The Design Gallery
Follow along with step-by-step beading projects and share your designs with beaders around the world—it’s quick & easy!
Chatter
on “Lots of Copper”:“So cool!…” read »
on “A Green Cuff”:“I agree, this color is gorgeous with copper....great piece!…” read »
on “Ice Ice Druzy”:“That druzy is cool. Great piece!…” read »
- on “Simply Crystal”:
“Lovely design!…” read »
- on “Fancy Circutry”:
“Very cool!…” read »
- on “A Little Vintage”:
“Well done! Love the focal.…” read »
on “My MacGyver Heart”:“Absolutely gorgeous! You've also given me some inspiration for my teal colored wire that I bought…” read »
on “Tranquility”:“Thanks! I got them at a Gem show last year.…” read »
on “~ Brigantine Beach ~”:“Thank you Becky and Wanda. Fostering is very rewarding and I get to play with…” read »
on “In The Garden of Olives”:“I like your choices for the pendant. Its all very beautiful.…” read »
- on “Evergreen Copper”:
“I thought it was a Jasper, but wasn't quite sure. Yes they are a beautiful green.…” read »
on “Evergreen Copper”:“My bad--Brazilian rainforest JASPER. They still have the chips but these bigger pieces were a…” read »
- on “Evergreen Copper”:
“Thanks everyone, and thanks Becky for letting me know. I know I got them from LB…” read »
- on “Recycled Blues”:
“Lovely!…” read »
- on “Blue Velvet Wraps”:
“Dang you are good!!!
Gonna try it your way, post it later. …” read » - on “Blue Bird of Happiness in Brass”:
“LOvely!…” read »
- on “Evergreen Copper”:
“Brazilian jade? I have some I got here. Love the design!!!!!
…” read » 
on “Recycled Blues”:“Very fun and summery. The swirls on the end of the wires is really nice. I…” read »
- on “Sonya or 'Earth' earrings”:
“Oh how gorgeous! You've outdone yourself with the wire work on these. Beautifully done!…” read »
- on “Blue Bird of Happiness in Brass”:
“oh how pretty!…” read »
- on “Evergreen Copper”:
“This is such an interesting piece. I love the colors and copper combo.…” read »
on “Raspberry and Cream!”:“Thank you, Lynda
…” read »- on “Raspberry and Cream!”:
“Thank you, Laud
)))I love your comments always …” read » - on “Leopard w/ Spark-le”:
“I don't think I ever commented on this one. I really like it. It may be…” read »
- on “In The Garden of Olives”:
“Darling piece
…” read » - on “Evergreen Copper”:
“Love it!
…” read » - on “In The Garden of Olives”:
“Thanks so much ladies--I always appreciate the input.…” read »
on “Blue Velvet Wraps”:“I thought your tute was very good! Everybody's directions are a little different and I'm game…” read »
on “Blue Bird of Happiness in Brass”:“So very pretty. I too love the brass & blue combo. The design is so 'clean'…” read »
- on “In The Garden of Olives”:
“You complimented your pendant well with the bead choices. Pretty!…” read »
- on “Blue Velvet Wraps”:
“Very pretty! My wire wrapping never looks that good.…” read »
- on “In The Garden of Olives”:
“Ooops, trigger finger; didn't mean to post that fast. Wanted to add (fwiw) that your chain…” read »
- on “In The Garden of Olives”:
“Your pendant is gorgeous. I love how the stones are framed within. It reminds me of…” read »
- on “Evergreen Copper”:
“I am such a fan of copper, and this design is fabulous! Just love the…” read »
- on “Yellow Dragonfly”:
“Very pretty colors!…” read »
on “Fancy Circutry”:“There is a lot going on in this pendant and it's all good fun! Love it!…” read »
- on “Beachey Bling”:
“Love the simplicity of the design. It really lets the wire wrapped beach glass take the…” read »
- on “Raspberry and Cream!”:
“I'm amazed at your skill in this technique and with color! Just lovely.…” read »
- on “Blue Bird of Happiness in Brass”:
“Love this bright blue and brass. So unusual!…” read »
- on “Evergreen Copper”:
“Haven't the foggiest notion what those green stones are either. But they are gorgeously combined with…” read »
About this design:
Crystal Suncatchers: I bought the beautiful crystals that you have on sale and they were so sparkly that I just had to put them on display so everyone could enjoy them. Friends have asked me to make them as gifts for Mothers Day (see photo).
Components:
Large Crystal 30mm or desired size, soft flex beading wire (med), crimp tube, German style wire (20 gauge), 14mm crystals, 4mm crystals, oval jump rings, large jump ring (18 gauge)Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Step 1: Insert small piece of softflex wire (about 10 inches) through opening at top of large crystal. |
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Step 2: Thread crimp tube on to softflex wire. (Insert both ends of softflex wire through crimp tube and slid the crimp bead down close to the large crystal. Use plier to flaten crimp (give it a little tug to make sure the wire will hold the weight of the crystal. |
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Step 3: Add a 14mm crystal and another crimp bead to the softflex wire. Set aside while you do step 4. |
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Step 4: Cut 3 inch piece of German Style wire and make a wrapped loop on on end (wrap wire three times). Add a 14mm crystal and do another wrapped loop. |
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Step 5: Go back to the large crystal and run the softflex through the loop you made in step 4. Pull the softflex wire through the crimp tube and use plier to flaten the crimp. Check to make sure wire does not slip through the crimp. |
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Step 6: From this step on make a wrapped loop, connect it to the already formed loop and then wrap 3 times. Add 14mm crystal, make loop, wrap three times, and continue to do this until you have the desired lenghth. |
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Step 7: Attach last loop to large 16 gauge jump ring. Use small oval jump rings to attach whatever you want to add to your project (small beads, charms, etc.) |
Read the comments (or add your own)
Add your thoughts!
On Apr 26, 2012 at 6:26 pm #
Nancy Mc says:These are beautiful to look at. That big blue crystal knocks my socks off! I’d love to see it in the sun!!
On Apr 26, 2012 at 7:47 pm #
KatsAllThat says:Really nice and a great gift idea.
On Apr 26, 2012 at 10:25 pm #
ScarletBegonias says:so gorgeous! at first I thought they were earrings – ha! What a beautiful and thoughtful gift!
Just wondering how big your leaf is at the top. I love the leaf but am hoping to find something a little more crystal to finish the end off with crystal.
You’ve given me a great idea for an affirmation bracelet I’m building for my niece too!
On Apr 26, 2012 at 11:18 pm #
Vee aka Dream Chickie says:Love these!
On Apr 26, 2012 at 11:40 pm #
M Young says:Thanks for your kind words. Scarletbegonias, the green leaf is 2-1/2″. Total length of the suncatcher is about 11 inches. Got the large crystals on Amazon.com for a very reasonable price.
On Apr 26, 2012 at 11:52 pm #
Lynn Eileen Chicky LE says:These are amazing! So beautiful and such a versatile idea! I also thought they might be earrings when I first spotted them…..
Thanks for the instructions, too! 
Welcome to the Design Gallery!
On Apr 27, 2012 at 6:15 am #
FaeryGoth Chick says:beautiful!
On Apr 27, 2012 at 7:51 am #
Chicky Zee aka Alice says:These are beuatiful ! Welome to the Design Gallery!
On Apr 27, 2012 at 8:51 am #
sunny chick says:These are splendid!
On May 01, 2012 at 5:43 pm #
M bennett says:All can say is Awesome Awesome Awesome..great idea
On Jun 21, 2012 at 4:51 pm #
beaded banana says:I just might have to try this.
On Jul 21, 2012 at 7:02 pm #
Erin Sue says:How cute would these make for “mismatched” Earrings? I would make them slightly smaller with the same for the long parts on both sides then pick complimentary crystals for the bottom. Love them!
On Jul 21, 2012 at 10:04 pm #
Tres Chick says:Erin Sue, great idea – they’d really work as mismatches (aka “non-identical twins”, with a bow to Ali). _So_ pretty.