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I find that suncatchers are a charming item and people always seem to admire them. They can be made in endless ways and with different items. Stained glass appears to be in great demand, but they are quite often made from plastic sheeting, which I am about to explain for novices. These items are so artistic yet often so very easy to make yourself and you will find that old and young people alike, really appreciate them!

One advantage with these is that they are fascinating in the way that they catch the light and, of course, the places you can actually hang them is endless. Your hallway, bedroom window, outside, wherever you like. It is easy to recognise why they might be 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.

Carry on now by cutting about 4cm of the lead tape and put your string into the centre and proceed to wrap the tape around the string, leaving the tape open at the end. You will then need to stick this to one edge of the acrylic sheet to make a hook to be able to hang it with.

Our design is next, so your design for your suncatcher needs to be under your acrylic sheet to start with. Now use the tube of outliner to put your design on top of the acrylic sheet and then leave it to dry naturally.

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.

Some paints only have a water base, so these can just be washed in water. So, now we are getting near the end. You have to be able to hang the suncatcher, so this is where your suction hook comes in. Go ahead, stick this to your window and then attach your suncatcher. You will get great satisfaction when you see the light reflecting on and through it. If you have cracked it don’t stop there, try different designs and make a few more!