Upcycler Transforms Old Plastic Cups Into A Dreamy Flower Suncatcher With An Impressive DIY

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As the old saying goes: one person's trash is another person's treasure. With a bit of time and creativity, even trash can be made into something new. There are multiple brilliant ways to repurpose plastic containers, but one TikTok artist turned clear plastic cups into a stained glass look-a-like sun catcher that truly brightens up a room. Why hunt for treasure when it can be found in your own trash can?

Tiktok user Tina Le Mac breathes new life into old plastic by upcycling cups into a floral sun catcher. She cleans and cuts the cups into squares, and uses an iron to flatten the plastic into sheets that can be painted. She then uses gold paint to outline a design of flowers, leaves, and vines on the sheets. Gallery glass is used to fill in the outline and give the plastic the look of stained glass. Jewelry rings connect the flowers to the vines, and the vines hang down from a center of leaves. A long chain is secured to the top. The result is a beautiful sun catcher that reflects light and hangs neatly in her window.

To create this project on your own, the next time you have a boba tea or an iced coffee, save that plastic cup. You'll need several to get enough plastic sheets to use, depending on the size of your design. A small sun catcher is made in the video, but this method can be used on greater amounts of plastic, or even bigger sheets of plastic, to create a larger sun catcher.

Gallery glass paint is used to create the stained glass look. This is a special paint that gives crafts the look of stained glass. You can buy individual colors or sets like this Gallery Glass Window Acrylic Craft Paint Set of 18 colors that lets you paint a rainbow of pretty effects. Alternatively, you can make a DIY version that mixes clear craft glue and acrylic paint to mimic the effects of gallery glass paint. If you are using another type of paint, like acrylic, be sure that is appropriate for plastic. Some types of paint will not adhere to the plastic surface without permanent preparation first, like sanding and priming. 

Parchment paper is placed on top of the plastic so it can be ironed flat, and so the plastic does not melt. The original DIYer uses a design underneath the sheet to trace so that her bell-shaped flowers and vines are even. Print or draw your own design to trace under your plastic, or freehand a look with your outline paint. Try using a marker first for a design, then paint on top of that. The "puffier" the paint, the better. A thin line of hot glue, painted to mimic leading, can also be used to outline the shapes. Using Ropoloogy Colors Stained Glass Paint Outliner also makes a painted line that looks like three-dimensional leading. A rich gold outliner was used for the border of the designs, helping it look like stained glass pieces joined together. You can also use a dull silver that looks like leading, or even black marker in a pinch. 

Jump rings are used to connect the pieces together. String or embroidery thread could also be used. Take care when cutting and making the hole for the jump rings or strings. A hole puncher is recommended, but scissors or a knife can be used as well. Carefully assemble your design, and choose your spot to hang it. Renters should note that nails or holes may not be allowed on window frames; tricks like Command strips can be used, or one the methods that are used as an alternative to hanging curtains around a window without drilling. Hang your sun catcher, and let the light shine in.