Art Window
Craft a paper window that doubles as a frame for children's drawings and artworks - great for tackling themes on the weather or the changing seasons. It can also provide a venue for expressing feelings and creativity.
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Supplies Needed
- Construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Art tissue (optional)
- String (optional)
STEPS
1Create a back panel.
Before making the window, check the size of the drawing paper that you regularly use for drawings and artworks. Use this size to cut out the window's back panel from construction paper. The back panel should be larger than the drawing paper at least an inch on all 4 sides.
2Make a front panel.
Cut out an identical size of construction paper for the window's front panel.
3Cut out the window panes.
Create window panes by cutting out 2 or 4 equal rectangular sections on the front panel.
4Glue the front and back panels.
Glue the front and back panels along the right, left, and bottom sides. The top must remain open to provide a slot for slipping in drawings and artworks.
Try to apply glue as close to the edges as possible to ensure that there is enough room for drawings to be easily put inside the window.
5Create a head and windowsill.
Cut out a pair of construction paper strips (same color as the front panel) about 2 inches longer than your window's width. Glue one at the top to create the window's head and the other at the bottom to make a windowsill.
6Make curtains.
Create curtains by cutting out a pair of rectangular tissue paper pieces that roughly covers the entire area of the window. If you do not want curtains, skip to Step 12.
7Fold each curtain.
Fold each piece of tissue paper accordion-style (back-and-forth folding) along its long side.
8Punch holes.
Punch a hole about an inch from one end of each folded tissue paper.
9Place the curtains.
Punch a hole on both corners of the window's head. Cut yarn or string long enough to span the width of the window. Secure the string onto one of the window holes. String the pair of folded tissue paper through the string.
10Secure the string in place.
Secure the other end of the string on the opposite window hole, making sure that the string is taut enough. You can also tape the middle section of the string onto the window. This helps prevent the string from sagging from the weight of the curtains.
11Close the curtains.
Gently unfold and spread each tissue paper curtain to cover the window.
12Place drawings inside.
Try putting a page of drawing through the window's top slot. Carefully slide the curtains open to provide a good view of the artwork.
13Use the art window.
This window is a great way to showcase children's artworks—let them surprise you with what lies behind those curtains each time! As a learning aid, the art window can be a fun and creative way of tackling themes like the changing weather and seasons, places around the world, and habitats.
More Ideas
Create a seasonal art window.
The window can be redecorated for seasonal themes or occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving or Valentine's day. So it's not just the view that can be creatively changed, but the window frame as well.
Make a window with shutters.
Instead of a window that looks out, make one that is outside looking in. Replace curtains with window shutters that can be opened and closed. Create the shutters by gluing a pair of identical rectangular pieces of construction paper onto the sides of the window.
The window can also be given a more three-dimensional feel. For instance, you can make a flower box by cutting the bottom of a small box and gluing or stapling it onto the bottom of the window. Paint it with acrylic paint to blend it with the rest of the window.
Add a flower box.
Fill the flower box with green paper or art tissue torn into small bits. Add flowers by gluing flower-shaped beads, sequins, foam or fabric flowers. Though not shown in the photo, flower pots can be made out of bottle caps. Fill with clay and place foam or sequin flowers on top of pipe cleaner stems. Use cardboard or heavy construction paper as the window's back panel to help support the weight of the added materials.
