‘Stained Glass’ Decorations for Christmas - Grades K-6

‘Stained Glass’ Decorations for Christmas - Grades K-6
Make a variety of colorful decorations with
these stained glass style patterns. These don’t
photograph well, but they sparkle and shine in
even small amounts of light.
Materials Needed:
Paper patterns, assorted colors (and black)
permanent magic markers with a pointed tip
(two possible brands are Sharpie and Bic),
small paper plates or cardboard circles, tape,
clear plastic wrap (heavier wrap is better!),
aluminum foil, scissors.
Optional ribbon and construction paper or
cardboard to cover the back – you may also
use transparencies for a sturdier drawing
surface.
Directions:
See the notes below for easier variations of this project – children will need to be
careful and patient to get good results. The project as described in these steps is
appropriate for children about 7 years old and up.
1) Tape a paper pattern to the table in front of each child. For a small paper plate, the
smaller patterns provided should be used. Each child will need to work on a table space
of at least 15-18”.
2) Tape a 12 inch square of clear plastic wrap over the pattern. As you tape, pull
gently on the wrap so it is slightly taut, it will be easier to draw on it. Tape the 4
corners and the center of the 4 sides. If you have transparencies available, they
can also be used, and will be a sturdier drawing surface. (see the notes for the
difference in working with transparencies)
3) Using the permanent markers, color in the various colored sections of the design.
Children will need to use a light touch – markers do not require pressure to work,
and the wrap can tear.
4) When all the colored areas are filled in – trace over the black lines with a marker.
By doing the black lines last, the amount of potential smudging is minimized.
Children might need an adult to help with this step.
5) Gently crumple a 12” square of aluminum foil, then smooth it out. Wrap it around
the bottom of the plate, shiny side showing. Tape it in the back.
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6) Lay the plate foil side down on top of your drawing. Remove your drawing from the
table, carefully removing the tape from the table, it will stick to the plastic wrap.
Trim off the excess sticky tape. Pull the sides of the plastic wrap around the plate.
Pick up the plate and make sure the design is centered on it. Tape the wrap to the
back of the plate (or itself) to secure it to the plate.
7) You may tape/glue/staple a ribbon loop to the back of the plate for hanging, and
also cover the back with a large circle of construction paper to make for a nicer look
to the back.
Other project variations:
If transparencies are available, children can draw on the transparencies, then cut them out along
the outer edge and wrap the plastic wrap over the transparency to fasten them to the tin foil
covered plate.
Children can also create suncatchers by tracing the designs onto transparencies and cutting them
out and hanging them as they are (no plate, no tin foil)
Younger grades can color the drawings with crayons, cut them out and hang them up. They can
be made more transparent by rubbing a bit of baby oil or cooking oil on the back of the paper.
Each student can color one of each design (with any of the usual methods, crayon, marker,
pencils), glue them to construction paper, cut them out, and then staple them to a ribbon to make
a long hanging decoration.
These designs will also work well with shrink plastic sheets.
Large and small patterns are included here so that you may create a variety of projects, your
imagination is the limit.
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