On summer days when you want to escape the heat, there is nothing better than an afternoon of crafts with children. FromUpcycling ideasaboveGrindup toCreate summer pictures– with us you will find lots of great ideas on how to entertain and keep children of all ages entertained. And today we're going to show you a few cool suggestions for easy window pictures that you can make with the kids in the summer. Window clings are a great way to make your home or classroom summery and colorful!
Make window pictures of sea animals
Sea-themed craft ideas are perfect for the summertime! You can also tell the children stories and interesting facts about the world's oceans. To make these colorful window pictures, all you need is coffee filters, watercolor paints and construction paper for the animal silhouettes. You can download and print this template for free to create a stencil.
Printable template (free)
Material list:
Sea creatures template
Watercolor paints
Brush (if possible, use a watercolor brush or a soft-bristled brush to avoid cracking)
Cup/glass for water
Glue
Scissors
Construction paper in dark blue or black
Pin
Coffee filter/basket filter
1. Have the child paint their coffee filter in any shade they like and set it up to dry. The darker the color, the better, as it will lighten as it dries. Toddlers find it incredibly fun to squeeze the coffee filter and watch water and paint drip out.
2. Print out the template and have the child cut it out. Then the stencils for the window pictures should be transferred to dark blue or black paper. Be careful that pencil lines are difficult to see on black paper. In this case, it's best to use a light-colored pen.
3. Stick the animal on the dried coffee filter and the window picture is ready!
Make self-adhesive summer window pictures
Children like to glue. You probably have a lot of glue at home. It's a craft material that can be used in so many ways and there are so many projects you can do with it! For example, umMake your own fluffy slime. Glitter glue also arouses a special fascination in children. What child doesn't like glitter? Here's another easy sea-themed craft project that toddlers will love. You only need three materials!
Materials required:
Round plastic lid
Blue glitter glue
Foam stickers sea creatures
This is how the window pictures are made:
Glitter glue always adds a special touch to craft projects! Kids just love how glittery it is! Remove the bottle cap and slowly run the glue onto the plastic cap. This may not be very exciting for adults, but children are fascinated by the way the glue slowly drips out of the bottle. Take your time and let them observe the content as they express it. Younger preschool children may need adult help.
Once all the glue has drained out of the bottle, you should not touch it anymore. Just watch as it takes the shape of your lid. By the way, you can also use a silicone cookie cutter.
Once the glue has spread, it's time to add the sea creatures. Place them carefully on the glue. There is no need to press them into the wet glue. They will stay in place by themselves!
After your little ones have placed their sea creatures however they want, it's time for the hardest part - waiting! Place the window picture in a safe place and let it dry for a few days. This can take up to 48 hours.
By the way, this craft idea also worksgut with a silicone cutter and baking paper
If you have curious children, let them take a look from time to time to notice any changes they may see as the glue begins to dry.
If you think it is dry, leave it for another day as the inner part needs a little longer. You can carefully peel off a page and you will quickly know if it needs a little more time. When it's ready, it's easy to remove from the lid. And here is the big discovery:
As long as the back is not completely dry, the picture can be attached directly to the window. It sticks just like store-bought self-adhesive window clings. If there are still wet glue residues stuck to the window, simply wash them off with warm water. The glitter glue is washable - another reason why parents love using it for craft projects with children!
After a few days, your window picture may dry out more and need to be hung instead of stuck to the window. If this is the case, poke a hole through it and hang it on a string.
Mandala flowers: Make summer window pictures from natural materials
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, we like to spend as much time outside as possible. Use the opportunity to collect natural treasures with the children and make a beautiful work of art. While the kids are crafting, they will have so much fun doing all theirResearching natural materialsand review what they have learned about flowers. They can also count and learn about symmetry while getting artistic.
These beautiful botanical window pictures will allow elementary school children to compare different types of flowers and leaves, while kindergarten children will further develop their fine motor skills. If you don't have access to fresh flowers, a bouquet that is nearing the end of its life is very suitable for this activity. These summery pieces of art would also make a lovely handmade gift for family and friends!
Materials required:
Flowers, petals, leaves, other natural treasures
Pappteller (2 pro Mandala)
Transparent adhesive film
Symmetrical Circle Stencil (optional, but helps young children create symmetrical sections)
Scissors
tape
Instructions:
1. Start by cutting out the center of a paper plate.
2. Then cut out circles from the adhesive film, the circumference of which is approximately 1-2 cm larger than the hole. (You should have twice as many foil circles as paper plates).
3. Stick the clear film to the back of the plate, sticky side up.
4. Cut out the template with the symmetrical circles and place it on the second paper plate.
5. So that the children can work on a flat surface and press the flowers well, place the plate with the circle template under the resulting foil window.
6. Have the children decorate their mandalas by counting the nature pieces for each of their sections and arranging them on the adhesive sheet as desired.
7. Once you are happy with the floral design, remove the backing material from the second foil circle and press it against the natural materials to sandwich them between the two adhesive sides of the foil. (If the flowers stick well to the foil, this step is optional.)
A note on the transience of natural materials:The flowers and leaves in the artwork will lose color and dry out over time. This is normal if you use fresh flowers and leaves. It can be interesting to observe and comment on this process with your children. To minimize rot, use petals rather than the whole flower and keep the design as flat as possible. Older children are more likely to follow this advice than younger ones. Young children are likely to stubbornly insist on using whole flowers.
Hang the mandalas in the window so the sun can shine through
Optionally, the children can also paint the paper plate frame with watercolors
Even without symmetry, the results will be beautiful
The window pictures can not only be designed abstractly or as a mandala, but also like realistic pictures, e.g. butterflies, funny faces or birds. This would be a good art project for children ages 4 and up. You can also use scissors to shape the leaves as desired so that they fit your design.
Make and hang window pictures
If you want to hang the window pictures individually, punch a single hole in the top, thread a ribbon through it and tie it into a loop. Pipe cleaners are also good for this purpose.
If you want to string the window art into a garland, punch two holes in the edge (at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock) and arrange the art in the order you want.
Instead of paper plates, you can use popsicle sticks to make a frame for the window picture
You can find more beautiful craft ideas with ice cream sticks for the summerin this article.
