Upcycled Life: Colorful sun catcher made from scraps

My work at a creative reuse organization means that I ask myself how many different ways I can create art with nearly every object I come across. When I first saw these beautiful scraps of blown glass, I knew that I wanted to create something that really highlighted the color and radiance of the glass. While a glass artist can use scraps for fusing or glass slumping, I wanted to create a project with everyday materials and tools. This sun catcher was made with materials found at Art Salvage, including a jar of glass scraps for less than $5.

Directions

1. Select the pieces of glass you want to use. Always use caution with broken glass; however, I was able to handle all of the glass for the project without gloves.

2. Using a malleable wire 12- to 18-inches long, make a small loop and twist the wire together on itself.

3. Position the wire loop at the top of a piece of glass and use the remaining wire to wrap the glass. Twist the end around the base of the loop to secure. Continue with as many pieces of glass that you will use.

4. Lay out the pieces on the table in the formation that you desire. Using a cord or thread, hang each piece of wrapped glass from a stick, dowel or inside a small frame.