Children's Stained Glass Christmas Tree Activities

Commercial Options

• Many hobby stores sell stained glass sun catcher Christmas ornament crafts for children when they market other Christmas decorations. The kits include a mix of ornaments printed and pressed onto plastic, with a distinct compartment for each color used in the ornament. The kit also includes non-toxic glass paint and a brush so that sunlight will shine through the paint once it dries. The activity is appropriate for children ages 5 and older.

Acetate Film

• Acetate film can provide an interesting alternative for stained glass kids̵7; crafts, and is readily available in many office supply stores. Your child can place a clear sheet of acetate over a picture of the type of Christmas ornament he wants to make, and trace around the object, drawing lines between the different colors to make each section distinct. He can use water-based markers to add color or use non-toxic glass paints available in many hobby shops. Once the marker or paint is dry, he can cut out the ornament and punch a hole near the top where he can insert a string or ribbon for hanging. If your child is too young to successfully trace the outlines, you can draw the outlines for him. With supervision, children as young as 3 can work this craft with non-toxic markers and kids 5 and older can use glass paints.

Contact Paper

• Contact paper enables 2-year-olds to make a stained glass Christmas tree ornament without the need for glues or tools. Draw a design on the non-sticky side of the contact paper and cut around the design, leaving a 1-inch margin around the design. Remove the backing and place the contact paper sticky side up on the table. Give your child strips of tissue paper in various colors and have her tear the paper into bits and sprinkle them on the design. Once she has covered the design, cover it with another layer of contact paper and cut away the margin. Punch a whole in the top for a hanger and place on the tree for all to enjoy.

Melted Crayon

• Melted crayon creates an interesting effect as its glossy surface reflects light. Draw a design on baking parchment paper while your child peels the wrapper off old crayon pieces. Use a large bore pencil sharpener to shave thin strips of crayon into small piles for your child. She can pick up the bits and sprinkle them on top of the paper design. Once the design is fully covered, place a second sheet of parchment on top of the design and carefully move it to a safe location where you can iron the paper on low heat with no steam. Once the paper cools, carefully peel the melted crayons off the parchment paper and hang with a string or ribbon. With appropriate supervision, toddlers age 2 and up can do this craft.