A suncatcher is the perfect way to bring a little magic into a room, and this crescent moon design makes your own from Swarovski briolette beads finished with a crystal star pendant. The Aurora Borealis coating casts gorgeous rainbow rays as the light moves through it, and the whole thing comes together with just a little wire work.
It is a quick, beginner-friendly craft and easy to personalise. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner (a little simple wire work)
- Time: Under an hour
- Crystals used: Swarovski 5040 briolette beads in Crystal AB, plus a 6714 star pendant
- Technique: Beads threaded on wire, shaped into a crescent and hung
Watch the tutorial
See this project come together. Watch the full make below, then scroll down for the kit list and step-by-step instructions.
What you'll need
Quantities make one suncatcher. Add the beads, pendant, findings and wire to your cart from the cards below. The pliers, cutters and tray are reusable across every project, so browse the full range of tools and accessories to build your kit.
- Swarovski 5040 Briolette Beads 4mm, Crystal ABSmall beads10
- Swarovski 5040 Briolette Beads 6mm, Crystal ABMedium beads10
- Swarovski 5040 Briolette Beads 8mm, Crystal ABLarge beads5
- Swarovski 6714 Star Pendant 20mm, Crystal ABThe hanging charm1
- Rose Gold Open Leaf BailConnects the star1
- Jump RingsAttaching the star and making the hanger11
- Artistic Wire 24 Gauge, BrassShaping the crescent1
- Round Nose PliersSpiralling the wire ends1
- Side CuttersTrimming the wire1
- Magic Sorting TrayOrganising bead sizes4
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
£5.12 Excl. VAT
£3.58 Excl. VAT
£3.58 Excl. VAT
£9.20 Excl. VAT
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to make a crescent moon suncatcher
Step 1: Gather your supplies
Tip your beads into the sorting trays, keeping each size separate so they are easy to reach, then cut a piece of wire roughly 25cm long to start.
Step 2: Add the beads
Thread the beads on in size order so the crescent tapers at each end. Start with four 4mm beads, then four 6mm, then seven 8mm in the middle. To balance the other side, add four more 6mm, then four 4mm.
Step 3: Shape the crescent
Trim the wire, leaving about 4cm spare at each end. Use your round nose pliers to curl each end into a small spiral, which locks the beads in place. Once both ends are secured, gently bend the beaded wire into a crescent moon shape.
Step 4: Add the star pendant
Attach the star pendant to the rose gold open leaf bail. Open a jump ring, thread on both the star pendant and the top spiral of your crescent, then close the ring so the star hangs in the curve of the moon.
Step 5: Make the hanger
Chain around ten jump rings together into a loop and attach it to the top of the crescent, so you have a flexible hanger. Hang your suncatcher in a bright window and watch it cast rainbows.
Swarovski crystals, the best sparkle for your designs
As an Authorised Swarovski Distribution Partner, Bluestreak Crystals supplies the complete genuine range of Swarovski beads and crystals, sourced directly from Austria with consistent batch quality and reliable colour matching, so every bead in your suncatcher refracts the light beautifully.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make a crystal suncatcher?
Thread faceted crystal beads onto craft wire, bend the beaded wire into your chosen shape, and spiral the ends to hold the beads in place. Add a pendant and a short chain of jump rings at the top, then hang it where the light will catch it.
What beads are best for a suncatcher?
Faceted crystal beads with an Aurora Borealis (AB) finish work best. The facets and the AB coating split sunlight into rainbow rays, which is exactly what a suncatcher is for. We used Swarovski 5040 briolette beads in Crystal AB in three sizes.
What wire should I use for a suncatcher?
A craft or artistic wire around 24 gauge. It is firm enough to hold the crescent shape and the spiralled ends, yet soft enough to bend and curl by hand with round nose pliers. A non-tarnish finish keeps it looking good as it hangs.
Why use AB crystals for a suncatcher?
The Aurora Borealis coating gives crystals an iridescent, oil-on-water shimmer that refracts light into shifting rainbow colours. In a sunny window that turns a simple beaded shape into moving rays of colour across the room.
How do I hang a suncatcher?
Chain several jump rings together into a short loop and attach it to the top spiral of the design. That gives you a flexible hanger you can hook over a suction cup, a small hook or a curtain rail in a bright window.
Can I change the shape or colours?
Yes. Bend the wire into a circle, heart or star instead of a crescent, and swap in any colours you like. We used premium Swarovski here, but you can also use our own Austrian-made Serinity, Czech-made Preciosa or budget Estella beads.
Make it your own
Bend the wire into a different shape, swap the star for another pendant, or mix in colour for a different mood. For more decorative crystal craft, see our wire heart decoration and Faberge-style egg projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
