Create Your Own Dazzling Suncatcher

Using one 15-inch length of 24-gauge copper ParaWire, tightly wrap the wire five times around one edge of a 2-inch steel beading hoop. Use chain nose pliers to squeeze the wraps together.

Place the wrapped edge of the 2-inch hoop on top of one edge of a 6-inch beading hoop (the frame). Wrap around both edges five times to bind them together.

Bring the tail back around the 2-inch hoop and wrap nine times. Drape the tail across the wraps to create a small swag, leaving a small space.

Wrap four times next to the original wraps, then cut off and tuck in the tail.

Start wrapping a new 2-inch beading hoop the same way, positioning it next to the bottom of the previously attached 2-inch hoop. Repeat the same wrapping sequence.

Repeat again to attach a third 2-inch beading hoop.

At the bottom of the frame, wrap a new 15-inch wire five times around the frame instead of the 2-inch hoop.

Offset the top 2-inch hoop so its top edge sits behind the top edge of the frame. Arrange the bottom 2-inch hoop so its bottom edge also sits behind the frame.

Wrap around both edges five times, then wrap nine times around the 2-inch hoop. Create a swag as before, wrap four times next to the original wraps, then cut off and tuck in the tail.

Place the body on a silicone sheet with the 2-inch hoops centered and the top and bottom hoop edges positioned behind the frame. Place something of equal thickness to the beading hoops under the outside edged to keep it level. Add a small drop of Devcon 5-minute epoxy to each wrap joint and allow to dry for 10 minutes.

Thread one 37x21mm Asfour AB crystal teardrop onto a 15-inch length of 24-gauge copper ParaWire and center it.

Bring both tails straight up so they are parallel. Thread one tail through the swag on the top 2-inch hoop and the other tail through the swag from the opposite direction.

Pull the wires apart so the crystal tip sits just below the swag. Wrap one tail downward, covering the swag and the top of the crystal, then continue wrapping about 1/4 inch down the crystal.

Cut off the tail at the back and tuck it in securely.

Repeat to attach crystals to the remaining two 2-inch hoops.

Wrap the end of one 66-inch length of 24-gauge copper ParaWire tightly around the frame next to the juncture where the 2-inch hoops are attached.

Using chain nose pliers, make a 90-degree bend in the wire approximately 2mm from the outside edge of the frame. Thread on a 4mm round crystal bead and slide it down to the bend.

Wrap the wire tightly around the frame to secure the bead on the outside edge. Continue adding beads in your desired pattern.

When you reach the end of one side, wrap four times, then cut off and tuck in the tail.

Tip: After adding each bead, run your fingers along the wire to prevent kinking. If a kink occurs, gently straighten it using nylon jaw or chain nose pliers before continuing.

Repeat the beading process on the opposite side of the frame.

Using the 36-inch length of 14-gauge copper Zebra Wire, make a small one-revolution spiral at one end.

Measure approximately 2.5 inches from the spiral and allow the wire to curve naturally. With the tail running down the back, bend the wire to form a petal shape.

Use your fingers to smooth both sides so they are even, leaving about 1 inch between the centers of each side of the petal.

Just above the first spiral, bend the wire upward, overlapping the first petal by about 0.25 inch to begin the second petal. Bend it back down to match the first.

Repeat to form the middle petal.

For the fourth petal, ensure the tail is positioned on the front as you bend. Repeat for the fifth and final petal.

With the remaining tail, make a small one-revolution spiral to mirror the first spiral. Set the lotus piece aside.

Using the 32-inch length of 14-gauge copper Zebra Wire, make a 2-inch spiral at one end.

Bring the tail out approximately 0.6 inch from the spiral. Using the middle barrel of stepped wire-wrapping pliers, form an upward loop with the tail flowing to the opposite side.

Repeat to create a second mirrored loop. Continue forming loops in this manner, making each lower set of loops approximately 0.3 inch narrower than the previous set, until six loops are formed.

Bring the tail downward and use the large barrel of stepped wire-wrapping pliers to create a teardrop loop, folding the tail around the top of the loop. Cut off and tuck in the tail.