Cindy Crushes Programming: Stained Glass Turtles 

This was the second time I have done a stained glass program as I have done a stained glass rose before. I really enjoy doing this type of program, with one caveat: This craft has a pretty heavy amount of pre-prep work, so be warned. Also, I do not have the most steady hands, so I am grateful to my coworkers Nick Habal and Karolyn Stromdahl who helped me do the prep. The end result is pretty amazing.

Supplies:

• Clear Glue
• White Glue
• Black Paint
• Blue Paint
• Green Paint
• Paint Brushes
• Variety of paint for those creative kids
• Dollar Store Frames

Please note: for best results, use acrylic paint

Prep Steps:

1. Find a coloring page of a turtle and print it out. You want to do a simple turtle. Too much detail makes it harder to prepare. 
2. Take out the image that comes out with the frame and the glass as well. You will want to put the coloring page under the glass.
3. Make a black paint and white glue mix and keep it in the bottle. The type of the glue is key. I prefer Elmer’s glue. Elmer’s glue even has some information on how to do this: https://www.elmers.com/blog-craft/faux-stained-glass-tutorial.html
4. Trace the coloring page lines with the glue mix.
5. Leave to dry for 24 hours.

Step for Patrons:

1. Grab a turtle. Pick out the colors you want your turtle to be . 
2. Mix the paint with clear glue.
3. Slowly paint within the lines
4. Let dry overnight.
5. Put glass back into the frame. You can put a piece of paper of your choosing behind  the picture to make it look different if you want. 

Final thoughts: I love this craft, but it has a lot of prep and the more people you have attend the program IT more prep work it is for you. This one filled up quickly. We have noticed people love turtles!

There is another DIY tutorial at Instructibles: https://www.instructables.com/Easy-Faux-Stained-Glass/

Filed under: DIY