Learn To Paint A Birthday Banner On A Window
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Look, Look, Look... There's a Kitty Painted on Connie's Window!
Those were some of the sweetest words to my ears when my daughter was younger!
When it was time for her birthday, or time to decorate her room, I would paint her favorite cartoons on everything! From furniture to clothes, to plaques and shelves to hang on the wall... I spent many happy hours painting, just so that I could enjoy the shouts of delight from all the little children in the neighborhood!
I volunteered at her school, so I had the privilege of many happy hours of painting...under the watchful eyes of several hundred children!
What a pleasure!
This lens has step-by-step instructions to show you how you can paint a welcoming Birthday Banner on the windows of your house! Just be prepared for the momentary pandomonium when the kids get their first look at your wonderful design, and come running to give you many hugs of appreciation!
It All Begins With a Coloring Book
* Choose the picture you would like to paint from a coloring book of one of your child's favorite cartoon characters.* Scan it into your computer, and print it as a 4-part poster.
* Tape the 4 pages together to create an over-sized pattern for your banner.
Four Part Banner
Beginning To Paint
Remove The Pattern
Happy Birthday, Little One!
Assemble Your Tools
* Artists Paintbrushes* Foam Plate for palette
* Paper Towels
* Various colors of acrylic paint
* Bowl of water
* Scotch or Masking Tape
Acrylic Paints Are Available in Many Brands
Portfolio (r) brand is a very nice acrylic paint that comes highly recommended by acrylic artists.
I've worked in craft and hobby stores for many years, and though I have never used Portfolio brands personally, my colleagues have recommended it for craft and general hobby applications.
It's a little pricey for window painting, but it will create a beautiful effect!
I've worked in craft and hobby stores for many years, and though I have never used Portfolio brands personally, my colleagues have recommended it for craft and general hobby applications.
It's a little pricey for window painting, but it will create a beautiful effect!
Acrylic is My Choice for Window Painting
Acrylic paints come in many different brands, and I have probably used all of them!
Apple Barrel, Ceramcoat, Delta, Crafter's Edition...and a host of generic brands. For windows, I tend to use the generic paints, since it's going to be soon be washed away with some warm, soapy water!
The generic brands run about 50 cents per bottle, and are a great value for a temporary project.
Most of the above mentioned paints are available at your local Jo-Ann Stores, as well as online.
Apple Barrel, Ceramcoat, Delta, Crafter's Edition...and a host of generic brands. For windows, I tend to use the generic paints, since it's going to be soon be washed away with some warm, soapy water!
The generic brands run about 50 cents per bottle, and are a great value for a temporary project.
Most of the above mentioned paints are available at your local Jo-Ann Stores, as well as online.
If You're As Prone To Crafting As I Am
...you will probably want to purchase the 8 ounce bottles. They save frequent trips to the store...as well as the frustration of running out of paint in the middle of a project!
Jo-Ann offers a FREE SHIPPING Club for frequent shoppers... All it takes is 3 purchases of $25.00 or more, and you're in!
It's a great value when you just need some basic supplies. Online shopping is terrific, because you can shop late in the evening, after all the little ones have gone to bed for the night!
It would have been nice to have had online access back in the days when I was painting more frequently! The sights and sounds of a large craft store can be over-stimulating for little ones...and a real challenge for the mom who just wants to browse for a while!
Jo-Ann offers a FREE SHIPPING Club for frequent shoppers... All it takes is 3 purchases of $25.00 or more, and you're in!
It's a great value when you just need some basic supplies. Online shopping is terrific, because you can shop late in the evening, after all the little ones have gone to bed for the night!
It would have been nice to have had online access back in the days when I was painting more frequently! The sights and sounds of a large craft store can be over-stimulating for little ones...and a real challenge for the mom who just wants to browse for a while!
A Word About Tempera Paint
Tempera paint is another great choice for window painting...
I haven't used it for a while, because it usually comes in large quantities. I used it often when I was painting on the large windows at school, but for home use, I still prefer acrylic.
I haven't used it for a while, because it usually comes in large quantities. I used it often when I was painting on the large windows at school, but for home use, I still prefer acrylic.
Crafter's Guide: Artist's Paintbrushes
Use a "Round" and a "Flat" Brush for Most Window Painting Projects
Artists Brushes
My personal preference for brushes is red sable...they keep their shape well; and when well taken care of, will last for many years.
Here's a Tip:
Don't leave your brushes standing in your bowl of water while you are painting. They have a "memory" and will lose their shape if left standing in water.
Simply rinse well between colors while you are painting, then when you are finished for the day, clean your brushes thoroughly with a gentle brush cleanser.
Here's a Tip:
Don't leave your brushes standing in your bowl of water while you are painting. They have a "memory" and will lose their shape if left standing in water.
Simply rinse well between colors while you are painting, then when you are finished for the day, clean your brushes thoroughly with a gentle brush cleanser.
Pink Soap, by Mona Lisa
My personal preference is "Pink Soap" by Mona Lisa...available at your local craft store!
Pour a small amount of the soap into the palm of your hand, and work the brush into the puddle of soap...this soap has a chemical composition that is made specifically to break down the acrylic paint.
It cleans your brushes beautifully, and a little goes a long way.
Now, let's get back to painting!
Tape the Pattern to the OUTSIDE of the Window On Which You Are Painting
With the Printed Side Facing In
Now Comes the FUN, It's Time to Start Painting!
Since the picture will be seen from the outside, you will begin with the details...So let's paint Kitty's eyes first...all it takes is a couple of small black dots...
Just a Little Bit of Paint Goes a Long Way in Window Painting
Let's Add Some Balloons For a Festive Touch
After all...it's a Birthday Banner!Begin to fill in the simple shapes with color...
I painted the trunk of the tree first,
the balloons,
the sun...
Next is the palm branches, with some added branches at the base of the trunk...
Fill in Kitty's nose, the flower in her hair and the flower on her bathing suit.
Fill in Kitty's nose, the flower in her hair and the flower on her bathing suit.
Ears and forehead... 
Pour Only the Colors You Are Using at the Moment
When you are working with acrylic paint, the key is to work in phases...If you pour all of your colors as soon as you begin painting, the paint will begin to dry, leaving a film across the top.
Especially if you live in a dry climate! Your drying time becomes "FAST!"
Broad Strokes Fill in Kitty's Face, Arms and Legs
Use a larger brush to paint Kitty's body... you will want to use as few strokes as possible, as the paint will lift if you brush over it too many times...
It's that fast drying time, as well as the nature of acrylic paint on glass.
If you feel like the paint is too transparent, allow it to dry completely, then add a second coat.
It's that fast drying time, as well as the nature of acrylic paint on glass.
If you feel like the paint is too transparent, allow it to dry completely, then add a second coat.
Use a Craft Sponge to Pounce in Some Sand
I Used a Standard Craft Sponge
Available at One of Your Favorite Craft Stores
Give Your Banner a Greeting
You can use a pattern, or simply freehand like I did...Oops... I got the "Y" backwards! Not to worry, it's a super simple fix; just wash it off, and re-paint!
In days gone by, I used to be a very harsh self-critic...I've learned to lighten up and enjoy the process, rather than demanding perfection from myself!
Yes, you will see brush strokes, and yes, there may be spaces when you didn't exactly "keep it between the lines"...
BUT, I had fun, and I can guarantee that the little one you painted this banner for will never notice either...
All they'll say is, "Oh, LOOK, LOOK, LOOK, there's a kitty painted on MY window!
You'll be their hero forever, so enjoy the process...as well as the lovin' hugs from the little ones that will come runnin' to hug ya.
That's It, You're All Finished
Flickr Makes It Easy to Follow Along, Step by Step
Connie's Guide to Crafting Supplies
Connie's Crafts 4 Kids Blog
Ye Royal Party Planner is aka... Connie's Crafts 4 Kids
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Check Out My Hello Kitty Birthday Lens
Foam Plates Make Inexpensive Palettes
Add Flair to Your Work Station With Decorative Plate Holders
Office Caddies Are Great For Paintbrushes, Too
Natural Bristle Brushes Are a Wise Investment
Explore Your Painting Options
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GrowWear
Jun 5, 2009 @ 3:13 am | delete
- Very nice! What a sweet gift for your daughter. :)
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Tipi
Oct 29, 2008 @ 8:46 am | delete
- What a loving lens, so cute! I'm always attracted to to new art ideas, since I am an artist. When my daughter still lived at home, she would paint on her bedroom windows to decorate. Her friends loved the idea. Very well done!
Best wishes on this lenses and all of them.
Blessings!
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CreativeArtist Oct 19, 2008 @ 10:34 pm | delete
- Thanks for the tips. We painted a snow scene on our window last year and used acrylic paints. Do you have tips for the best way to clean the window when you're done with the design? We used window cleaner and did some scraping.
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scrapperkare
Aug 31, 2008 @ 7:54 pm | delete
- LOVE this lens! Great idea . . . makes me want to try it . . . and I don't even have KIDS!!
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Colorfulscene Jul 9, 2008 @ 10:30 am | delete
- Nice lens. i am a glass painter too! Love the Hello Kitty design. 5 stars to ya!
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jzorro May 19, 2008 @ 3:50 pm | delete
- Great lens! I love Kitty...
Mike Geary
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mariedaniels
May 13, 2008 @ 11:07 am | delete
- This is a great lens, thanks for sharing. I might try your technique for painting doors during VBS at church!
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SemperFidelis
Mar 19, 2008 @ 7:39 pm | delete
- Very kewl lens! My husband was a painting contractor for years and will appreciate the information you have here. A Squidoo Angel just passed by and blessed ya! ;)
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RoseanneBerry
Mar 13, 2008 @ 2:53 pm | delete
- Great Lens 5 Stars From Me!
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DogWhisperWoman
Aug 27, 2007 @ 11:01 am | delete
- Very nice *****
DogWhisperWoman
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BoosterGold
Oct 8, 2010 @ 3:09 pm | delete
- Make sure anyone you hire is using good paint. A good paint is on that you only have to put one, maybe two coats on, it covers thick, dries fast, covers stains, and has a bold and lasting color. Price and durability also are important factors. A painting contractor could tell you which brands are best. http://www.paintersrus.net
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Partial Proceeds From This Lens Benefits the Global Action Foundation
Global Action Foundation is one of my charities at Squidoo.
Read more about the important work that is being done by John Daniel Kelly and the GAF.
Read more about the important work that is being done by John Daniel Kelly and the GAF.
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