Balsa & Cellophane Stained Glass Sculpture - Project #82
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Age Range: Middle School & Up
Time: 2 Class Periods
Difficulty: Moderate
Cleanup: Soap & Water

General Materials:
Black Acrylic Paint or Ink
Aleene's "Tacky" Glue
Craft or Utility Knife

View Project PDF
Step 1: Each student will need two balsa sticks. (One and one half 1/8 x 1/4 x 36" balsa sticks will create 5-6 rectangle shapes in assorted sizes. Rectangles shown here measure 2x1", 2x2", 2x3½", 2x4½" and 2x6". One package will be enough for 15 students.) Save half of a stick for use in Step 3. For the cleanest cut, use the Excel Mitre Box Set; however, a craft or utility knife may also be used. Cut sticks to chosen lengths and then mitre the corners. Glue the first joint with Aleene's "Tacky" Glue and put aside until glue sets. Repeat for the first joint of each frame. Add another side to each frame and allow glue to set. Repeat until all sides are glued. Make sure that all angles are square. When glue is completely dry, paint frames with ink or thinned acrylic.
Step 2: Choose cello sheet colors. Cut to the shape of each frame, leaving ¼" excess. Coat the back of each frame with glue. Press frames on top of selected colors. Allow cello to dry on frames. Trim excess cello from each frame. To remove ripples from cellophane, evenly dampen it with water. It will become taut when dry with a glass-like look. (One package of cello sheets should be enough for an average- sized class.)
Step 3: Cut the remaining half of balsa stick into 1/8 x 1/8" tabs. Paint to match frames. Using tabs, mount frames to each other with glue. Stack tabs to create different levels for added interest.
Step 4: Cut a 5" length from the 3/16 x 3 x 36" balsa plank (one package will be enough for 70 students) this will create the base and stem. Cut off a ½ x 5" piece for the center stem. Find the center point of the remaining 5 x 2½" base piece and cut out a 3/16 x
Hygloss Cello Sheets
$5.49
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Excel Mitre Box Set
Set
$12.95
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Balsa Strips & Planks
1/8 x 1/4"
$16.75
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Balsa Strips & Planks
3/16 x 3"
$26.95
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