Wednesday Windows

Shops are shut and so it's time to tap into your home's resources. I'm going to run with a series of blog posts on how to make the most of what you have... starting with WINDOWS! These glass walls provide the most amazing backdrop for a warm street display, and now is the time to be proclaiming messages of hope, love, and support. Keep reading to hear about a COVID-19 initiative I have decided to start up called 'Wednesday Windows'.

Wednesday Windows is a fun way of keeping nearby families connected in physical isolation, as well as bringing cheer to anyone else that passes by on the streets. It works by families making creative displays on the fronts of their homes that then become part of an exciting drive-by scavenger hunt. 

Every Wednesday families will open up their windows or front yards for viewing by other families driving past. The display will remain up for viewing for 7 days until it is changed or removed by the following Wednesday. And thanks to Facebook's coordination where the scavenger hunt takes viewers will change every week!

HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED?

If you're reading this because you're already in a Wednesday Windows group then have a good read of the introduction post and then start decorating a window with your kids! It can be as simple as a joke written on a single window or as elaborate as a week long window painting / home learning display that spans all front windows.

If you're not in a group yet start one! Simply jump onto Facebook, start a private (but visible) group, copy and paste the info below, create some events within the group, and get inviting! This will work best where group members live in surrounding suburbs. I give you full permission to use and change all the words in red below, but ask that you please leave the link to this page for future inquiry (just to keep people continuing to create such groups). Please be aware that you will need to modify the COVID ETIQUETTE section according to current recommendations for your city or state. And because of the sharing of addresses please also consider increasing security by adding a question when people request to join that has an answer only your closed community know.

If you think there might be a group on Facebook for your community already, if they have followed my advice as setting it up as a private visible group you should be able to find it in the group search  by typing 'Wednesday Windows - *Name of your community*'.

For more info on how it runs please read the red text for copy and pasting below.

BUT HOW DO I DECORATE MY WINDOW?

• Any washable acrylic paint will do (as long as it says 'washable' on the bottle)... usually the cheaper the better. Other ok paints for indoors include: crayola washable paints, and tempera (poster paint). DON'T USE multi surface or glass paint. To remove tougher paint spray with dousing with warm soapy water, let it sit for a few minutes then use a metal scraper. I love using the cheap kmart paint which washes off very easily
• For outside window application latex house paint is best as the rain won't wash it off. It scrapes off very easily
• If you've got younger kids and you want to watch the walls and couch, you're safer using a home made version made from cornflour, water and food colouring like this one. I also use this paint when I'm making paper mache or as a home made 'clag' for Miss 3. Blocking sections with masking tape and then peeling off when dry for a stained glass effect can be very effective with this paint
• Stick cellophane or foil shapes to windows with water mixed with water - so long as they're not too crinkled. Smooth out with hands so they'll last. If your window is in full sunshine you may achieve better stick by brushing one side with the egg glue for paper below
• Stick paper or crepe paper to windows by fully immersing the pieces in a bath made from 1 egg white and 1 cup of water for 2 minutes. Make sure you whisk you mixture well before using. If you only wet one side of the paper with this mixture, it will expand and cause rolling so immersing it in the bath is important. Alternately, you can use the cornflour glue in point 2 painted onto the side you wish to glue.
• If you're using paper, turn it translucent by painting it with vegetable oil after you've stuck it on. This produces a beautiful stained glass effect!
• Push pins or small nails in along the sides and top border of the wood on your window so they're parallel to the wall. Hang made cardboard objects and bunting from them!
• Simply sticky tape paper cutouts to glass for a mess free immediate effect
• Use washable chalk markers​
• Anything else you can think of!

I look forwards to seeing what you come up with on #wednesdaywindows
Please let me know your comments and questions below and enjoy the views (from both inside and outside the window)!
​

NAME YOUR GROUP ACCORDING TO THIS FORMAT:

Wednesday Windows - Community name
eg. 'Wednesday Windows - My School Grade 1'


​COPY AND PASTE THIS IN INVITATION MESSAGE:

Hi there! I'm hoping to get a COVID-19 connection initiative running in our community, please join our 'Wednesday Windows' group to hear more.


COPY AND PASTE THIS INTO THE FIRST COMMENT IN A NEW FACEBOOK GROUP:

Welcome to WEDNESDAY WINDOWS!

Thanks for joining this fun way of uniting and supporting each other in our isolation. As families we will be making creative displays on the fronts of our homes, and then joining in on an exciting weekly drive-by scavenger hunt.

HOW IT WORKS

Every Wednesday ‘displayers’ will open up their windows or front yards for viewing by families driving past for 7 days. ‘Displayers’ will pledge to have their window open for viewing for a week from a specific Wednesday. They will do this by commenting on the event from that day on this page.
Eg. In the even titled ‘Wednesday 8th April’ Joe Bloggs will comment with his address.
From that Wednesday sunrise to Tuesday sunset viewers can then do a DRIVING scavenger hunt – looking out for the messages to each other through the displays and fostering some connection.
Eg. Joe Bloggs can expect viewers from Wednesday 8th to Tuesday 14thApril.

Anyone can pledge to display as many times as they like – and you’re welcome to be a passive drive-byer for as little or as much as you like. There’s no obligation. This is made to be fun, not stressful… but it will work best for our group if more people opt in.

Please note that this is a closed group for the families of our community only. Any sharing of personal information will be viewed by all invited members of this event. If you know of another community that could benefit from this idea, please direct them to this information from the 'Wednesday Window' initiative creator (www.emshannonart.com/blog/wednesday-windows).

COVID ETIQUETTE

Viewers must DRIVE to see windows. If there is no one else around you’re welcome to get out of the car for a closer look but must be at least 1.5 meters from the display to avoid the temptation to touch.
Please don’t place your displays anywhere that requires people to touch any part of your property to get a closer look – eg. Opening of gates.
If another family are out looking closer at the display please remain in your vehicle until they get in theirs or drive on.
These rules are subject to change depending on a shift in government regulations.

NEED SOME IDEAS?

How about a simple display of a family artwork, home learning activities, or an inspiring message. It can be as simple as a joke written on the window or as elaborate as a week long window painting. Watch out for themed weeks set by admin.
Things can be stuck on the inside or outside of windows, hung from string pinned into your window frame, painted on windows with DIY window paint – it’s up to you. You can find more ideas and simple instructions at www.emshannonart.com/blog/wednesday-windows

BUT I DON’T HAVE A GOOD WINDOW FOR THIS

Don’t worry! This is about providing a window into your life at home, so pavement art or hanging things on trees works fine too.

Let’s unite our families in our isolation, reaching out to each other for our sake. Sooo looking forwards to seeing your windows! And don't forget to tag #wednesdaywindows to touch a wider audience.