Puffy Paint Window Decorations

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I’m sure you are in the holiday spirit by now, right? Is your house decorated for holidays? Here is a quick craft idea for some festive snowflake and ornament window decorations to add another crafty layer to your holiday decor. The inspiration came from this clever puffy paint doily tutorial from Doodle Craft.

All you need to get started is puffy paint and wax paper. I created some printable outline templates to work from.

I used a pretty snowflake templates and ornament shaped template.

Download and print your copies of the templates here:

snowflake outlines

ornament outline

The instructions are pretty simple too. Your kids will love tracing their own designs. All it takes is a steady hand and some patience. Simply place a piece of wax paper over the templates, and trace with your puffy paint color of choice.

For the ornament templates, I left the middle empty, so you can create your own fun designs. Just keep in mind to make sure all of the lines connect and touch each other.

When you traced all of the designs you want, let it dry completely overnight. The trickiest part is then peeling them off of the wax paper. Peel them away very carefully and slowly. I noticed that the ornaments with the thicker lines peeled off easier. If my 3D line was too thin, it tore and didn’t hold it’s shape.

Then, I decorated the window with the finished designs for instant window clings. Use the warmth of your hands to secure onto the glass.

They look so cool peeking through them to the outside. We are having a rainy, cloudy day outside, so it’s great enjoying the festive snowflake and ornament window clings from the warmth of the indoors.

This would make a great family project or boredom buster while the kids are out of school. Enjoy!

Happy holidays and happy crafting!

Update: there have been many comments and questions about this super fun kids craft. I’ve done a follow-up window cling post with my top tips after testing many different brands of puffy paints and surfaces. And I’ve provided two more fun templates to use: Check it out here: Mustache and Glasses Puffy Paint Window Clings.

How to make puffy paint window clings

Oh, and did you know you can even make Puffy Paint Bracelets!

Tween puffy paint friendship bracelet craft idea

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Pauline Molinari

I'm the crafty maven, and I'm on a mission to spread craftiness. With a fine arts degree, over 15 years experience in children's publishing, and a savvy, stylish, sassy tween daughter, I come armed with perspective and passion to inspire tween girls and their mothers to be crafty together. 

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  111 comments for “Puffy Paint Window Decorations

  1. Janine Batcheller
    July 1, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    Don’t tell my grandson but this is where I have been getting ideas to keep him busy since school has been out. He is 10 and would hate to think I was getting them from a Mom and daughter web site. Keep the ideas coming. I love them.

    • July 1, 2013 at 12:07 pm

      LOL! Your secret is safe with me! Happy crafting!

      • star
        November 9, 2014 at 3:50 am

        Were do I get the snow flakes for the fluffy paint stuff

        • November 9, 2014 at 12:36 pm

          Hi Star,
          Click on the link in the post to download the snowflake templates.

  2. Tara Blesener
    July 25, 2013 at 6:26 am

    This would be cool to do with glow in the dark puffy paint.

  3. Lisa
    October 6, 2013 at 11:04 pm

    Puffy paint? Who knew!? I’ve been looking all over for this kind of pen or paint that pops out. It was under my nose for so long, thanks to pinterest! My question here is how do you delicately remove the paint on wax paper? Is there other ways to make a perfect puffy picture? Thanks!!

    • October 7, 2013 at 9:22 am

      Hi Lisa, Thanks for the comment. Actually I would suggest using clear acetate sheets (which makes it super easy to place over a template) instead of wax paper. I’ve also used acetate notebook binder sleeves. Then they should peel off nicely. Just be careful not to make your puffy paint lines too thin.

      • November 4, 2014 at 5:34 pm

        That’s a wonder suggestion ! I think sheet protectors from office supply will be perfect and I have a box of a hundred nearly full !! Lol

        • November 4, 2014 at 8:04 pm

          Perfect!

          • Marleen
            November 10, 2014 at 8:43 am

            The sheet protectors are an amazingly good idea! You can put the template inside the sheet protector and makes it easier to prevent the template sheet from moving around.

      • Julie
        November 18, 2014 at 11:05 am

        I tried both wax paper and acetate sheets, but couldn’t peel my snowflakes off of either one. Not sure what I am doing wrong.

        I tried both Tulip puffy paint and Tulip sparkle fabric paint – neither one would peel off either type of sheet. Left them sit to dry overnight. Thick lines. Connected lines. Just wondering if I am the only person who had this problem.

        • November 19, 2014 at 11:01 am

          Hmmm…. so sorry this isn’t working for you for some reason. Maybe it is a temperature thing? Try chilling them in freezer for 5 minutes and see if that helps. I know sometimes, once I get a corner going, then the rest usually peels off the plastic pretty easily.

  4. Katie
    October 27, 2013 at 2:10 pm

    I tried this with wax paper, and it didn’t work at all. They peeled off with a thin coat of wax paper on the back, leaving them a bit fuzzy. I see in the comments you suggest clear acetate sheets – maybe you could edit the original post to reflect this?

    • October 27, 2013 at 2:41 pm

      hmmmm…. sorry the wax paper didn’t work for you. Generally anything with a slick surface should yield the same result. I’ve had success with wax paper, the slick side of freezer paper, plastic presentation folders, and acetate.
      I’m wondering if your wax paper had a “waxier” side and a slicker side. Try again and let me know if you have better results.

    • Deidre
      December 2, 2013 at 8:39 am

      I used freezer paper. It worked perfect!

    • Julie
      November 19, 2014 at 10:47 am

      I had the same problem Katie. I tried the clear acetate sheets and they weren’t any better – I couldn’t peel my snowflakes off of either one, even after trying it a couple of times with different paints.

    • donna
      November 8, 2015 at 11:55 am

      My first try didn’t work well either but i tried again using thicker lines of paint and didn’t have any prob. And i used the waxed paper.one more tip. ..if your using multiple colors. ..let one dry thoroughly before going on to the next color. ..i made a striped candy cane and came out with some pink blobs bc i was over anxious and didn’t let it dry in between colors.

  5. Bonnie
    November 5, 2013 at 6:41 am

    Instead of wax paper try the aluminum foil that is teflon coated. I use this to lay my varnished pieces on to dry and they come off easily. Super product so it might make taking these off easier.

    • November 5, 2013 at 1:06 pm

      another great idea, Bonnie. The only downfall is that it would be see-through to use the template. But I will have to try this for free form window clings.

  6. Denise Garner
    November 8, 2013 at 7:39 am

    I tried this method to decorate some wine bottles for an added touch…however they didn’t stick. Isn’t glass,glass or what am I doing wrong? I ended up putting my designs directly on the bottles. This took days! Any suggestions?

    • November 10, 2013 at 4:31 pm

      Hmmm, I’ve never tried to put make it cling to wine bottles. Great idea. I’m thinking the temperature of the wine bottle wouldn’t let it stick properly. I know, for me, the warmth of the sun on the windows helped it to stick to them.

      • LaWanda
        November 1, 2014 at 8:28 pm

        Does that mean they won’t stick for long to my windows in winter? It gets in the negative degrees for weeks at a time where we live:-/

        • November 3, 2014 at 9:50 am

          Hi LaWanda,
          Ah, the memories of growing up in the midwest. It should still stick. Make sure to use your body heat from your hands to make it warm before applying to your windows. Once you get them on your window, they should stay. Hope that helps!

        • Lynn
          December 17, 2014 at 7:18 am

          Hi,
          I used to do these all the time as a kid in the late 80’s. I had some that I left on my windows for over 10 years. I lived in the NorthEast Ohio snow belt. Once they’re on they will stay until you peel them off. there weren’t any problems or mess left behind when they were taken down either.

    • heidi cross
      November 17, 2013 at 12:39 pm

      Try putting the design on with modge podge… that stuff works wonders

    • October 25, 2015 at 5:56 am

      I have not tried this but maybe heating the window slightly with a hairdryer would help to make the decorations stick when you then place them on with your hands.

  7. Michelle Davies
    November 10, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    I wonder if you put them in the freezer for a bit would it help? I might try it

    • November 10, 2013 at 4:34 pm

      Let me know if this works for you. Actually, I think the warmer the puffy paint is, the more that it clings to the window. I know when I applied to window, the warmth of my fingers attached it to the window, and then they stayed up nicely.

    • November 10, 2013 at 4:37 pm

      Great suggestion for Katie for maybe helping to get off of the wax paper.

  8. gaylene
    November 10, 2013 at 4:15 pm

    what if you used it directly on the window?

    • November 10, 2013 at 4:32 pm

      I’ve never attempted that. For kids, it’s easier to trace the template while it’s on a table. I may need to test this out though. Sounds intriguing.

  9. Jane
    November 12, 2013 at 5:35 am

    I was thinking along similar lines to Gaylene (above) – if you taped the printed template to the outside of the window it should be easy enough to trace it with the paint from the inside – then voila! untape the template and your decoration is in place with no need to peel until you want to remove it.

    • Marni W
      December 11, 2013 at 3:45 am

      I’d think the paint may run if applied directly to the window.

      • Teresa
        November 2, 2014 at 9:12 am

        Puffy paint does not run at all. I’ve used it on clothes and it doesn’t wash off either so be careful when getting on clothes.

  10. Monique
    November 14, 2013 at 2:36 am

    Hi, I love this idea for my kids windows during the festive season. But I’m also thinking come January, will I have problems getting them back off the windows considering they’re fabric/glass paints.
    Also, do you think the brand of puffy paint makes a difference, because I found these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fabric-Paint-Value-Pack-pack/dp/B005IPJLWK/ref=pd_cp_k_h_b_cs_0 and was just wondering if they would work as well.

  11. RITA
    November 15, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Hi I am so excited to try this next weekend with my niece, nephews and stepson. Is it any kind of 3D fabric paint?

    • November 15, 2013 at 2:55 pm

      So cool! I’ve only tried them with traditional puffy paints. I haven’t tested fabric paint ones. Have fun!

    • November 17, 2013 at 3:37 pm

      Hi Rita,
      I have been testing these with a variety of different brands of puffy paints with lots of success. Tulip dimensional fabric paints definitely work, and so do the more generic ones pictured in my tutorial. I have also tried Americana dimensional acrylic paint, and those have worked too. I have also tried them on different surfaces other than wax paper. Wax paper definitely worked for me, as well as acetate sheets and ziplock bags. I have had better success with the flexible surfaces I think because of the fact that you can easily peel away with your fingernail.

  12. Andrea
    November 17, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    I’ve done this before but without the templates & on glass mirrors & rubbermaid containers (It’s how I organize). They should peel off pretty easily. Planning to do this with my stepson over the holidays!

    • November 17, 2013 at 8:54 pm

      Thanks for the great comment Andrea!

  13. Beth Menig
    November 18, 2013 at 11:42 pm

    I’m just wondering if they will keep falling off in the winter because the windows are cold?

    • November 19, 2013 at 9:05 am

      Once they were attached to my window, they lasted all season.

  14. Jody
    November 19, 2013 at 9:28 am

    Paint on the non-slick side of the waxed paper and there won’t be any paper residue when you peel them off. I also found if they weren’t sticking well to the cold window, putting your warm palm over them for a few seconds will help. Now if I were only talented enough not to wiggle when I paint!

  15. Myrna
    November 19, 2013 at 11:34 am

    I have a new pack of plastic sheets that used to be used for overhead projectors… plan on trying the window clings on that. I’m sure that will work excellent.

  16. Stephenie
    November 24, 2013 at 11:18 am

    My question is in regards to taking them off the window when you are done enjoying them. Are they difficult to remove from the windows or mirrors? Thanks!

    • November 24, 2013 at 11:41 am

      Nope, they come off super easy, and leave no residue. We have been moving our recent batch of Mustache and Glasses window clings all around the house and putting on different mirrors and windows. = )

    • Frances rankin
      December 13, 2013 at 7:18 pm

      Thanks good ideal

  17. December 7, 2013 at 11:02 am

    I haven’t personally tried it with glitter glue, but I bet it would work. It is definitely worth a try!

  18. NIcole
    December 9, 2013 at 7:12 am

    I tried them, did not work. They did not stick no matter what. I wouldn’t suggest this to my friends.

    • December 9, 2013 at 9:34 pm

      hmmmm… I’m sorry these didn’t work for you. I can’t tell you how many countless puffy paint window clings I have for every occasion. I do know that different brands of puffy paints do work better than others. For this craft, I am partial to the Tulip brand.

  19. Nicole
    December 11, 2013 at 3:55 pm

    I love this craft! But, I did have problems getting them to stick to the window. I used the Scribbles paint, and no matter what I did they fell off the window. I’m going to try the Tulip paint and see if that works….hopefully it does because I think this is a super cute idea! 🙂

  20. Heather Woodyard
    December 12, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    Love this idea! Glitter glue works great, but I found they didn’t stick. Could be the wax paper I used (was waxy on both sides) or it could be that our windows are dang cold! It doesn’t matter because they are pretty and I also make my own cards and they would make for a really pretty holiday card! I love the idea and will have to check out your other ideas further! 🙂

  21. Natalie
    December 14, 2013 at 8:01 pm

    I did these to match my other x-mas in gold and silver with rhinestones attached and they look very pretty and fancy.

    • November 13, 2014 at 8:29 pm

      What a great addition to add some bling! Thanks for sharing Natalie!

  22. Lindsey
    February 3, 2014 at 5:11 am

    Has anybody tried them with fabric paint?

    • February 3, 2014 at 12:29 pm

      Yes, I have. They are actually made more for fabric painting. The window clings is a happy by-product of them. = )

  23. Kristi
    November 2, 2014 at 11:07 am

    Could you use cheap glitter glue??

    • November 3, 2014 at 9:49 am

      I haven’t tried it before, but I will have to test it out = )

  24. Patti Hess
    November 2, 2014 at 8:14 pm

    Can regular paint work?

    pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com

    • November 3, 2014 at 9:48 am

      HI Patti,
      I haven’t tried regular paint, but I have a feeling it wouldn’t work. Puffy paint is almost like a gel/glue like formula that allows it to dry 3D.
      Glitter glue may work. Will have to test = )

  25. Christina Jinks
    November 3, 2014 at 4:18 am

    I am so excited I found this! Going to try this with my daycare kids (the ornament would be the easiest!) Thanks for sharing!

    • November 4, 2014 at 9:58 pm

      Great idea! I love the idea of practicing fine motor skills while making something fun. Please let us know how the activity turns out.

  26. Jess
    November 3, 2014 at 1:04 pm

    Where can I get the paints???

    • November 3, 2014 at 2:05 pm

      Hi Jess,
      You can find them at your local craft store. Or you can find them online here.

  27. kriemermann@gmail.com
    November 3, 2014 at 4:25 pm

    I see above that you suggested several things you could paint onto. I’d like to try this with the kids (and actually have a bottle of glow-in-the-dark paint that wasn’t used for a Halloween costume) but am wondering about what to paint onto. Wax paper I understand, but did you also suggest plastic page protectors, like the kind I would put into a 3-ring binder and slip a piece of typing paper inside? And have you tried (or considered) clear shelf paper? I use that to laminate all kinds of things for the kids, and that would be easy to use, but I don’t know if it would be hard to remove the paint later. We’re very much looking forward to trying this!

    • November 3, 2014 at 5:26 pm

      Thanks for the great comment. Yes, plastic page protectors work, or my new favorite are large plastic ziplock storage bags. I haven’t tried shelf paper, but I bet that would work too!

  28. Stephanie
    November 4, 2014 at 8:38 am

    Can you tell me where I can find more outlines to trace for Christmas?

    • November 4, 2014 at 8:03 pm

      Hi Stephanie,
      Sounds like I need to do another follow up post… = )

  29. Amanda
    November 4, 2014 at 10:44 am

    would the homemade puffy paint work ?

    • November 4, 2014 at 8:03 pm

      I’m not sure, but I bet it would!

  30. Jaye
    November 4, 2014 at 10:48 am

    I wonder if once you’ve let the puffy paint dry if you put regular glue in the middle of the paint to make them more stable/easier to pull off, and it would keep your lines straight.

    • November 4, 2014 at 8:03 pm

      Good idea! Definitely worth a try!

  31. LuAnn
    November 4, 2014 at 11:10 am

    I have done window clings with Elmers glue and glitter and it worked great! Use to make them with my children! Same idea….use a pattern and lay wax paper over it and copy or make up your own design!!!

    • November 4, 2014 at 8:03 pm

      Love it! Going to have to try this for sure!

  32. Kathy Warnke
    November 4, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    Oh I cant wait to try this with my girls. They are 6,6 and 8. My twins love anything crafty and my 8 year old LOVES anything to do with paint!

  33. Samsara Chapman
    November 4, 2014 at 2:15 pm

    What a great idea! A spring extension (and wonderful for birds!) could be to add a bird template. The window clings would help break up reflections and, maybe, help birds avoid colliding with the glass.

  34. Wendy A.
    November 4, 2014 at 6:30 pm

    Have you ever tried “Gallery Glass”? It is paint meant for glass that will peel off, but stays in warmth or cold. Available at Michaels, etc.

    • November 4, 2014 at 8:05 pm

      No, I haven’t, but I am definitely going to have to try it. Thanks for the suggestion!

  35. Kitty
    November 5, 2014 at 5:30 am

    What about parchment paper? Could draw design on backside, it would show thru enough to paint on front side. Our new church meets in an office complex. I think little stainglass design crosses the kids made would be great in the two small windows that face the parking lot from their classriom.

    • November 5, 2014 at 10:27 am

      This may work. I haven’t tried it, but it is a good idea!

  36. stephany
    November 5, 2014 at 6:24 am

    How do you print the templates onto the wax paper? Or do you just put the printer paper with template behind it?

  37. Kathy
    November 5, 2014 at 6:51 am

    Any suggestions of how to make these into hanging ornaments………maybe spraying them with a clear glue or acrylic??

    • November 5, 2014 at 10:27 am

      Ooh, I love this idea… I will have to try it! I’ll post an update if it works. Thanks for the suggestion!

  38. Teri
    November 5, 2014 at 9:40 am

    Glass paints work really well too. And the sun shines through.

    • November 13, 2014 at 8:31 pm

      Thanks for sharing Teri!

  39. Leah
    November 6, 2014 at 9:46 am

    I have done this for different holidays. So much fun!I have always done it on just plain old plastic cling wrap that I tape down to the table. If you want to save them, try using a photo album, just stick them on top of the page cover, not the actually page, then cover with plastic cling wrap so they don’t stick to each other. I write on the page who made it and the date. I have had ones that we made over three years ago still stick. For those having issues with them sticking, try just putting a little paint on the back of your “cling” and just stick it to the window. It will dry and stay there till you peel it off.

  40. Brenda
    November 7, 2014 at 9:51 am

    I bet you could find some kewl patterns in kids coloring books. the possibilities are endless…..lol.

  41. November 7, 2014 at 1:38 pm

    Love, Love, Love this! Too easy and too cute! I am making these for sure. With different templates, the sky’s the limit with what you could make!

  42. Julie
    November 7, 2014 at 2:04 pm

    Buy crochet books that have patterns for “snow flakes” & you will get lots of patterns.

  43. Beth
    November 8, 2014 at 6:07 pm

    Is there something for Thanksgiving that can be done with the puff paint window cling craft?

  44. Mallory
    November 10, 2014 at 5:55 am

    I want to make this but I was wondering if they can come off if I want them to

    • November 10, 2014 at 8:56 am

      Yep, they will peel right off your window when you are done.

  45. Donna
    November 12, 2014 at 7:35 pm

    I like the puffy paint window things I;m going to try parchment paper as cookies don;t stick so I fell the puffy paint won;t stick.l.

  46. Tanya
    November 14, 2014 at 12:40 pm

    I laminated the templates and tried this project. I only did one snowflake start to finish, but peeled it off this morning, and other than my snowflake lines not looking as crisp as yours, it worked pretty well. The kids and I did a few more this morning, and are looking forward to peeling them off and sticking them on the window tomorrow. I printed off 3 of each of the templates, 1 for each of my girls, and laminated them all. Now I don’t have to worry about anything getting wrecked and I can store them in a binder.

    • November 15, 2014 at 10:04 am

      I love it. What I a great idea! I’m going to get my laminator out!

  47. wendystu@g1hispeed.com
    November 16, 2014 at 12:46 pm

    How about using a childrens christmas coloring book for the templete- they have large pictures in them

  48. cassandra
    December 5, 2014 at 10:01 am

    I am going to try this, this weekend with my kiddos. However I forgot to grab some wax paper. Will parchment paper work?

    • December 5, 2014 at 12:48 pm

      It should as long as there is a coated side to your parchment paper. I would try plastic storage bags too. I have lots of luck with that surface. Happy crafting!

  49. Suzette F.
    December 12, 2014 at 12:10 pm

    Hi. Super cool idea. Did them yesterday. Now, I dont know if anyone has mentioned but if it helps, my daughter and I figured out a way to get design off wax paper once dried. Peeling was not working as some of ours were not super thick. What we did was wet under a small stream of warm water the back of the design once dried and it was easier to peel off. Still was careful but even the thin lines came off with little to no issues.

  50. Lisa
    December 28, 2014 at 12:44 pm

    I was just wondering if you can reuse them next year? And if so how do you store them?

    • December 29, 2014 at 2:54 pm

      I usually don’t keep them for the next year. After you peel them off of your window, they are pretty much done. If you do want to keep them, I would put them on a plastic sheet.

  51. April 26, 2015 at 6:05 pm

    WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for puffy paint

  52. Jen
    October 27, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Wondering if parchment might work. It is thicker than wax paper yet still works great as tracing paper! I will try with parchment.

  53. Melanie
    November 6, 2015 at 1:27 pm

    Glitter glue is Way too thin and flimsy. Where as the puffy paint is nice and flexible. I’m sure metallic puffy paint is better than glitter glue.

  54. Karen Brannen
    November 3, 2017 at 4:10 am

    I use puffy paint on the square slip in acrylic picture frames. Paint, dry with blow dryer and an awesome frame for your holiday pix.

Comments are closed.