Will this make a mess?

I worry about cleaning up. It will be tidier than paint, but expect drips when pouring. Work on a silicone mat or baking paper and keep a damp cloth nearby. Most bowls and tools rinse clean with warm water. I usually put a towel under the mat and wipe spills quickly. That keeps the counter clean and the project relaxed.

Is this safe for younger kids?

This is a family-friendly activity, but adults should handle the hot water. Once the gelatin mix cools, children can do the color drops and swirls. Supervise the hole-punching step and any use of small decorations to avoid choking hazards for very young children.

Can I use other substitutes if I do not have glycerin?

Glycerin helps keep pieces flexible. If you do not have it, the film will still form but may be stiffer and more brittle. Be honest with expectations: the pieces will work, but they may crack more easily. If you want to try flexibility without glycerin, make slightly thicker pieces and handle them gently.

What if my colors fade or do not look bright?

Colors often deepen when you hold the finished piece to light. If a color looks pale, it probably dried translucent rather than faded. For more vivid results try smaller, more concentrated drops during mixing rather than watering them down.

How long do these last on the window?

They can last many weeks if you hang them in a stable, dry spot. Heat and direct sun can sometimes make very thin pieces become brittle over time. Treat these as semi-permanent decorations and be ready to remake favorites.

Easy DIY Bioplastic Suncatchers with Colorful Swirls 2026

DIY Bioplastic Suncatchers with Colorful Swirls

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A fun and easy rainy day project for kids to create colorful suncatchers using gelatin and glycerin.

Author: linda-harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2880 minutes
Yield: 4-6 suncatchers 1x
Category: Craft
Method: DIY Crafting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons plain or unflavored gelatin powder
1 teaspoon food-grade glycerin (optional)
1 cup warm water
Food coloring or liquid watercolors
Nonstick baking paper or silicone mats
Cookie cutters or small rings (optional)
Syringe or straw (for making holes)
Tweezers (optional, for small decorations)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Measure and heat the water until hot, then pour into a glass bowl.
Sprinkle gelatin over water, stir until dissolved.
Add glycerin and mix until fully combined.
Prepare your work surface with nonstick paper.
Mix food coloring with small amounts of the gelatin mix in separate bowls.
Pour a thin circle of the plain gelatin mix onto the paper.
Drop small amounts of colored mixes onto the base, then swirl them with a skewer.
Press a straw through the edge of the film to make holes.
Optional: Add small decorations using tweezers.
Let the pieces dry for 24 to 48 hours, then peel and trim edges.
Optional: Soften stiff pieces between palms and hang.

Notes

Keep a towel handy for spills and supervise kids during the hot steps of the process.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 suncatcher
Calories: 50
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Find it online: https://www.diymadeeasy.com/easy-bioplastic-suncatchers-colorful-swirls/