How to Add Stained Glass to Doors, Dividers and More

Think stained glass is only for windows? Jonas Beirs shows how the art can be applied in many ways in a home from doors to dividers.

Using stained glass in the bathroom adds a decorative element at the window and privacy at the same time.

Think stained glass is only for windows? Jonas Beirs shows how the art can be applied in many ways in a home from doors to dividers:

• People are using stained glass in a lot of different applications today, including pieces as an interior element rather than only replacing existing windows. It can hang from the ceiling, be used in upper kitchen cabinets, within interior doors and for privacy when people don't want anyone to see into their homes, such as in bathrooms.

One of the newest applications of stained glass is interior window shutters. The design itself resembles fabric and the look is beautiful.

New stained glass can be expensive due to the labor involved in the design and the work itself. Look for old windows in antique salvage stores, flea markets and antique auctions. This material lends itself to repair so don't worry if the piece you love has cracked or broken panes.

Jonas Beirs has done things as complicated as putting silk screening on glass and he's also handpainted images that are a little more contemporary and personal.

When cleaning stained glass, it's best to just use plain water and a soft cloth as glass cleaner can actually affect the putty seams between the colored pieces.

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How to Make a Stained Glass Mosaic

In this project learn how to craft a stained glass mosaic piece of art to hang in your home.

Materials and Tools:
pattern to be reproduced*
frame with removable glass panel
stained glass
tweezers
wheeled glass nippers
clear adhesive shelving paper
disposable rubber gloves
non-sanded tile grout
clear silicone glue
safety glasses
sponge
bowl of water
small bowls to divide glass pieces
*This can be a picture, postcard, painting, drawing, etc.

Figure B

Steps:
1. Choose your pattern and size it to the glass in the picture frame. Remember, you'll be working on the backside of your project. If you can, reverse the image of your pattern to be reproduced. Make sure any words or numbers are reversed on your pattern or they will come out wrong.
2. Pick stained glass colors and nip random sized pieces into small bowls or piles on the work surface. Wear your safety glasses while snipping the glass.

Figure E

3. Cut shelving paper approximately 1" larger than the pattern. Tape the pattern face down onto the non-sticky clear side of the shelving paper and remove the protective layer from the opposite side to expose the adhesive. You should see your pattern through the exposed shelving paper.
4. With tweezers or your fingers, place the nipped stained glass onto your pattern no more than 1/8" apart.
5. Clean the glass panel in the picture frame and apply a medium to thin layer of silicon glue to the entire surface.

Figure G

6. Place the glued side of the glass panel onto the exposed surface of your stained glass pattern and press firmly.
7. Allow glue to dry completely and remove the shelving paper. If stained glass piece sticks to the shelving paper rather than the glass panel, simply re-glue the piece and place it back into its respective position. Allow to dry.

Figure J

8. Mix grout and water until it is a thick cookie dough consistency and apply to the stained glass. Wear two pairs of gloves to prevent cutting your hands, and gently press the grout into the small cracks between the glass pieces. Remove as much excess grout as possible.
9. Allow grout to dry completely and wipe off any excess with a wet sponge. Place the finished mosaic piece back into the picture frame.
Tips:
White glue that is supposed to dry to clear doesn’t always dry clear. Start with silicone glue that's clear when wet for better results.
Stained glass patterns work very well for this technique. You may want to use colored pencils to color in the appropriate areas of your pattern.
Many stained glass shops sell scrap glass by the pound. If you purchase this, make sure you have enough for your project before you adhere the glass in place, because it can be hard to get more of the exact same color.

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Free Pattern, Freedom Heart

 

 

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stained glass pattern

Stained glass patterns dog:

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How to Paint Glass Lamp Shades

Lamp shades make an interesting surface for painting. When the lamp is lit, the design becomes even more beautiful than ever. It's not as hard as you think. Learn how you can make your own glass lamp shades the topic of discussion the next time you have guests over. Acrylic glass paints work best for this type of project.

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Wet the paper towel with a good amount of white vinegar. Wipe the glass lamp shade well. Try not to touch the surface you plan to paint with your fingers or hands. Hold the glass lamp shade with a paper towel as you wipe it with the vinegar-soaked towel. Set it aside to dry.
   
2. Step 2
   Shake the paint bottles well to mix each color inside. Pour each color onto the palette into a small nickel-sized puddle. Make sure the colors don't run together.
   
3. Step 3
   Tear or cut the design pattern to fit inside the glass lamp shade. You should be able to see the design through the glass. Tape it in place while making sure it lays as flat as possible against the inside of the glass surface.
   
4. Step 4
   Pick up the foundation color of paint with a dry brush (no water is used when painting on glass). Apply the color in an even application so there are no ridges in the paint. Let the paint dry completely before applying the next color or layer over the first one.
   
5. Step 5
   Continue to paint the design, allowing each layer of color to dry thoroughly before continuing. When the design is finished, remove the pattern from the inside of the lamp shade and allow the paint to cure for at least 24 to 48 hours prior to use. Clean the brushes with soap and water when you are finished using them.
   

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Stained Glass For Everyone! by paintingonglass.blogspot.com

Stained Glass For Everyone!

Stained Glass has long been reserved for the very wealthy. Artisans would take months and years to create one-of-a-kind windows depicting religious scenes and nature. It doesn't take years to create a stained glass window anymore. Even better than that, getting the look of stained glass is no longer reserved just for the wealthy.

Gallery Glass Window Color and Leading products make it possible for anyone to create their very own stained glass effects. Its as simple as lead, paint and seal.

Leading

Once you have selected a clean surface, the very first step in Gallery Glass is to lead the design. There are several ways to do this: lay a leading blank or your surface over your pattern, then using Liquid Leading, trace the design. If you do not want to use Liquid Leading, Redi-Lead strips can be used instead. These strips are flexible enough to follow curved lines. Another option is to use Redi-Lead shapes to outline your designs. If you decided to use the Redi-Lead stripes and shapes, it is best if you apply them directly to your surface.

Adding Color

Redi-lead strips and shapes are ready for color once they are placed. Liquid Leading must cure for at least eight hours before colors can be applied. When you add color you want to create a seal between the color and the leading. In order to do this, paint along the perimeter of the leading first then fill in the rest of the area. If you notice air bubbles, lightly tap the underside of your surface or comb through the window color.

Heightening the Effect

You can adjust the look of your project in several ways. The first is in the Window Color application.

• Applying the paint with a "figure eight" motion will create a textured look. This is most commonly done with Crystal Clear.
• Blend colors by putting at least two colors into an area, then comb the colors together. The more you comb, the more your colors will blend. You can experiment with different ways of combing such as back-and-forth or in a swirl.
• Darken colors by applying another layer of the color after the first one has dried. Lighten the color by adding Crystal Clear.

Another way to alter the look of your project is to add embellishments.

• After Window Color has dried, put a light coat of Crystal Clear over your color and add Crystal Beads or Glass Nuggests for a 3-D effect.
• Apply Gallery Glass Crackle Medium over dried Window Color to get an aged look.

Using Gallery Glass in Other Places
It looks beautiful on windows, but Gallery Glass can go in so many places! Redi-Lead small shapes and Gallery Glass Stick-ons make it possible to dress up centerpieces, mirrors, photo frames and even trinket boxes. Plus, Stick-ons are so easy to complete that anyone can do them! Simply fill in the designs with paint, then once the paint dries peel the Stick-ons off the backing and place them! Many of the designs appeal to younger crafters, making Gallery Glass a great project for the whole family.
Its as Simple or Complex as You Want!
If you are great at drawing and want to create your own patterns, go for it! Use Liquid Leading to trace over your pattern and then paint. Once dry, if you don't like a color in the design, simply score the edges with a craft knife and peel the color out. Then apply the new color.
If you want the look of stained glass, but don't want to create your own pattern, we have plenty! Redi-Lead Shapes come with pattern suggestions to get you started or you can refer to one of our Gallery Glass books or online projects for inspiration.
Perhaps best of all, you can use any of the Stick-ons to add a whimsical touch to a window or mirror in your home.
Once you get started with Gallery Glass, you will get so swept up in the possibilities that no piece of glass within your reach will go without some kind of lovely touch.

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Glass Painting Ideas For A Quaint Home Decor by paintingonglass

hat can be more ethnic than a glass painting to decorate your home? Glass painting is an amazing form of art that combines the vibrance of colors and glasses. When featured on home decor accessories, it uplifts the entire atmosphere of a room. You just need to bring out your creative ingenuity in a proper way. Glass painting, unlike it is conjectured otherwise, is very interesting to do. Have your kit ready with an outliner, which is used to keep the different shades of glass paints in place and the design you want to portray on the glass painting. You can either paint freehand, or else the option of templates is always there. Now if you are thinking which decor article to start with, here are some ideas:




Glass Candle Holders:
Jars with flat or faceted sides can easily take up the shape of glass candle holders without much of effort. Use tubes or pens of outline paint to draw designs on the sides of painted jam jar candle holders, to enhance the look of the candle holders. You just need to keep the following points in mind:

• It is always safe to plan out designs on paper before painting on the jars.
• Use a single color, such as gold, on jars painted with stained glass paint.
• Gently squeeze the tube of outline paint while drawing on the jam jar, otherwise it can spoil your creativity.

Alternatively, paint designs with outline paint on clear jam jars to use as candle holders. And yes, not to forget that designs made with many outline colors look beautiful on clear, unpainted jars.

Designing for Stained Glass:
To make stained glass highly attractive with glass painting, it is very essential for the artist to chalk out the layout of the design in great detail. This structural support could be of great importance, as pieces of glass support each other inside the framed area. And a badly supported piece of stained glass artwork may buckle and eventually drop or break out of the frame.

Art works are actually displayed when small pieces of colored glass are arranged to form a particular creative pattern. Further, the glass is held together by strips of lead and the work is supported by a rigid frame like a window. Stained glass can also feature a figure on the glass itself, like a face might be hand painted. Once this is done the design is then fired a second time, so that the painting remains as an integrated aspect of the artwork.

Pretty Glass Lanterns:
This is really a fun craft that allows people to display their creativity in their own style. Use a glass paint liner to draw a design on the jar, you can either do it freehand or else you can go for one of the many templates available. It will be better if you use your imagination to create a pretty design. Allow the outline to dry for at least an hour. Once it's dry, fill it in with various colors of glass paint, as required by the painting, and your pretty glass lantern is ready. Once all the paints get dried, place a candle inside it. Now, when the candle is lit and it spreads a lovely warm glow all around your home, you know what a beautiful glass painting accent you have created for your home.

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the best from stained glass paint

Stained glass paint too wishy washy?
Tips for getting the most from glass enamels

Coloured stained glass paint is a fantastic way of getting exciting designs permanently onto float (window) glass – and it won’t cost you a fortune either. I’ve just recently finished a commission for a house boat that used no other technique except several layers of glass paint, fired repeatedly on to the surface of the glass in a kiln. These three photos show the development from the first to the last (ninth!) firing – you can see how colour and texture build throughout the process. You will need to do colour tests of all the stages and always keep a note of your kiln firing schedule.


To get bright and consistent colours when using enamels on float glass, you must paint on a particular side – referred to as the ‘air’ side. First you determine what is called the ‘tinned’ side, by using a short wave UV flashlight – sometimes called a Tin Side Detector – and looking at your glass in a darkened room. The tinned side shows up as a blurry white ring, which you won’t see on the air side.
If you want to see photos of this, and learn some more tips about stained glass painting, I’ve written Glass Painting Tips just for you!
 
You can receive it by joining the merry band of ‘Cutting Edge’ subscribers who are regularly:

• informed about crucial time and money saving tips
• kept smack up to date with interesting glassy information
• given lots of ideas for creating their own inspiring designs

I used a combination of sponges and badger brushes for the glass painting – sponges for the textured, more definite ‘lines’, the badger brush for the blended background. The secret – and the reason for so many firings – is to put lots of thin layers and build up the colour. This enables you a high degree of control over the finished stained glass window – you don’t want it too wishy washy, nor do you want it to bubble up and be too dark to see through.

One last thought. I always tell my students not to expect coloured stained glass paint to have the transparency and vibrancy of glass – it isn’t glass – but it does have other equally exciting qualities. Not least that you can paint large areas with a near-infinite amount of colours without breaking up the design with lead lines.

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Zebra in Stained Glass

Zebra

This stained glass art work used cropped and enlarged extracts from a zebra photograph as patterns for acid etching the individual pieces of float glass. The resulting depressions were painted with glass paint and fired in a glass kiln before the raised clear surface was abraded.

There was a happy accident - the unexpected warped surface from the kiln firing schedule caused a mottled effect that I thought added to the piece.
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Glass Painting - Russian Flower design

Glass painting is one such unique painting which is laid down on the back of the glass, and painted from the reverse.
Glass painting basically involves painting on tinted (stain) glass.

To make Glass painting all u need is :

1. Stained Glass
2. Black tube colour (for out line design)
3. Trace paper with design of your choice
4. Glass paint colours
5. Brush (Thin brush #1-2)
6. Silver foil (if required)

Now put the trace paper on a flat surface keeping back side of glass in front. Make outline of the design using black tube colour.
Allow it to dry for 24 hrs then apply glass paint colour as per requirement. Make sure there wont be any bubbles on the glass while applying the colour as it doesn't give good effect on the glass paint.
While applying colour if there are bubbles on the glass use brush to remove it by spreading the colour with water.
Now if required you can use crushed silver foil on the back side of the glass for a different effect and can frame it.

A beautiful glass paint is ready.

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glass making

Do you have a burning desire to learn how to create stained glass art? Perhaps you are looking for a rewarding hobby that you can be proud of? Or, you want to make your passion into a money making business?That sounds great, but there are steps that you must take before you just dive into the art of stained glass. I was teaching a glass bead making class recently and wanted to provide my students with more information. Information they could use to start setting up their studio or expand the knowledge they already have. Things like coating mandrels properly with bead release and the types or bead release they offer or hooking up your regulators once you get them home. There’s a page on how to make your own frit. I love using frit. Or using pixie dust, that’s different from fairy dust but just as magical. They even give you the information on how to test if the glass you have is compatible. Glass compatibility is so important so this is great information to have. You can download the pdf or just print the pages straight out from their site. This stuff is so helpful for making your bead making experience that much better.

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Sliding Glass Doors Can Be Decorated

Many homes have at least one sliding glass door and until now, ‘decorating sliders’ really meant hiding them behind closed curtains or blinds. Now you can affordably decorate sliding glass doors with the look of etched or stained glass.

allpaper For Windows is a special adhesive-free vinyl film that transforms plain glass doors into expensive-looking custom doors. Instead of closed blinds and a dark room, the room is energized with natural light and decorative glass doors.

In as little as five to 10 minutes, any homeowner or renter can decorate sliding glass doors to enhance the décor of the room, create privacy or hide a bad view.

Wallpaper For Windows has decorative designs that don’t block the view, designs that add some privacy and full privacy designs, all at a reasonable price. The newest pattern, Tropical Oasis, is already very popular. Featuring life-sized Palm trees, Birds of Paradise, Banana Plants and more, this etched glass design brings a relaxing “Margaritaville” atmosphere to any room.

Installation is a simple do-it-yourself project. If needed, the film can be trimmed to size with scissors or a utility knife. The adhesive-free film is then applied to the glass with soapy water (so it’s easy to position on the glass). Use the free applicator squeegee that’s included to remove excess water and any bubbles. Once squeegeeing is finished, step back and admire.

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Designing For Stained Glass The Simple Way

o use this method for designing for stained glass, you should be familiar with construction techniques and impossible cuts. You don't want to design a stained glass piece that can't be constructed due to design faults. Believe me, I have seen such designs in several pattern books. It's pretty bad when a pattern book is published and the patterns have to be revised, by the person that bought the book, before they can be used.

















You will need a photograph or a copyright free picture of the theme for your window. Enlarge the picture to a size that will fit on an 8 x 11 sheet of paper, and print it out. I usually print it in black and white, as the edges and contours seem to show up better.






Place the printed copy on a light box. If you don't have a light box, tape it to a window that has a lot of light coming through it. Place another blank piece of paper over it and start tracing the outlines with a pencil. As you are designing for stained glass, you will have to pick and choose the lines you use, and occasionally add a creative line here and there to make it feasible to cut in stained glass.









Once you have finished tracing, start working on the lines with a pencil and eraser, to give them a nice flow. Most important, make sure there are no impossible cuts.


When you are satisfied with the lines, you may want to enlarge or decrease the size of the drawing to make it fit into your design for stained glass. Now you need to cut it out, with scissors, so you have the element with just a little paper left around it.












On another piece of paper, draw a box that will be the finished size of the window you are designing. Place the cut out element on it and move it around until it is in the area that looks best. Tape it down where you think you want it. I say think, because you might want to move it again after you have added other elements to the design.

At this point you can add a border or any other elements that you want. Look for more pictures to find unique elements. Also, add cut lines wherever they are needed.


When you are finished, tape your design on the wall. Leave a pencil and eraser near by. Whenever you walk by the design, change things if you see something that needs to be changed. The more you look at it the more you will see what has to be changed to give it balance and life.
















This pattern needs a few more leaves on the bottom of the bud stem, and a cut line from the bottom petal of the lily to the edge of the pattern. Actually, one of the leaves can extend to the tip of that petal and eliminate the cut line.

Other than that, I'm happy with it. When I was designing for stained glass, I decided that this design would be a free hanging panel. The stamen will be made from copper wire with a solder blob on the end of each wire. They will stand out to give it a 3 dimensional effect.

Now you can make your Pattern Pieces for copper foil, or set it up for a Leaded Window.


These are the pictures and pattern I used for the sunflower window.











This is a copied picture, pattern and finished pencil holder made from a photo of a friends family dog.




New Here's a web site with a technique called scanner art, that could be fun when you are designing for stained glass. It is used the same way as designing from a photograph, only you don't need a photograph. Obviously you can't put a dog on your scanner, but for things like feathers, flowers, leaves, fruit, or any other small object, it would work like a charm.

It's something I used to do, 20 years ago, when I wanted to design a leaf or flower to look as natural as possible. This technique has been developed, given a name and is being used as an art form. Now, why didn't I think of that!! Anyway, have a look and see if it gives you any ideas.

Designing for stained glass is pretty easy using a photograph or picture, and you will get the exact results you want. I hope you will try it and have fun with it.

Don't forget the book "Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain" by Betty Edwards. The newest edition is called "The New Drawing On the Right Side Of The Brain". It really will teach you how to draw if you are passionate about learning. By the way, I have no affiliation with Betty Edwards or her book. I just feel that the book is the best thing that ever happened to my drawing skills and I highly recommend it to you.

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Ganesha Glass Painting

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Lighthouse Stained Glass

Lighthouse Stained Glass is leading stained glass window designer in Los Angeles and surrounding areas.  We specialize in design, fabrication and installation of stained glass windows, leaded glass, art glass and glass mosaics and more.  We take pride in offering our clients the best in stained glass designs built specifically for their needs. 

 Windows, entryways, sidelights, kitchen cabinets providing vast opportunities to showcase the timeless appeal of decorative art glass, stained glass or leaded glass.  Integrating a one-of-a-kind piece into your decor has never been easier.

We take pride in offering our clients the best in windows that create privacy or 

 Our skill craftsman will take all the measurements. . . . develop a design that will meet your needs.

 An ideal alternative to window coverings, art glass adds artistic flair to your decor and offers homeowners privacy without blocking natural light.

Here at Lighthouse Stained Glass, we offer professional and appealing solution with a variety of styles and designs.  From flowers to nautical scenes in the Tiffany method or leaded pattern designs can be integrated into windows, entry doors, cupboard doors, and more to transform plain household objects into stunning works of art.

Lighthouse Stained Glass can design any style of window for any application.  From Tiffany, Frank Lloyd Wright, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Prairie Designs to Victorian windows.  We use the finest glass from Spectrum Glass, Kokomo Glass, Uroboros Glass to beautiful glass imported from Europe.

Whether you live in Manhattan Beach or Los Feliz  give us a call and let our design team customize a handcrafted solution using custom-designed glass, professional glass designers to create pieces of art in a variety of different styles to suit your personal tastes.

For homes with existing stained glass windows, maintaining the character and era of your home, as well as it's resale value, may eventually require refurbishing older windows.  each piece of glass is dismantled and cleaned, and new lead is placed between each piece with new putty to weatherproof the window.  Refurbishing can cost about 50% less than a new stained glass window and extends the life of cherished pieces.

We have two studios in the Los Angeles area; in Venice Beach and in Hollywood.  Both locations have artisans and craftsmen for the designing and building of your artistic window.

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Drawing on car windows pics

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