Create Your Own Stained Glass Window + Make Your Own Chalk

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Windows connect people. They connect those inside to life outside. They connect those outside to life inside. And they can reflect the lives of those inside with beauty and laughter. And if windows connect us, then sidewalks are the paths to those connections!

My kids LOVE decorating our windows and sidewalks. And I love letting them. It allows those outside to enjoy a slice of our joy! And let’s be honest. Decorating our windows and sidewalks can occupy them a long time.

Today we created a stained glass window over our kitchen table and made chalk with our leftover supplies. Want a fun (but MESSY) activity for your kids at home? Here’s how to create your own stained glass window and homemade chalk.


Stained Glass Window

Supplies:

Masking tape

Washable Tempura paint

Dish soap

Small plastic containers for each color paint. (I used old yogurt containers.)

Paint brushes

Steps:

1. Tape off your window “frame” with masking tape.

2. Add diagonal strips of tape overlapping and crossing in all directions to create small sections to paint.

3. Squeeze a healthy dollop of paint into each container (about 2-3 tablespoons, but I never measure).

4. Add a splash of dish soap (about a teaspoon).

5. Mix and let your kiddos paint the sections enclosed by the masking tape.

stained glass window, homemade chalk

6. When it’s all painted, let it dry for 2-3 hours and gently peel the tape. (Elementary kids find this a fun part of the activity as well. Creating a huge masking tape ball is lots of fun!)

Voila! A stained glass window for the world to enjoy!

We always end up with extra paint on hand, which makes a great base for chalk.

Homemade Chalk

Supplies:

Washable Tempura paint

Dish soap

Small plastic containers for each color paint. (I used old yogurt containers.)

Plaster of Paris

Plastic forks/spoons for stirring

Water

Steps:

1. If you made paint for the stained glass window, skip to step 4.

2. Squeeze a healthy dollop of paint into each container (about 2-3 tablespoons, but I never measure).

3. Add a splash of dish soap (about a teaspoon).

4. Mix and add about 1/4 cup of Plaster of Paris into each container.

5. Add a splash of water and mix. About 1-2 teaspoons, but you may need more. You want it thick but smooth. Too much water is okay. Too little will lead to a rough finish rather than a smooth finish.

6. When it’s all mixed, you can use a mold (for soap or baking) and pour different colors in, or you can leave them in their plastic containers to dry.

7. Tap the molds on the counter a few times to bring bubbles to the surface.

8. Let them dry overnight.

9. After about 24 hours, flip them over and gently tap the molds upside down. The chalk should fall out on its own.

10. You’re ready to decorate your sidewalk.


About Our Guest Blogger: Anneliese Grafe

Anneliese moved to Albuquerque in January 2013 just before marrying her husband, Zach. They have a 5 year old, 2 year old, 1 year old, a newborn, and one baby waiting in heaven for them. They enjoy combatting the craziness of life downtown with four littles in a 2 bedroom/1 bathroom house by spending as much time as possible outside or doing things around Albuquerque! The Grafe family loves biking the Bosque path, walking to the downtown farmer’s market, visiting the main library, and exploring all things downtown. They also love traveling and embrace the challenge of vacations with littles using only public transportation! Anneliese loves helping plan mom get togethers and hopes you’ll join her at some of our community events!

Originally published April 2020.


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