Kids Star Craft: Create Your Own Stained Glass Starry Night Light

My son has been into stars and planets ever since we visited our local Planetarium. He has been asking to plan a Out of This World Galactic party. Well the first step to a party is the decorations.  Then he told me he wanted the party to be at night so it got me thinking. I tried to think of a cool star craft that would be lower in cost but would wow a 12 yr old.  I decided we would make a super cool night light and it was going to be out of this world. Here is how we created a awesome star craft and made our very own stained glass starry galactic night light.

3 Different Types

When I first decided to make these I was simply going to make stained glass that would sit on the window sill. But then it got fun so I created 3 different types. They all follow the same process to make with slight variations

• Aluminum Foil: This one is the only one not a night light. It has a aluminum foil backing and then the original frame backing to hang like a picture. The sparkly affect is from the foil being crinkled before being placed against the glass.

  

  

• Picture with Decorations Inside: This is the same as the hanging decorations but the decorations are on the inside of the picture and encased in the glue.

  

  

• Hanging Decorations: This can be a night light or  set against the window. Either way its cool. It has the decorations hanging on the outside.

Materials For Star Night Light

To create this project the cost is minimal. I think the most expensive part were the picture frames and that is only because I bought them new. If you are thrifty head over to your local thrift shop and grab a few used frames for cheap.  The materials needed were: 

• All of the Pictures:

Clear Elmer’s Glue, Glitter, Food Coloring, Picture Frame, Hot Glue Gun, ToothPicks, Paint Brush, String, Scissors, Cardboard to cut up into decorations

• **Just the Night Lights:

Box Picture Frame Will Fit In and Led Lights

• **Hanging Picture:

Aluminum foil and Picture Frame backing 

The Process

Each type was pretty much the same easy process. I have 2 tips. First do not over mix the food coloring as it will turn brown. Also make sure the picture is completely dry. I thought mine was and hung it up and came back to a long drip of purple glittery glue. 

• Cut out whatever shapes you will use I did moon and stars
• Decorate the shapes by putting glue on them and then glitter and set aside to dry ( you can decorate however thats just how I did)
• Remove backing from picture frame
• Remove glass from frame or you can keep it in
• Pour Elmer’s glue on glass
• If you are putting the shapes in put them in now and pour some glue over them also

  

  

  

• Add dabs of food coloring in different spots of the glue
• Use toothpick to swirl the colors in glue
• Pour different glitters in different sections of glue
• Use paint brush to swirl colors and create design be careful not to over mix or you will end up with sparkly brown

  

  

  

  

• Allow to dry for a minimum of 2 hrs to ensure dry dry. Sidenote I live in AZ and it was 110 out so I just set them outside. Depending on where you are it may need to dry longer
• If you are hanging the shapes like I did for the one picture when the glue is dry use hot glue gun to attach string to the picture frame.
• While you wait for out of this world galactic star craft pictures to dry if you are making a night light prep your box by taping led lights on the inside. If you are making a picture to hang them crinkle your aluminum foil.
• Once dry finish them off and enjoy!!!

  

  

  

  

   

My children had a blast helping me make this star night light and my son is excited for his galactic party. You can use this method to create any design you want. Let your imagination run wild. If you do make it be sure to send me a pic so I can see your awesome creation. 

This post is part of the Inspire My Creativity link party that I participate in and this month’s theme is STARS. I have been enjoying seeing what the other co-hosts come up with. I’m making my list of what I’m going to try to create. You can check them out below. Then take a look at the projects they’ve shared and feel free to add your own star project to the link up.

Shani  |  Sunshine & Munchkins