In this activity...
You get to create your own full view of our planet as if it were seen from space—something that was not achieved until the 20th century. Even better, the end result will be a colorful “stained glass” window-style ornament that shows off its bright colors when light shines through!
Materials List:
- Two 9” unwaxed paper plates
- Roll of wax paper
- White glue
- Blue, green, and white tissue paper sheets
- A printed template of your choice
- Scissors
- A heavy book or box to use as a weight
Step 1: Download and print your template!
Pick your part of the world! Click the picture and print.
Americas
Europe and Africa
Asia
Step 2: Roll out and cut a roughly 20-inch long piece of wax paper.
Step 3: Tear tissue paper into small pieces and spread out pieces on your work surface.
Step 4: Make two circular borders using the paper plates.
Fold plate in half
Cut a small hole in the center
Then cut a larger hole leaving a 1 to 1 ½ inch border around the edge
Flatten the edges of the paper plates with a pencil
Step 5: Place one half of wax paper over the template and apply glue to the top of the wax paper as shown below.
Work in one area at a time, applying glue and torn tissue paper in that particular area. You will have to continue adding glue as you work.
Step 6: Cover the wax paper with your tissue bits, matching the colors in the pattern.
Blue for oceans
Green for land
White for ice caps
Step 7: Apply glue to the first paper plate border and place on top of finished tissue paper layer. Allow it to dry.
Step 8: Flip over wax paper and apply second border on the other side.
Step 9: Flip over again and apply glue to the other half of the wax paper. Then place wax paper over the top of the tissue bits. Place the whole thing under a heavy book or box for 15-20 minutes.
Step 10: Remove the weight and allow to dry. Cut the excess wax paper around the border. Punch a hole and hang with yarn or string near light!
