A fun and easy craft to do with your kids at home! How to make spring window gel clings

Looking for a fun and easy craft you can do with your kids at home? Making these window gel clings helps develop your kids’ tactile senses — and they’ll also brighten up your windows on a rainy spring day!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Luckily, you probably have most of these things at home already — or similar items you can substitute!

• Water


• Unflavored gelatin (6 pack)


• Food coloring


• Glitter


• Googly eyes


• Beads


• Toothpicks


• Pot or heat-proof bowl


• Stove or kettle


• Cookie cutters


• Baking sheets with rim


• Spatula

Let’s get started!

This part is for an adult.

1. First, boil the water and transfer to a heat-proof bowl or pot and add the gelatin all at once.


2. Stir until dissolved and spoon out any bubbles.


3. Now, pour the mixture into the baking sheet so that it’s ½ to ¾ inches thick. Make sure that the liquid is level.


4. Once the gelatin has cooled (about 10 minutes) invite the kids over!

Now the fun really starts!

5. Drop some of the food coloring into the gelatin and swirl it around with a toothpick. For a bit of extra flare, sprinkle glitter over top or add a few beads and the googly eyes.


6. Let the kids’ creativity take over! They’ll only have about 30 minutes before the gelatin starts to harden, so they’ll have to work fast. Let your creation harden for at least a few hours — ideally, leave it out uncovered overnight.


7. Once it’s set, help the kids cut out shapes, either with cookie cutters or a butter knife.


8. Use a spatula to lift the gel shapes out of the pan.

That’s it! You’re all set to brighten your windows with your very own gel clings.

Quick Tips

• If your gel clings tear while you’re lifting them off the pan, simply use the warmth of your hands to remold them.


• If your cookie cutters are sticking to the gelatin, spray or rim them with cooking oil.

Even though our centres are currently closed, we want you to know that we are still here for you! Expect to hear from us again soon with ideas for keeping your kids active and engaged while school’s out; tips to help protect your mental health; and some #CalmingContent that will (hopefully!) make you smile. Keep an eye on ymcagta.org/Alerts for updates on our centres, programs, and services.