I remember the first time I stumbled upon the idea of a DIY picture frame suncatcher. It was a lazy afternoon, sunlight spilling through my windows, and I thought—what if I could make that light even prettier? I started browsing the internet for ideas and inspiration I could try, and that’s when I discovered a DIY suncatcher made from an old picture frame. It was such a smart, budget‑friendly idea—and a wonderful way to save something that might otherwise be thrown away and turn it into something beautiful.

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What I love most about this project is how customizable it is—you can choose any type and color of beads you like. It may feel a bit tedious and intimidating at first, especially with the first few beads, but as you continue, you’ll get used to the process and become faster at connecting them.

Picture frame suncatcher with beads hanging on a tree branch, plants in the background.

As the hours passed, my simple frame transformed into a colorful suncatcher. When I hung it by the window, sunlight streamed through, making it sparkle and feel truly magical. If you’ve been looking for an easy, joyful craft to brighten your home, this picture frame suncatcher tutorial is just what you need. It’s quick to make and ideal for both beginners and seasoned crafters alike.

Materials for Picture Frame Suncatcher

Wooden picture frame with chicken wire, colorful beads, pliers, and headpins arranged on a white surface for making a suncatcher.

How to Make a Picture Frame Suncatcher

  1. Step 1: Prepare Your Frame

    Picture frame with chicken wire displayed.
    Cut a piece of chicken wire large enough to fit inside your picture frame, then attach the wire securely to the frame.

  2. Step 2: Connect the Beads and Charms

    Hands threading beads onto headpins, bending ends with pliers, and showing a handful of finished bead pieces for a picture frame suncatcher.
    Choose the beads and charms you want to combine. Using an eye pin, connect them together, then bend the end of the pin to secure them in place.

  3. Step 3: Add the Jump Rings

    Close-up of pliers attaching a jump ring to a bead, showing how to prepare pieces for a picture frame suncatcher.
    Attach 1–2 jump rings to the round loop at the top of the eye pin to create a dangling bead.

  4. Step 4: Hanging the Bead Sets to the Wire

    Hanging beaded headpins onto the chicken wire of a picture frame.
    Hang the bead and charm sets you’ve made onto each section of the chicken wire.

  5. Finished Picture Frame Suncatcher

    Hands holding a finished picture frame suncatcher with beads hanging on chicken wire.
    Tie a jute rope around the top edges of the picture frame to create a hanger, then display it in your window.

Materials
  • Picture Frame
  • Chicken Wire
  • Pliers
  • Eye Pins
  • Jump Rings
  • Beads and Charms
  • Jute Rope
  • Scissors
Close-up picture of colorful beads hanging on chicken wire inside a picture frame.

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Pro Tips

  • Wear gloves when working with chicken wire to protect your hands.
  • Mix bead sizes, shapes, and colors for a vibrant, eye‑catching look.
  • Use translucent or faceted beads to let sunlight sparkle through.
  • Lay out your bead design before attaching to keep colors balanced.
  • Seal wooden frames with clear varnish if displaying outdoors.
Hanging a picture frame suncatcher with beads on a tree branch outdoors.

Easy Craft Ideas

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DIY Picture Frame Suncatcher Tutorial

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Elle Ann

With a flair and passion for writing, crafting, and cooking, I've embarked on a mission to discover promising content and turn it into simplified tutorials to help readers whip up their own nifty crafts and delicious food.
Food for me is an art form, so I get my kicks from playing around with flavors and ingredients. And, if you can't find me in the kitchen, I'm probably lurking in a cozy café, sipping on some coffee while indulging in my favorite burnt Basque cheesecake with either a book or phone in hand, of course.

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