How to Create a Stained Glass Looking Window
- 1). Locate a design for your window or draw your own. Symmetrical designs with repeated patterns create beautiful kaleidoscopic effects. Or consider using a flower pattern, a scene or a still life for your design.
- 2). Use your ruler and pencil to draw a grid on your original design, dividing it into 1-inch squares, working from the center outwards. If you don't want to draw on your original design make a photocopy, or trace the design onto tracing paper, and draw your grid on the photocopy or traced design.
- 3). Tape pieces of paper together to fit the size of your window. Working from the center outwards, draw a grid of larger squares on the window-sized piece of paper. For example, if you are doubling the size of the original design, draw a grid of 2-inch squares, or if it needs to be 3 1/2 times larger draw 3 1/2-inch squares.
- 4). Copy the pattern, square by square, from the smaller grid to the larger grid. This will help you create a very close copy of the original. Go over your final pencil drawing with the felt-tipped marker so you will be able to see it clearly. On the enlarged paper design, use the felt-tipped marker to write the name of the color you will be using in each area. This will help you avoid making the mistake of applying the wrong color of glass paint to the window.
- 5). Use the razor blade to remove any excess paint drops or other hardened material from the inside and outside of the window glass. Clean the inside and outside of the window with window cleaner and paper towels.
- 6). Tape the enlarged paper design to the glass on the outside of the window, with the marker side facing in, so you can see the design and color names through the glass.
- 7). Outline the design with faux liquid leading, squeezing the tube or bottle with even pressure to create smooth lines with consistent thickness. If you make a mistake use the razor blade to remove excess leading. Allow the liquid leading to dry thoroughly.
- 8). Paint the spaces between the lines of liquid leading with glass paints according to the colors you have written on the enlarged paper design. Paint additional layers on top of the original layers to deepen the colors and achieve the look of thick stained glass. Allow the paint to dry between each coat. Continue adding layers of glass paint until you are satisfied with the saturation of color.
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