5 ways to make ‘stained glass’ windows – without any glass!

This is an extremely versatile craft. First, select a frame: use our basic A5 window template or design a shape to fit in with your own theme. Second, choose a technique to decorate the ‘glass’ appropriate to the ability of the children in your group.

Step 1 – making the frame

Cut out the frame from card using a craft knife or pointed scissors. Top tip - If you have access to a die-cutting machine, for example through a scrapstore, this will be faster and give a neater result.

If you decide to design your own frame then bear in mind the following points:

• Large apertures become fragile and may sag – if you decide to scale up our A5 window template to an A4 you may need to cut out 9 holes instead of 4.
• Small apertures with sharp corners will require the use of a craft knife whereas larger ones with a more rounded profile can be cut out significantly more quickly with a sharp pair of scissors.
• Intricate shapes will take longer to cut out, so keep the design simple if you have a large group to prepare for.
• If you are using sticky tape to attach the acetate or sticky backed plastic to the frame then you will need to leave a sufficiently wide border so the sticky tape is not visible from the front. Sticky tape is preferable for straight edged templates. If you want a narrow frame or curved shape, then use glue. A solvent based one such as a multi-purpose glue or contact adhesive give better results than a gluestick or PVA but can only really be used by an adult.
• Leave cutting around the outside of shaped designs until the windows have been decorated as the additional card will provide extra strength.

Step 2 – decorating the ‘glass’

Sticky backed plastic and tissue paper

This is the easiest method for young children. The frames and pieces of sticky-backed plastic can be cut out at home, but the next step results in a sticky surface, so leave sufficient time to prepare each one before the children arrive.

1. Cut a piece of sticky backed plastic a little bit larger than the windows. Remove the backing and glue or tape it, sticky side up on top of the frame.
2. Provide small squares of different coloured tissue paper for the children to stick on to the sticky surface or, alternatively, let them enjoy tearing off their own pieces.
3. Turn it over and hang in a sunny window to admire the effect of the beautiful colours.
    

Acetate and tissue paper

This is another simple method for very young children.

1. Cut a sheet of acetate a little bit larger than the windows. Glue or tape it to the back of the frame.
2. Provide small squares of different coloured tissue paper for the children to glue on to the back of the acetate using a gluestick or, alternatively, let them enjoy tearing off their own pieces.
3. Turn it over and hang in a sunny window.
    

Tissue paper and PVA glue

This is the most difficult of the techniques but gives a delicate translucent effect. It requires a large amount of PVA glue, which appeals greatly to Junior school age children!

1. Provide a piece of acetate the same size as the frame.
2. Cover with a generous layer of PVA glue.
3. Provide small squares of different coloured tissue paper for the children to stick on or, alternatively, let them enjoy tearing off their own pieces. Ensure that there are as few gaps as possible in the coverage of tissue paper and absolutely no gaps in the coverage of PVA glue. If necessary, dollop on another layer of PVA and, without disturbing the design, smooth it out into an even coating.
4. Leave to dry. This will take a long time, probably overnight, depending on the quantity of glue used!
5. When completely dry, peel the stained glass off the acetate and glue or tape it to the back of the frame.
6. Turn it over and hang in a sunny window.
    

Acetate and Overhead Projector (OHP) pens

Using washable OHP pens means that the designs could become smudged. However, care must be taken with permanent marker pens not to stain clothing.

1. Cut a piece of acetate a little bit larger than the windows. Glue or tape it to the back of the frame.
2. Draw and colour on the back of the acetate with the OHP pens. The drawings could be freestyle or following a theme e.g. the seasons or their favourite activities. Alternatively, print off some pictures of stained glass windows from the internet and allow the children to trace the outlines on to their own windows.
3. Turn it over and hang in a sunny window
    

Filter paper and washable felt tip pens

This is a chromatography technique which uses water to separate out the different colours in the felt tip pen ink to give a beautiful effect. It looks great in a butterfly or flower shaped frame.

1. Cut a piece of filter paper or blotting paper a little bit larger than the windows.
2. Draw on spots of different colours using washable felt tip pens.
3. Using the tip of your finger, dab a drop of water onto each spot of colour. Wait and watch as the water spreads out taking the dye with it to form a unique pattern.
4. Allow to dry and glue or tape it to the back of the frame.
5. Turn it over and hang in a sunny window.
    

Last Updated 10 May 2010