A DIY Sun Catcher Idea That'll Make Your Lawn Stand Out

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There are many enchanting ways to add sparkle to a garden, but if you haven't tried making these DIY vertical beaded sun catchers, your yard is missing out on a whole new level of bling. The best part? They're delightfully simple to make. All you need are 12- to 16-inch stainless-steel threaded rods and colorful large-holed beads, which you can find in a craft set like this one by Leifide for about $15. This collection conveniently also includes hex nuts to keep your beads from sliding. As for your rods, shorter ones will work best in planters, while taller ones are great for a lawn or flower bed.

To add extra style, also get a pack of multicolor beads — just make sure their openings are slightly wider than your rods so they'll slide on easily. Choose translucent beads to let the sun shine through, casting magical reflections.

Try adding ones in the best colors to have in your outdoor space, such as navy blue for a contemporary look or muted pastels for a subtle playfulness. Add some hummingbird-friendly colors like red, orange, pink, and yellow, and your garden will remain colorful year-round — not to mention that they will entice these enchanting, fairy-like creatures. To add extra shimmer, you could top off your rods with crystal cabinet knobs, such as these rainbow crystal ones by Spriak for about $11; you may also want to get a strong adhesive (like Gorilla Glue) to ensure everything stays securely in place.

To make these brilliant sun catchers, gather your materials: you'll need your rods, two hex nuts, and about 20 to 25 beads per sun catcher, and a cabinet knob of your choice for each rod, depending how you want your decorative creations to look. Begin by sliding one hex nut onto a rod and positioning it about 8 to 10 inches from the bottom. It will serve as a stopper to hold your beads in place. Next, thread on your beads, however you want them to look. Once you're happy with your design, add a second hex nut above the beads to secure them. To complete your creation, screw (or glue) on a cabinet knob for a whimsical or elegant touch. If the knob or any of the beads feel loose or wobbly, add a dab of adhesive.

Place your sun catcher outdoors and plant these perennials that will never leave your garden, such as ornamental foxgloves, Shasta daisies, and Black-eyed Susans, or easy-to-grow annuals like plume celosia (Celosia argentea). These flowers' colors and subtle fragrances will delight your senses and attract pollinators like butterflies and birds of all sorts to your garden, helping it thrive and creating an enchanting space you'll be sure to adore.

And when summer winds down, the temperatures start to cool, and your gorgeous flowers begin to fade, your do-it-yourself sun catchers will keep the magic alive, sparkling in the sunlight and adding color and charm to your garden beds long after their last petals have fallen.