How to Make Your Own Window Clings
Homemade window clings are one of those magical crafts that feel like science and art all wrapped into one, and are also incredibly easy to get set up. Things with minimal prep on my end are the crafts that go over best in our house – I’m not already over the project before the kids even start. With just a few simple household ingredients—white glue, dish soap, and food coloring—kids can create reusable window decorations they’ll be excited to stick, peel, and rearrange over and over again.
This is an easy afternoon craft and perfect for seasonal themes – looking for a last minute Valentine’s or St. Patrick’s Day project? These are our go tos!
Why We Love This Window Cling Craft
- Uses simple supplies you probably already have
- Encourages creativity and fine motor skills
- Works for toddlers (with supervision), preschoolers, and older kids
- Clings are reusable and easy to remove
- No baking, no special tools, no stress
It’s one of those crafts that feels like a win for everyone.
How to Make Window Clings
Supplies You’ll Need
- White school glue (Elmer’s works best)
- Dish soap
- Food coloring – this is my favorite for vibrant food coloring
- Small bowls or cups – I like to use disposable 3oz cups for this one so I’m not trying to wash glue out of bowls, but it also works great in a muffin tin – easy for kids to reach and not tip over (bonus tip – buy your muffin tins for kids craft at Dollar Tree!)
- Spoon or craft stick for mixing
- Cling wrap or plastic sheet protector
- Paintbrushes, toothpicks, or the tip of a spoon (for spreading and designs)
Window Cling Recipe
This simple ratio works well and dries flexible—not brittle.
- 2 tablespoons white glue
- ½ tablespoon dish soap
- Food coloring (a few drops per color)
You can easily double or triple the recipe if kids want lots of colors.
Step By Step Instructions
1. Mix the Base
In a small bowl (or disposable cups), combine the white glue and dish soap. Stir slowly until fully mixed. You want it smooth, not bubbly.
2. Add Color
Add a few drops of food coloring and gently stir. More drops = more vibrant clings.
Tip: You can make one big batch of the glue mixture, then pour it into small bowls or cups and color each one differently.
3. Create Your Designs
Place cling wrap on a flat surface. If desired, place a “pattern” underneath and tape down the cling wrap. Alternately, slide the pattern into a plastic sheet protector and tape down. Spoon the mixture onto the cling wrap and spread it into shapes—circles, hearts, stars, letters, or simple blobs work great.
Make sure the designs aren’t too thin or they’ll tear when peeling.
4. Let Them Dry
Leave the clings out to dry completely. This usually takes 12–24 hours, depending on thickness and humidity.
They should feel dry, flexible, and no longer tacky.
5. Peel & Stick
Once fully dry, gently peel the clings off the cling wrap and press them onto a clean window or mirror.
If they curl, flatten them between your hands for a second before sticking.
Tips for Best Results
- Thicker designs peel much easier than thin ones
- Avoid stirring too fast to prevent bubbles
- If edges feel sticky, let them dry longer
- Clean windows help clings stick better
- Store unused clings on wax paper in a ziploc bag
Fun Variations to Try
- Seasonal shapes: snowflakes, pumpkins, flowers, hearts
- Letter or name clings for early literacy play
- Marbled colors by lightly swirling two colors together
- Holiday window scenes kids can rearrange daily
This craft pairs really well with themed weeks or as a follow-up to a book or seasonal activity.
Is This Safe for Young Kids?
Yes—with supervision. The ingredients are non-toxic, but this is still a craft, not a taste test. Toddlers may need help spreading and shaping, but they love choosing colors and peeling the finished clings. In my experience, this works best for preschoolers and up, but every child is different (my boys have never been big into painting, but if your kids are, they might take to this earlier!)
Give it a try!
Homemade window clings are one of those crafts that feels almost too easy for how fun they are. Kids get the excitement of making something and the satisfaction of seeing it displayed right on the window—plus, you can peel everything off without damaging anything. It’s a double day project which is a win for me – the first day you make them and the second day they get to hang them and play with them.
If you’re looking for a simple, reusable, low mess craft to keep kids busy and proud of their creations, this one’s a keeper. Looking for other indoor activities for toddlers and preschoolers? Check out our list of Favorite Indoor Activities here!
