How to Create a Winter Wonderland Window Display

Be the star of your neighborhood this winter season by creating your very own winter wonderland window display.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Plywood or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
• Sturdy cardboard boxes
• Glitter and metallic paints
• Spray paint
• Assorted stuffed toys
• Styrofoam and foam cores
• Bags of cotton batting
• Spot lights and up lights
• Holiday lights
• Satin fabrics
• Cutter

1. First draw a design on a piece of paper. Include positions of major pieces of decorations and their measurements. Think of a story your window display will convey. Try to visualize what or how it would appear when finished.
2. Measure the width and height of your window. These measurements will be your basis for the size of platform and display materials you will be using. In other words, everything should fit.
3. Cut and paint plywood or MDF to be used as platform for the displays. Make the width enough to fit the width of the inside of the window. Give 1-inch clearance on each side. The length should be long enough to accommodate all the things you will put on display. Once cut and painted, place on top of a sturdy table small enough to fit the width of your window.
4. Start staging. Begin by adding the big background pieces on the display. If you plan to put in glaciers, cut out the Styrofoam to shape, then spray with white paint and add metallic silver paint to make it look shiny. Add satin fabric with matching color to add drama.
5. Cut out 3-D images using a cutter to cut out images of trees in the forest from sturdy foam cores. Add the characters. You can use stuffed animals like polar bears and penguins. You can also add dolls. Add whatever you have that would work with your theme. If you plan to use animated characters, make sure that you have enough clearance for the movement, For example, with a spinning or dancing pair of bears, there should be enough space for every part of body as it moves. Keep the display simple and not too crowded. People would enjoy and appreciate the display much better if they can view them clearly.
6. Add lights. You can make the display visible even at night if you use up lights and spotlights focusing on each major character or piece on the display. Add holiday lights around the shape of the window to frame it nicely.
   
   Make sure to put a timer so that you do not waste energy.
7. Add remaining smaller accessories. Put glittered balls and shoe boxes wrapped in holiday gift wrapping papers at the side or bottom part of your display. Add the big rolls of cottons to mimic the snow, and then sprinkle glitters to make them shine.
8. Box it in. Cut a sturdy cardboard in three pieces to cover the left, right and back of the display. Paint with background scenery for example, you can paint white clouds and glaciers using white paint painted on blue background to look like the north pole. After painting, connect the three pieces together with duct tape on the seams on the hidden sides. Make sure the seams are concealed from the view. Lean the cut out cardboard on the platform or table. Check for sturdiness then fasten or add an anchor to prevent them from toppling off the table.
9. Go outside and check the finished product. Make adjustments if necessary. Once satisfied, reveal the final product and let others enjoy it with you.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut out 3-D images using a cutter to cut out images of trees in the forest from sturdy foam cores.
• Add music to the display by putting a speaker on the outside of the house for people to hear.
• If you have more windows facing the street, put decorations on all of them.
• Decorate the outside of your home to attract more viewers.
• Encourage your neighbors to make their own window displays to make your neighborhood come to life during the winter season.
• Make sure to double-check all electrical connections to avoid electric shock or fire.
• Keep safety in mind when there are kids using the room where the window display is located.

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