Making Mosaics with Children Part Six - suncatchers

This is a lovely toddler mosaic method we have tried out that has produced a beautiful suncatcher. Like the other mosaics in this series, it easy for little toddlers as well as slightly older children to do.

You will need:

• a picture frame with glass (not perspex as it will flex and the nuggets may pop off). We used cheap IKEA ones. They have bendy metal clasps in the wood of the frame so that when the back is removed, the glass can still be kept in place with the clasps.
  
• glass nuggets
• PVA (white children's) glue
• Two small hooks
• String for hanging

Take the back out of the frame so that it is clear glass and the light can shine through

Spread glue quite thickly on the glass. Or if you want to be tidy (depending on the age of the children doing it!) the glue can be spread on the back of each nugget.

Place your glass nuggets on the glass. When the glue dries (a few days) it will go clear.




Isabella couldn't resist and added pieces to the frame too!

When it is dry, attach the small hooks on the side of the frame and attach hanging string (we used see through thread).

If you have a rock tumbler you can also tumble small pieces of stained glass to take away the sharp edges and use these for this suncatcher mosaic project. That is what we are going to try next with my new rock tumbler I have bought for £10!

The finished sunchatcher looks so effective and has very different effects at different times of day - a lovely addition to our kitchen. Isabella beamed from ear to ear when she came home yesterday and saw it hanging there! Lovely, lovely.

Sun catcher at night!