Stained Glass for Kids: Charlotte Mason Handicrafts

Charlotte Mason encouraged children to learn handicrafts. A handicraft differs from a craft in this way: a handicraft is something useful, and a craft is something you will probably throw away after it hangs on the fridge for a week. A handicraft is a skill your child {or you} will learn. As I was searching for handicrafts my children to work on this week, I came across a stained glass project that looked relatively easy. This is a project that will hang in our windows for a long time; this is a skill my children can learn and perfect as they get older.

Supplies needed:

8x10 picture frame
white glue
clear glue
black acrylic paint
assorted acrylic paints
clear spray enamel
hot glue
ribbon or chain to hang the frame
printed black-and-white stained glass pattern {we used stained glass coloring sheets}


Step One: Choose your pattern. We did a quick Google search for "stained glass coloring pictures". Print off the pattern you like - remember, simple is better for this project.

Step Two: Empty out a small amount of the white glue. Add a few drops of black acrylic paint and mix well. We used a craft stick to mix ours.

Step Three: Line up your pattern under the glass from the picture frame. {Take glass out of frame.} Using the now-black glue, trace your pattern. Go slowly! Add a border if there isn't one on your pattern.

Step Four: Let it dry overnight.

Step Five: Mix the clear glue with the colored acrylic paints; I used almost equal parts.

Step Six: Paint your glass!

Step Seven: After it is completely dry, spray with clear enamel.

Step Eight: Hot glue the glass into the frame. You will not put the back on the frame.

Step Nine: Hot glue ribbon or chain to the back of the frame. Hang in a window!!

I hope to feature many more handicrafts in the following months!

Click the banner below to read even more handicrafts and get some ideas for your children or yourself!