Ever heard of “Paint by Numbers?”  If your answer is yes, you probably recognize the style of this long-haired cat, but there is a new twist.  Now, instead of applying paints, you apply stickers. 

“Paint by Sticker Cats”

Over the last several years, “Paint by Sticker” and “Color by Sticker” books have been produced in an interesting range of themes for everyone from kids to adults.  Let’s see how it works:

Kitten Close Up – Before

I chose an adorable kitten.  As you can see, the image has been broken up into varying size pieces, and each one has a corresponding sticker with a unique letter & number combination. 

Kitten Close Up – After

After all the stickers have been applied, this is the finished kitten. 

Sticker Pages 1 & 2

The “Paint by Sticker Cats” book contains twelve cat images, and each has two corresponding pages of stickers, divided into four sections (A, B, C, D) with unique numbers. 

Close Up Detail of Sticker Page 2

The front of the book contains large finished images so that you know exactly how the completed image will look.  All pages are perforated for easy tear out.  This will save you a lot of time flipping back and forth. 

Apply Stickers – Sections B & A

Start anywhere you like.  I chose Section-B stickers and applied all as shown above left.  Make sure the stickers fit against each other to prevent the white background paper from showing. 

Apply Stickers – Sections C & D

Apply the remaining stickers from Sections C & D. 

Finished Kitten Image

Pros:
Portable; No tools; No supplies; No fumes;
No clean up; No batteries; Inexpensive;
All ages; Fun; Easy; Colorful;
Frame-worthy artwork;

Cons:
Struggle to peel & stick a few of the smallest stickers (may need tweezers)
Tiny print may require reading glasses

Summary:
Each of the images are broken up into pieces like a jigsaw puzzle, however this puzzle tells you exactly where each piece goes by using a unique letter and number combination.  How easy is that? 

All the artistic challenges have already been worked out.  Along the way, you may learn enough about light and shadow, color placement, composition, etc. to apply this knowledge to your future drawing and painting projects. 

And when finished, you will have a frame-worthy piece of art. 

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!

Have you ever admired the beauty of sunlight filtering through stained glass windows? The kaleidoscope effects are stunning. Given its otherworldly effects, it is not surprising to find stained glass in churches, royal palaces, and many grand architectural structures all over the world. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a similar experience at home?

Stained Glass Entry

If you are in the market for a new front door, there are many glass pattern options for the doors, sidelights, and transom windows. Because it is labor intensive, stained glass is significantly more expensive.

Glass Painting

If you happen to be an artist, you could paint your own design on a sheet of glass, with special pigments called stains, which must be fired in a kiln to complete the process. Next it will need a frame to be used as a wall hanging, or metal hardware for hanging it in front of an existing window. It can also be installed in a window frame with a protective layer of glass on the exterior side to protect it from wind and weather.

Painted Glass Mandalas

These hand painted mandalas offer the beauty of stained glass without the need for cutting tools or wire.

If you love the look of stained glass, but lack the time and artistic ability, or have budgetary constraints, you still have a few options.

Decorative Window Film

Window films are available through many sources including home improvement stores. As you can see, the film provides the color and patterns of genuine stained glass without the expense. Film also provides privacy, and blocks unsightly views.   Be sure to follow the installation instructions carefully. The most important step is ensuring the glass is free of all dust, dirt and debris. There must be a perfectly smooth surface for the film to adhere properly. Failure to follow these instructions could result in air pockets, bubbles and delaminating (peeling film).

Decorative Window Film

There are two types of window films, which differ by installation. The first adheres to the glass via static cling and the second uses adhesive. The films shown in these two photos are the static cling type. Personally, I prefer static cling film, instead of adhesive, because it’s easy to install and more importantly can be easily removed. The films come in a wide variety of styles, including the more traditional “stained glass” and some very contemporary geometric patterns.

Sunburst Stained Glass Suncatcher

Genuine stained glass requires specialized skills. Due to precise cutting required, sharp glass and metal edges and joint soldering, this process is not suitable for children. There’s an inexpensive alternative, which is an easy, family-friendly project.

How to Make Colorful Acrylic Suncatchers:

Unpainted Suncatchers

These suncatchers look like glass, but are actually clear acrylic with raised black ridges, which create compartments for holding individual stain colors. One big advantage is that the acrylic is not fragile, like glass, so if you accidentally drop one, no harm is done.

Suncatcher Stain Kit

Some stores sell the stains separately, while others offer kits, which include a suncatcher(s), several stain colors and a paintbrush applicator. When the stains have dried, the surface hardens and the vibrant colors are translucent, just like stained glass.

Suncatcher Stain Application Process

Using the provided paintbrush, stains are applied one drop at a time. No blending, no special brush strokes and no extra supplies are required. It’s that easy! There are no other steps. Simply let them dry and they’re ready to hang. Below are examples of completed acrylic suncatchers.

Butterfly & Hot Air Balloon Suncatchers

Balloon Bouquet & Cat Suncatchers

Dog & Bluebird Suncatchers

Tropical Fish & Cardinal Suncatchers

Mirror with Applied Suncatchers

Suncatchers can be hung upon windows or mirrors using suction cups on the glass, or hung with ribbons looped over window locks. I purchased two divided mirrors and screwed them together to create the eight-panel wall hanging shown in the photo above. The suncatchers were glued in the center of each square. The mirror allows natural and artificial light to reflect through the suncatchers. Because it resembles a window, I placed it above my stove to give me something pretty to look at while I’m cooking. It can also be hung in an interior room that needs a boost of color along with a “view.”

Anyone can make colorful suncatchers with very little effort, beautiful results, and they make great gifts at a very affordable price.

Thanks for Reading & Happy Crafting!