Homemade Stained-Glass Art is Special to the Heart

20 Nov, 2018

As the end of November draws near, you may already be having thoughts of Christmas cards, letters, and gifts. Many feel that homemade gifts are very special because they are made with extra love, thought, time, meaning, and significance. They show friends and loved ones that they are cared about and they appreciate your taking the time to create something special, just for them.

Reading Is Fun! Imagine That! offers a variety of art and craft opportunities for making creative items. However, not all of them are suitable as gifts. For example, “earth sculptures” are fun to make and to display for a short time, but they are very impractical as gifts because they are easily damaged, and don’t last long. However, there is another very special and pleasing art activity in my book that I’d like to tell you about. It’s explained in a story-poem about making “stained glass” windows. The following is just one small part of the story-poem that has illustrations how to make a “stained glass” window effect using paper.

“A see-through window has clear glass, some windows have designs.

Others have shapes of colored glass with lead dividing lines.

They’re known as stained glass windows and when sunlight’s shining through, they often are quite beautiful for everyone to view.

 To find the best pane for display, the window needs sunshine.

Measure the window’s height and width, then plan your own design.”

This excerpt from Reading Is Fun! Imagine That! is the start of a story-poem that guides children through the experience of making what resembles a stained glass design. This activity begins with imagining a design of their own. Then plans are made, actions are taken, and finally something that is uniquely their own is created. This is their personal creative experience: their own creative journey.

Not only does this poem continue with rhyming thoughts, its glossy pages are filled with enticing, colorful illustrations that show exactly how it is possible for a window with sunlight to become a colorful artwork. During the day it is enjoyed inside, and at night, with lights on inside, it can be a happy surprise to those walking or driving by.

The Internet offers a variety of homemade craft ideas for “Do It Yourselfers.” This stained glass project can be done over and over again in many ways. The poetic words and colorful illustrations suggest many different designs that can be made in various sizes. And the person receiving your child’s special art, in this case an original ”stained glass” window design, will often be reminded of the thought and care put into such an artwork. Whenever you create a piece of art for someone, you’re putting a part of yourself, your thoughts, ideas, and feelings into it. It’s an expression of your creative spirit and a treasure meant to be enjoyed.

As the last stance in my “Stained Glass” story-poem reminds us:

“You’ll find that people notice them and try to understand, who could have made them, and may say, Imagine That! …They’re GRAND!”

 Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your loved ones,

Ruth A. Radmore

http://readingisfunimaginethat.com/2018/11/20/homemade-stained-glass-art-is-special-to-the-heart">