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!
Lovely! I think I'll get my girls to try this with some of our vast sea glass collection
That is really pretty!
What a lovely idea. We are going to try this soon. I am off to the dollar store to find some cheap rustic frames. Again thank you.
That is just beautiful! I think we'll be making those for everyone, including one for us 😎
My children would LOVE to make this and I know just the grandma that would love it!
Thank you all for your kind words. I added another mosaic present make this week and will be doing a series of more in the new year 😉
I love this! What a great idea! I think my kids should make this for their grandmothers.
Thank you , I must say that I really enjoy looking at the one my daughter made so hopefully grandmothers will too!
So the glue you used is simple "Elmer's" school glue (at least that's the brand here in the US)? Or is it something I will need to find at the craft store? I can't wait to try this with my children! ~wendy
Hello Wendy, it is craft glue, as long as it dries clearit will be ok. Have fun!
Such a lovely idea….I will give this a go with our gang!….any tips on where to get the glass chunks?
Rachelx
hiya..try poundland,ikea,craft shops. By the way, this tutorial will be featured in Disney's Family Fun Magazine which hits the newstands in the US in Sept!
These are lovely!! I think I may try it for mother's day or maybe xmas gifts for my class next year
Thank you Sarah Jane. Ours continues to hang with pride!
I think your sun catcher looks precious. I'd like a suggestion for your next project. Why not wind spinners? They're dazzling and very visually dynamic
Hi EJ…ooh yes these are lovely. I wonder how I could go about this (you have got me thinking!). Thank you for visiting and if you are in the states, look out for Disney Family Fun magazine – the mosaic suncatchers will be featured in their October 2010 edition!
Saw this in Family Fun and can't wait to make some with my girls… I wonder if a suction cup hook would be strong enough to hang it?
Hi there
lovely to have you visit my blog from "Family Fun"! Hope you have fun with the projects (do check out some of the others under "tutorials" if you enjoy this one too!). The suction cup idea is a great one – I think it would work (maybe try and put a cushion underneath just in case?!)
Concetta, happy new year! Your blogs are always full of interesting and exciting ideas. Always a pleasure to read. Keep the last week in August free for our Fishbourne exhibition which will be mentioned in Grout shortly to be published.
This is such a cool idea, I love it….Could you use mod podge instead of glue?
Mmm…we don’t have modge podge in the UK Annette. If it dries clear and will hold then should be ok. Maybe do a tester? Let me know.