Crafting with kids: Make stained glass from Ziploc bags

"Stained glass" from a sandwich bag!
Photo source:  Author

Summer afternoons can become a long boring stretch if there is nothing to do.  Why not make some artwork with stuff from around the house?  Turning plastic sandwich bags into "stained glass" masterpieces is simple, with things that are easy to find. 

Here is what you need:

• Ziploc-style sandwich or storage bags (gallon size bags are a good size)
• Tissue paper or any other colored paper you have
• Other flat crafting supplies, like glitter, sequins, small cutouts, feathers, etc.
• Aluminum foil
• An iron
• A towel to iron on

1. Begin by laying out the towel on the craft table to prevent damage to the table while ironing.  Lay out a piece of aluminum foil larger than the plastic bag you will be using.  The foil will allow you to iron the bag without it melting into the towel or table.

Gather up supplies.
Photo source:  Author

2.  Next, cut open  the plastic bag so it becomes two separate pieces.  Each project needs both pieces of the bag.

3.  Lay one side of the plastic bag on top of the foil.

4.  Have your child place crafting material however they like on the piece of plastic bag. 

5.  Once your child is done arranging crafting materials, lay the second piece of plastic bag on top of the first, making a sandwich of plastic, craft supplies, and plastic. 

6.  Place another piece of aluminum foil over the whole thing in preparation for ironing.  Make sure none of the plastic is sticking out from between the two pieces of foil. 

7.  With a hot iron, iron the whole thing for about 15-30 seconds.  Let it cool for a few seconds to check if the piece has sealed shut.  If not, iron for a few more seconds.  Once it is sealed, all the craft supplies will be melted between the plastic, creating an unusual "stained glass" effect.  Remember, only adults should handle the iron.

Let your child add glitter, tissue paper, even feathers to their art!
Photo source:  Author

The whole process is very simple to do.  Try layering different craft supplies to get unsual effects, like glitter on top of paper, paper on top of paper, or even painting on the plastic.   Cut the zipper part of the bag off for a more unified look.  Punch a hole in the top and tie it up with a string, then hang it in a sunny window.  Line up several for a window full of artwork!

This is a modified version of a craft idea from 365 Art & Craft Activities by Rita Hoppert.

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