"Stained Glass" Ornaments

This post is a re-print from this time last year.... I want to make sure no one misses this FUN project!!

Students in grade 3 and up will love spreading Christmas cheer when they hang these glowing ornaments on their tree or tie them on packages to give as gifts. All you need is black construction paper, tissue paper in bright colors, scissors and glue sticks.... and the school laminating machine!

1. Take two pieces of 4"x6" black construction paper (one on top of the other) and fold them in half together.

2. Now, (on the fold) cut out half of a shape that will be symmetrical when opened (ex. tree, bell, star, etc.).

3. Next, leave about a 1/4" margin and cut a smaller version of that same shape. Unfold the paper and you should have two identical "outlines" of your shape.

4. Then, using a glue stick, spread a thin layer of glue along one of the outlines.

5. Cut strips of tissue paper and press them onto the black outline, overlapping them so there aren't any gaps. Make sure they don't extend over the edges of the black paper.

6. Finally, spread some glue on the other black outline and carefully lay this paper over the top of the first one so that all the edges line up.

Once students get the hang of it, they should each be able to make several of these ornaments in one class period. Then, run all the ornaments through the laminating machine. (It's usually best to do this at the slowest speed setting to ensure a good bond.) Trim close to the edge of each one and punch a small hole at the top for hanging. These are beautiful hanging on a tree at Christmas or hanging in a window any time of year!