchen sink.
It definitely adds some positive sparkle to my
thoughts, as I'm washing the dishes and filling up
the kettle for tea and coffee refreshments ... !!

I would love to see your finished suncatcher's,
please do share your images on my FACEBOOK
page.

Happy Wireworking and Sun Catching!