The kids and I really love creating window art, especially on dreary days when we are stuck inside. This kids stained glass art project is my favorite one yet!
Easy Stained Glass Art with Cellophane
I have been wanting to make this colorful faux kids' stained glass window art project using cellophane shapes with the kids ever since I saw it on Matzo Ball Soup. Isn't it gorgeous? It's a variation on another cellophane art activity we did (that one used page protectors!) and terrific for covering up a less-than perfect view! (Note: affiliate links included for products, below)
The boys had so much fun. All you need is:
- Cellophane cut into a variety of shapes (you could easily customize this for any theme, like snowflakes for winter or hearts for Valentine's)
- solution of ⅔ water and ⅓ dish soap
- paint brush or roller
To begin, Kiddo used a sponge roller to apply the soapy mixture to the window. I think this was just as much for him as adding the shapes.
Stick the shapes on however you want. Overlap, create scenes or just engage in free art, like the boys did.
If the soap dries, just add more. You can also paint or roll over any cellophane corners that may be poking up.
By the way, those bars are child-safety bars required by the city, not prison bars! If you want to take window decorating one step further, kids can paint directly on the window with washable paint and even wash the windows afterward!
Will you be trying this project?
*Note: many of you know that I have been trying to reduce the amount of plastics that we use. Cellophane is made out of plant material, although the process of making it is hardly environmentally friendly (sadly this is true for many art materials). We made this project using Hygloss Cello Sheets.
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Jeanette Nyberg says
Love it, love it, love it! I haven't seen this technique before, but you can bet we'll be trying it. (And thanks for clearing up the bars question. :))
Mom and Kiddo says
It's so easy and the colors are quite a bit bolder than the usual tissue paper stained glass activity for kids.
maryanne @ mama smiles says
I was going to ask where you got your cellophane from - thanks for the explanation!
And I'm really glad your windows have bars. I have heard too many stories of children falling out of windows.
Mom and Kiddo says
You can get it online, but we got it at the art store.
PragmaticMom says
Man, that is seriously gorgeous! I love these kind of art projects and I had no idea of how to prep the window first.
Mom and Kiddo says
Thanks. I've seen some similar projects with tissue paper but they use contact paper and I like that this way keeps the window clear.
Ashley says
Gorgeous! I'd love for you to link it to Mom's Library if you haven't already!
Ashley says
Gorgeous! I'd love for you to link it to Mom's Library if you haven't already!
http://lifewithmoorebabies.blogspot.com/2013/01/moms-library-4-for-me.html
Vicky @ Mess For Less says
So pretty! I love these kind of simple projects that keep kids engaged. Where do you get your cellophane? Pinning!
Mom and Kiddo says
You can buy it online at Amazon (but Dick Blick has a better price: http://www.dickblick.com/products/hygloss-cello-sheets/). We got it at our local art store and I suspect most craft stores like Michael's has it, too.
Jenny says
I love art projects like this! I have just the window for it too. Now to find the cellophane!
Mom and Kiddo says
If your local art store doesn't have it, you can find it online.
Natalie says
This is beautiful, but we don't really have a place where it would work. I thought at first that you added horizontal and vertical lines with tape before I realized that those are a fire escape and a window gate!
Claire @ angelicscalliwags says
This is a great take on stained glass windows. We did them in December and this would have been perfect for the younger two! Thanks for sharing!
Mom and Kiddo says
Thanks, Claire!
Mary Catherine says
This looks like so much fun! I have a big glass door to my back porch that this would work well on. I'm going to pin this so I can remember your fun idea. Thanks so much for sharing it! 🙂
Mom and Kiddo says
Oooh, I love the idea of covering an entire glass door!
Lisa @ Homegrown Toddler says
Love this one! Gotta try it sometime! I'm wondering if those little squares of tissue paper (of which I already have a gazillion) would work okay too--probably would bleed a little, but nothing a little more soapy water couldn't wash off, I'll bet!
-Lisa
Mom and Kiddo says
I think they might work, but tissue paper would also rip more easily (though I can't imagine the kids would care about that. ) Try it and tell me how it works!
Allison says
Gorgeous! I'll be featuring this on The Sunday Showcase at Train Up a Child.
Mom and Kiddo says
Thanks, Allison! 🙂
jackie says
This is such a simple and vibrant project. I love it!
Mom and Kiddo says
Thanks, Jackie. It certainly makes me smile when I open the curtain every morning!
kristin says
Have you found the cellophane to fade in the sun like tissue paper does? How long do you keep it up?
MomandKiddo says
It's been up for about a month now and hasn't faded. But, during the winter we only get one or two hours of direct sun on that window, so that might have some effect. We won't know until Spring! I'm planning on leaving it up as long as the kids let me. Once in a ehile a piece falls off, but it sticks back on with a little water.
Jennifer says
In addition to Monday Kid Corner Weekly Linky Party, this week's theme is WATER. Brush off those archives and link them up at thejennyevolution.com. See you there! Jennifer
Janice usher says
Hi, this looks great. Does it all peel off once the water dries?
Erica MomandKiddo says
Yes, you can peel it off with no difficulty. But if you like it, it will stay up. We left ours up for a long time and it still came off with no problem.