So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Fantastic Suncatchers Are So Easy To Make!...

By Anna Meenaghan

How interesting and decorative suncatchers really are. They always appear so artistic and, the type that are made with stained glass, seem to be very popular today. In fact, many are made from plastic sheeting. These are relatively easy to make as I am about to describe below. In the main I have found that I have given these out as presents and the receivers have always been delighted with them!

You can hang them anywhere in the car, in your home, garden, your office etc. and they catch the light so beautifully. There are so many different ways you can actually make them, it is no wonder they are popular.

This one I am about to explain really is intended for a window, but of course the choice is up to you. So, now for your basic requirements. A roll of lead tape, glass paints and thinner, a tube of glass outliner, paintbrush, rubber suction hook, 2cm length of string and a pot for water. Plus, of course, an acrylic sheet in A5 size and a design for you to paint on your sheet.

If you are artistic you can draw your own design, but if you are not that way inclined, your local handicraft shop will probably have designs they will sell you.

So where do we begin on this venture? Make a start by taking your acrylic sheet and peeling the film off it. Your next step is to pick up your lead tape and cut a length from this and then take the backing off this. This tape then needs to be stuck the complete way round the outside edge of your plastic sheet.

Now you will require something to hang it by. To do this cut about 4cm of your lead tape and your string needs to go in the centre. Then the tape needs to be wrapped around the string and be left open at the end. All you do then is to stick this to one edge of your acrylic sheet to make your hanging hook!

Next step, place your pattern sheet under the acrylic sheet and then you can draw your design with your tube of outliner from the pattern. Wait for this to dry.

The design has now been transferred to your sheet, so now you can start to use your glass paints to fill out your design. When you have finished this part I find it is better to give this plenty of time for drying. Therefore, if you leave it overnight, this is ideal. Your brush will need to be washed and given a good clean with the thinner if your glass paint contains solvent.

It is a possibility that you may have been using a water based paint with this so you only need to rinse and clean your brush with water. Now you need to hang your suncatcher where you can admire it and get endless pleasure from seeing the light captured by it. Take your rubber suction hook to the window and stick it to the glass. Hang your work of art on it and, once you have made one, what is there to stop you doing more!

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