Christmas Stained Glass

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Stained Glass Windows (K–5)

This project feels like a gift every single year—timeless, versatile, and deeply rooted in art history. Before we ever pick up scissors or glue, we pause to study one of the most iconic stained glass masterpieces in the world: the Rose Window of Notre Dame. We talk about how stained glass is constructed—how strips of lead hold each piece in place, how shapes fit together like a puzzle, and how light transforms simple materials into something almost glowing.

Then it’s time to create our own stained glass. The beauty of this lesson is how easily it adapts across grade levels, with just a few thoughtful adjustments.

For K–1: I pre-cut simple black construction paper frames (candles are always a favorite). Students layer small pieces of tissue paper onto acetate or transparency sheets using watered-down white glue, watching the colors overlap and shift like magic. Once the tissue layer is complete, we glue the black “window” frame directly on top of the tissue paper, sandwiching everything together. When the glue dries, the entire piece peels off the acetate as one solid, finished artwork—a big confidence boost for our youngest artists.

Grades 2–3: Students choose their own designs—stars, candles, nativity scenes—and learn how to cut “windows” out of black construction paper using the pencil-poke and scissor trick. We talk about “doubling their lines” so the black paper is thick enough to resemble the metal supports in real stained glass. After layering tissue paper onto the acetate, students glue their black paper design on top, permanently attaching it to the tissue layer. Once dry, the stained glass lifts off as one complete piece, ready for display.

Grades 4–5:

Older students push the project even further. They place their black paper designs under the acetate so they can carefully layer colored tissue into specific areas. This requires planning, precision, and patience as they think intentionally about color choices, shape fitting, balance, and overall composition. At this level, the process feels almost like solving a puzzle—and they absolutely rise to the challenge.

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Why it works:

This lesson is incredibly adaptable, highly visual, and deeply hands-on, making it successful for every age group. It builds fine motor skills, reinforces art history, and introduces students to concepts of light, transparency, and design. And the final moment never gets old—when the finished pieces are hung in the windows and sunlight pours through, every student stands a little taller, seeing their work glow like real stained glass.

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