Stained Glass Windows

This is a fun activity which can be as simple or complex as you want. The focus is on Stained Glass Windows which mainly explore the use of composition, positive and negative space, shape and colour.

To introduce the task it is good to look at the history of stained glass windows and observe examples. Here are a few links which may be useful.

I then collect stencil images.

You can either use plastic stencil, images from craft books or find images online.

Here are a few sites which provide free stencil images.

Next you will need a piece of black card, I like to use an A3 size with students. You could use larger if you want more detail. The next step is to create the design by tracing the stencils.

You then cut out the images using a craft cutting knife. Older students would be able to do this themselves, younger students would need an adult to do it for them. be sure to use a cutting mat underneath.

The next step is to paste coloured cellophane onto the black card. Be sure to paste it onto the side you drew on. When the designs are completed I like to laminate the final work and then attach them to the windows of the classroom. It is a great way to make brighten up a room.

Here are a few student examples: