While looking for ways to upgrade your home decor, you might overlook an age old form of decoration: Stained glass windows. Stained glass windows are great for adding a new element of design to your homeBut the real deal is just as beautiful as they are expensive. And for good reason, too. Stained glass is extremely hard to make, and artists who are skilled at the craft are rare today. Fortunately, there is a way to achieve the stained glass window effect without the price. Here’s how:
To get the desired effect, you’ll need about three bottles of Gallery Glass, self-adhesive leading, and some liquid leading. The materials can be found at many craft stores and art stores. Start by applying the Gallery Glass to the window, and don’t be afraid to use a lot. You may be tempted to use sponges or paintbrushes, but your fingers are the best tools for this job. Using the tips of your fingers, make swirling patterns and cover the entire pane of glass.
After you’ve done so, wash your hands and let it dry. When you come back, your windows will have the marbled look of stained glass! Now to create the classic designs stained glass is known for, you’ll need the leading. You can design your own patterns or murals or recreate classic old ones – look up pictures of stained glass to get a feel for the style of the art, and practice your own before making it permanent. Then, lay the glass flat to prevent any running and start painting.
There can be anything from simple grids to detailed pictures. Once you’re finished, stand back and admire your handy work. The resulting stained glass effect will look great, and will be almost indistinguishable from a short distance from real stained glass. Give this a try next time you need a window…
