Bioplastic Stained Glass

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Since we discovered bioplastic, it has opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities. This is one of the easiest, most versatile methods to create lasting artworks.

This project is suitable for artists as young as two, although the young ones will need lots of help handling the hot bioplastic mixture.

Materials

• Gelatin powder
• Boiling water
• Sticks
• Food color
• Sticks
• A large plastic surface (we used the lid of a plastic storage box)
• Optional add ins: glitter, loose parts from nature, ribbon or string, sequins

Instructions

1. Collect thin sticks from nature with your little artist.
2. Arrange the sticks to frame and create sections in your stained glass. You can add in some string at the top if you would like to be able to hang your creation easily.
3. Create your bioplastic mixture using one part gelatin powder to four parts boiling water. Color the mixtures.
4. Pour mixtures out freeform. You can experiment with waiting a few minutes for the mixtures to thicken a bit to make creating barriers easier (but don’t wait too long that the mixture sets). You can also experiment with doing this in two or three separate sessions, allowing plastic to set a bit between sessions.
5. Wait 24-72 hours for the bioplastic to completely harden, depending on thickness. It will curl and change as it hardens. I think this is beautiful, especially as it adds to the organic nature of this project. if you want the bioplastic to stay flat you may experiment with weighing it down as it sets.

This is such a fun, simple process with limitless possibilities for add ins. I hope you have time to try it out with (or even without!) your little artists soon.

If you like this process, make sure to try making bioplastic flowers or bioplastic suncatchers next!