I have had heavy fish line hold a few years and then break. I also glue the gems back to back. When dry, I wrap a small wire around them instead of the fishing line. Mostly they have lasted 3 years. A few fell apart, my bag, the glue was probably older. I used wire to put some cds and beads together with the swivels and they worked but they did rust thru in some areas. Here in So Calif....the smog and heat is just hard on them. Then ones I hung under the patio lasted longer out of the sun. But fpr comparison, the ones purchased, fell apart also.

Glass+ wind+falling sticks= waste of time.

Sorry arcy, but you're totally wrong. It's never a waste of time when you create something that brings you pleasure. If you make it right, it will last a long time. I had another glass gem suncatcher that I had outdoors, mind you, for several years and managed to hold up very well hung under an awning. You could see it sparkle from blocks away. Eventually, we got rid of the awning when we got our new windows, so the suncatcher was put away. I did get constant compliments and a few orders for them from people in the neighborhood, so that was nice. The last suncatcher I made was up for 2 years, but I have recently restrung it, and it's so sparkly and beautiful worthy of your envy! I have never had any problems with them tangling up or glass breaking, and we are known as the Windy City!! You don't get that problem if you space each string slightly apart and of course hang each with a swivel, that way they don't crash into each other ever. I need to get new pics for you all to see.

mine are still fine hanginh on the west side of the houseand have had them up several years and just made some new.I take them down only with the threat of a cat 3 hurricane or higher.

these sound so pretty would love to see pics!
kathy