I have always loved stained glass but could never afford the real thing. I loved the idea of light bouncing off all the colored glass and the images dancing around off the walls and floors.
Living in apartments most of my life I have often looked for ways to keep the neighbors from looking in without giving up the sunlight for my plants. It is also great in bathroom windows for the privacy you need but still allowing all the sunlight to filter in as well. If you have a finished basement stained glass offers the perfect finishing touch.
As you well know, when living in an apartment it is not a good idea to do this treatment directly to your windows. I wouldn’t recommend doing it directly to your windows no matter where you live. If you get tired of it you would have to replace the whole window. I like to take my work with me wherever I live.
Here’s the solution. Measure the window in which you are working with. You can have a piece of glass cut a tad bit smaller to fit and put it in the window. You can place nails around the sides of the window to hold it in place.
I like to go to the thrift stores in search of old large pictures that are close to the size I’m looking for. I like to choose frame that are beat up and have lots of character. Remove the picture and wash the glass on both sides. You are ready to begin.
For this project you will need stained glass paint. You can find tubes in any color you like at most craft stores. I like allot of color so I usually buy one of each. Stained glass paint runs around two dollars and twenty five cents for a one ounce bottle. Keep in mind the color clear, when finished, resembles the old fashioned wavy glass look. White resembles ivory or marble. Both are beautiful!
You will also need a large bottle of liquid lead. You can find it right next to the stained glass paint. Liquid lead runs around five dollars a five ounce bottle. While you’re there check out the pattern books that are made to slide under the glass so that you can trace your favorite design. The books start out around five dollars per book.
If you don’t trust your tracing skills craft stores offer peel and stick already made lead patterns. I enjoy the homemade look so I trace my patterns.
You will be treating the side of the glass that will be facing the window. In other words, surface untreated side out. This way it is less likely to collect dust and easier to clean.
Make sure to use a well ventilated area. I didn’t and wow what a migraine! Trace your pattern onto the glass and allow to cure overnight. The next day start filling in with color. Make sure to fill each spot thoroughly or else you will be able to see squiggly marks when it dries. If this happens you can go over each spot adding more of the color gel after it has dried. If you do this make sure to fill in the entire spot over again otherwise you will see the patch work when it is placed in the window.
This is perfect for bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and basement windows. It is also great on glass end tables or for just hanging on the wall. Great as a house warming present! Remember, the bigger the window the more it will cost in supplies. Good luck!
