Stained Glass Ornaments

Stained Glass Ornaments lesson plan

Update an ancient craft with contemporary designs and art materials. These holiday ornaments are light and unbreakable, and they're great for holidays or any day!

  • 1.

    Stained glass is a centuries-old method of putting together many pieces of colored glass to form a picture. The glass is held together with lead beading that forms a black outline around each section. Which famous artists are known for their stained glass? Here’s a way to capture the beauty of this ancient craft in modern materials.

  • 2.

    What holiday is coming soon? What symbols remind you of that season? You might show fall with a leaf, Chanukah with a dreidel, or Valentine’s Day with a heart. Choose the symbols you want to recreate in stained-glass ornaments.

  • 3.

    To create your own colors of Crayola® Model Magic, rub color from a Crayola Washable Marker. Mix it a little bit for a marbled effect. Knead the Model Magic well and add more marker color until you get the uniform shade you wish. Then shape the modeling compound into holiday symbols.

  • 4.

    To add to the stained-glass look, draw directly on the symbol with markers. If you want to create an ornament, poke a small hole in the top. Attach ribbon or yarn.

  • 5.

    Accent your ornaments with Crayola Glitter Glue. Air-dry before giving them as gifts or hanging.

Benefits

  • Students research stained glass to learn how it is made and where and why it has been used.
  • Students learn about famous stained glass makers such as Louis Comfort Tiffany and John La Farge.
  • Students recognize that holidays and seasons have symbols that represent them.
  • Students craft a seasonal symbol using art techniques that create a stained glass effect.

Adaptations

  • Students with special needs and younger children may want to experiment with color mixing before making their ornaments.
  • Create a matching game using the symbols and names of various seasons and holidays.
  • Use Crayola Window Markers to create a colorful stained glass design on a window. Be sure the window is closed and locked before decorating.