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Christmas Crafts

Crafts for a merry time!
 
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Christmas Crafts

Festive Window Stencils

Colorful holiday designs
Angels and snowmen stenciled on a window.
What you will make:

Decorate your windows in festive and colorful holiday designs with simple paper stencils. Make snowman, bell, angel, star, candle or Christmas tree stencils to use with Aunt Annie's special paint mix. The stencils are easy to make and use, and the paint will wash off the windows with ease at the end of the holiday season.

Related craft: For winter-time fun, stencil snowflakes on windows.

Here's what you need:
  • Computer paper
  • Water-based paint
  • Dishwashing detergent
  • Kitchen sponge (new)
  • Scissors
  • Large plastic lid to use as a paint palette
  • Paintbrush and/or toothpick
  • Masking tape
  • Paper towels and window cleaner
  • Newspapers
  • Optional supplies include freezer paper or stencil paper

This project is rated EASY to do.

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Before you start
  • Make a place to work.
  • Read all of the directions.
  • Gather everything you need to do the project.
  • Think about the project. Imagine how it will look and what you will do with it.
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How to Make Festive Stencils on Windows

Read all of the steps before starting.
Step 1: Choose a Pattern and Print It

Choose the stencils you want to use. Download and print the pattern. There are six sets of festive window stencils from which to choose. The first set includes a snowman, an angel, a plain bell, and a bell with a ribbon. The second set has a Christmas tree, a candle, a five-pointed star, and a six-pointed star. The third set has snowmen and matching scarf stencils in two sizes along with a scarf stencil for the snowman from the first set. The fourth set has larger versions of the Christmas tree and angel stencils. The final two stencil sets have larger patterns for the stars and candle.   Tip: The plain bell and the star stencils are the easiest to cut.

Patterns are Adobe PDF files. The Adobe Reader is available for free.

Step 2: Cut
Cut stencil rectangles

Cut out the rectangle around each stencil. Be sure to make the cuts straight and the corners square.

Cut the sponge into four to six pieces. Tip: The sponge will be easier to cut if it is damp.

Step 3: Fold and Cut
Fold stencil rectangles and cut out centers

Fold the rectangle in half on the dashed line. Be sure that the printed stencil design is on the outside.

Cut the stencil on the pattern lines. Remember, you are cutting away the center. Be careful not to cut through the frame of the stencil. Carefully unfold the paper and flatten the crease with your fingers. Save the cutout. It can be colored and glued to a card, a placemat, or even made into an ornament.

The same stencil can be used about three or four times. To make a longer-lasting stencil, use freezer paper or special stencil paper.

Step 4: Prepare Paint and Window
Prepare paint, sponge and window

Spread newspapers under the window you plan to decorate. This will protect the floor from any spills or drips. Clean the window with a spray cleaner and let the glass dry.

Pour a small amount of water-based paint onto the plastic lid. Add a few drops of dishwashing detergent, and mix using a paintbrush or a toothpick. Poster paints and acrylic paints work well.

Wet the sponge pieces with water and wring them out as much as you can. The sponge just needs to be damp.

Step 5: Stencil the Window

Place the stencil on the window where you want the design to be. Hold the stencil in place with masking tape on each corner.

Stencil designs on window

With a sponge piece, apply the paint mixture to the stencil—use just a little paint at a time. Apply the paint using an up-and-down dabbing motion. This is called stippling. Be sure to cover the entire cut-out area of the stencil with paint, but don't go outside of the frame.

Loosen the tape and pull the stencil straight off. Let the paint dry before doing the next stencil on this window.

Tips: After the paint has dried, use a small paintbrush to add details to your stenciled design. Try things like adding a face to the snowman, or a ribbon to the bell. You might also apply two or more colors to one stencil. You could stipple the candle's flame with yellow, the candle with red, and the candle holder with white. Use your imagination and see what you can create!

Step 6: Finish Up
Stenciled window

When you are done with all of the stencils, wash the sponge, paintbrush, and lid with warm water. Pick up the newspapers protecting the floor and discard them.

Now that you are done, stand back and admire your work. Don't forget to look at the stenciled designs from outside, and especially enjoy how they look at night with a light shining in the window and the drapes closed.

That's it! You are done!
Festive window stencils

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