I love to peruse my vintage craft books and bring back ideas that seem new to some. And I stumbled upon an idea to create faux stained glass using only acrylic paint and glue. What is great about this project is that you can make it as simple or as complicated as you like. The project is relatively child friendly and a page from a coloring book can be used for your pattern along with an 8×10 photo frame. Or, you can go all complicated like I tend to do and use a huge sheet of glass and draw out a ridulously detailed pattern.
Your choice.
For this project I used:
One 32 x 24 thrift store framed picture covered with glass
One bottle of white glue
One bottle of clear glue
Acrylic paints
Black Sharpie pen
Craft Blade
Super Glue
Drawn pattern (or page from a coloring book)
I started by drawing out my pattern in the same size as my sheet of glass. I love the color blue and lately, I have been drawing peacocks. Why? I have no idea, but they are being incorporated in several projects this month. I checked the Chinese calendar to see if maybe this was the year of the peacock, and it turned out to be the year of the rabbit. So apparently, I’m just kinda weird. But peacock it is.
Carefully pipe the glue onto the glass, following the lines of your pattern. Try not to have shakey hand syndrome like I do, but even if you do, it can be fixed. Once all your lines have been drawn in, allow it to sit overnight to dry completely.
Once it is dry, you can go over it with a craft blade and correct any shakey lines or errors.
For the next step, I used a small muffin tin to mix up my colors. I used about a tablespoon of clear glue to one or two drops of acrylic paint. You will be surprised at how easy it is to add pigment to clear glue.
My final step was to do some touch-up with my sharpie pen on the leading where I overlapped with paint in places. If you are neat to begin with, you might be able to skip this step. I’m not neat. So my friend, the sharpie, was put to use.
I painted the frame a deep blue and then used super glue to glue the glass back into the frame. This can sit in a windowsill where the sunlight can shine through, or you can hang it on a wall. Either way, it turns out pretty decent and costs just pennies. And looks just as good as those expensive stained glass paints that you can buy at the craft store.
I am now offering this Peacock Pattern and supplies (with exception of the glass) as a kit on in my Etsy shop! Please stop by and check out my collection of kits!
If you enjoyed this tutorial, stop by and check out my Faux Marble Ceiling Tutorial. This is another way of taking inexpensive materials and creating a look that is unique and expensive looking.
Also, you might enjoy my Quilled Monogram Tutorial. Paper quilling can be a very inexpensive art. This project looks complicated, but the simplicity will surprise you. And all done for pennies…
{ 112 comments… read them below or add one }
I tried this projest, but my black glue ran when I did my outline on the glass. How do I get the glue to be thicker or so it does not spread when applied to the glass? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am having my grandkids make these for their Moms for Mothers Day.
Thank you ,
Regina
Hi Regina!
I am so sorry you are having trouble! I believe that you have too much black paint in your glue. It doesn’t take a whole lot of paint to turn it black. Start with a fresh glue bottle and add just a few drops at a time of black until your glue is black. You will be surprised at how little it takes. Now it will still spread just a bit as it is drying as you will see in the photos on the tutorial. Once it is dry, you can touch it up with a craft knife in areas that spread a bit too much for your liking. Be absolutely sure the project stays horizontal during the whole painting and drying procedure. Unlike stained glass paint, you can not do this on a vertical surface.
Let me know how it comes out.
suzy
Hey Josh..I’m a Titanic fanatic myself…and have been sooo tempted to do a stained glass painted Titanic window myself…..when you get yours done….send a pic of it to Suzy so she can post it…I really wanna see it!!!!
Suzy,
I am very inspired by your stained-glass painting! I was actually searching for stained glass paints on the internet and came upon your post. I am going to attempt making Titanic’s stained-glass reception room window. Google it up it is absolutely amazing! I’m glad I found this genius technique, it will save me time… and money!
Josh
i cant wait to use this technque! very beautiful, thank you for sharing. i was wondering if the project could be water/weather-proofed with a clear cote or similar sealant.Any suggestions?
I love it! I’ve spent hours and hours searching for the perfect project for my son’s class. Had some cute ideas but this is PERFECT! Haven’t decided on a theme but the kids will draw the pictures and I will use them to trace and create the pattern. Going to give it a trial run and create something for myself tomorrow. So excited!
Thanks! This is a really cool idea! I have a TON of picture frames just sitting around, may give this a whirl.
I’m also thinking of experimenting with the colors using white glue & food coloring. I have no idea if it will work or not, but I don’t have any acrylic paints on hand. I’ll give it a shot on a small piece of glass to see what kind of effects I get, first. If it works, I’ll let you know.
Thanks for the fun Idea =) I have a larger faux stained glass project in mind, but this is a good start!
Let me know how it turns out!
Oh wow…how cool. I also love the idea of using a muffin tin for mixing colors!
I've done this using tempera paint and wondered why I wasn't getting the right opaqueness. Thanks for your tutorial… now back to the crafts store! I also get frames at yard sales, sometimes scooping up several at a time by offering $10 or so for the lot. Have gotten some good deals that way.
Thank you! I will try that the next time I do a stained glass. I have an extra frame I bought in the dollar store!
Also guys, a garage sale is a GREAT place to find frames! Sometimes they charge 10 cents and 25 cents! Great bargin and it's recycling!
Hi Anonymous! I have no way of replying to you by email, so I hope you come back to see this message! Anyway, bubbles are an issue even with the expensive stained glass paints. Popping them with a toothpick can help, but I found that if I put the paint on very thickly (lots at a time) that the bubble issue was much less. Also, take your time when adding color. Speed does create bubbles. Hope that helps!!
I used a regular (soft) paint brush on mine. It looked fine when I painted, but when it dried it tended to get a lot of small air bubbles in the clear spots. I did try popping them with a toothpick, but they wouldn't pop. It just moved them around. In later color mixes, I tried mixing the clear/acrylic really slowly so I didn't create so many bubbles. It did help some, but I still got bubbles. Any tips?
You did an AMAZING job! I am going to try a much simpler kind of thing for 2 block windows (the previous owners REMOVED the stained glass!). Wish me luck.
Lori
Let me know how it turns out!
suzy
I used your technique to create my own faux stained glass. It doesn't look quite as awesome, but I really appreciate your tutorial! Check out my version at http://www.nidhizzle.com/2011/04/faux-stained-glass.html
Hi Anonymous!
I have never tried this technique on a vertical object. I think that the glue might not be thick enough to withstand gravity. You might have to resort to the more expensive stained glass paint from the hobby stores.
suzy
looks great…..but I was wondering if this would work on mirrors that are already glued to the wall?
Popped over from your doodle frame post- this is amazing! Thanks for sharing this- I had no idea stained glass could be achieved this easily.
WOW !! I Just Love It !!
Hi Bradford!
The clear glue was Elmers and it might have come from the craft store- probably Michaels. I buy supplies everywhere when I find them cheap. The project took less than one bottle of clear glue. I was surprised, but it goes far. I designed the pattern myself.
When you complete your project, please send me a photo! I will feature it here on my blog.
suzy
Hi Suzy…is the clear glue you used Elmers? it looked like it in the picture but I couldnt tell for sure….what kind of Dollar Store did you find the clear glue at? I cant find clear glue at my dollar stores..and how many bottles of the clear did it take you to do that peacock painting? one last question…did you design the pattern yourself or did you find it in a book? if so what book did you find it in..I would like to use that pattern as well…thanks!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this craft! I am going to have to try it out! Thanks for sharing such an affordable project!
Hi Garden Lily,
Yes, you are right. You would display this with the glue/paint side forward for the stained glass look.
suzy
This is amazing, and I love your peacock design. It seems to me that you display it with the glue/paint side forward, so that it appears textured, rather than on the backside of the glass, as other glass paintings would?
OMG. I am sooooo getting on this. Christmas presents for next year here I come!
My GOODNESS!!! This is an awesome idea!!!! Thank you so much for sharing
OMG, this is fabulous!! I've been on a peacock kick lately and can't believe I just happened upon this without even doing a peacock search. Thanks so much for the tips on how to do this. I love it!
So , so nice !!!!!!! And you make it seem so easy ! is it really ? – I 'll have to try !
this is AWESOME! I have always wanted to learn stained glass but I heard it's expensive. thanks for sharing al alternative. your peacock is gorgeous!
Es una autentica maravilla, me ha encantado y me he hecho seguidora de tu blog. Te invito a visitar el mio http://fimomanualidades.blogspot.com/ Besos desde España
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!
Oh wow! That is a really great project!! Thanks for sharing.
Great design. I love the peacock and the colors you chose!
Awesome!!
This is genius and I so want to try it. Thanks a bunch for sharing!
Wow Susie, that's quite a piece of art!! Very nice.
Thank you so much for your tutorial and your contribution to our DIY CRAFT TUTORIAL linky party.
We love featuring great articles like yours and appreciate people following the party 'rules' and linking back to us so we can all share in the fun.
Look forward to seeing you again next week!
Hi
Just wanted to let you know that I “ Featured” you on Santa’s Gift Shoppe Blog Hop today for your great project & inspiration! Be sure to grab the “I was featured” on Santa’s Gift Shoppe Button/Code for your sidebar! You deserve it! Thanks so much..If you’re not a follower already we’d love for you to join us…
Barb
What a GORGEOUS project & fabulous idea! I LOVE peacocks and you couldn't have chosen more perfect colors!
I signed up to follow you as I'm eager to see more of your projects and hope you'll join me over at Create With Joy!
Ramona
http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com
what fun idea!!! This could be used in so many fun ways. Thanks for linking up to Topsy Turvy Tuesdays!
WOW! That is amazing! Great job!
Thanks for linking up to Making It With Allie! I can't wait to see what you have for next week!
AllieMakes.Blogspot.com
You've been featured at this week's Craftastic Monday! Be sure to stop by & grab a Featured On button. Thanks for linking:)
Thank you so much for sharing this on Motivated Monday at BeColorful. That is why I love hosting. It exposes me to so many creative people and projects. I have never seen anything like this done before and your tutorial was so easy to follow. I will be featuring this project on the next Motivated Monday.
Thanks again,
Pam
The technique is genius, but your lovely artwork and skill with color is what make it so beautiful. (In other words, not sure I can do this, but I may try anyway.)
Kathy
You're brilliant! No more glass paint for me. Thank You!!
Beautiful! Thanks for linking up to Mad Skills Monday!
This is SOOOO impressive and looks so inexpensive (relative to trying to create my own stained glass studio with tools, etc.) – what a great way to make gorgeous art affordably! Thanks for sharing!
Absolutley beautiful. Thanks for linking up to Creation Mondays @ ~The Life of Me~!
This is so pretty! I love the colors!
Thanks for linking up for Friday Favorites!
That is incredible!!!!! Thank you so much for linking this up to gettin' crafty on hump day, this is one I'll definitely be trying!!!!!
Lovely! My daughters and I would love doing this!
Cool technique…very pretty.
I love this! It looks just like stained glass! Great job! Thanks for linking up to Sassy Sites- Trash to Treasure Tuesday! We are doing a LABEL giveaway today, so come back and check it out!
xoxo!
Marni @ Sassy Sites!
THAT is one stunning piece of work!
I am in such awe of this project – you sure are a crafty dynamo! Your project has been in the back of my mind for days now trying to figure out how I want to play. Big hand of applause!
This is wonderful!!!! I'm adding this to my list to try out for me and my art classes! Love it!
Does Nate know about you? He would love your talent
This is AWESOME! Love the peacock the colors.. everything! Simply amazing as always! Thanks for sharing with the Pink Hippo Party!
This pretty much rocks. Thanks for sharing!
Wow that's a really cool effect! And I love peacocks too, you got a great art nouveau look going on there, really pretty!
Oh this is FANTASTIC! I'm so going to try this with my kids! Great tutorial!
Thanks for linking to A Round Tuit. Hope you have a lovely week.
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
What a beautiful job. Just gorgeous.
Wow! This is stunning! I totally want to give it a go. I've always wanted a piece of stained glass art but it is so expensive. And I have just the spot. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful tutorial. I off to buy my frame!
And I love the idea of the peacock. They are just beautiful!
Beautiful piece of art!
Absolutely gorgeous…
Just wanted to let you know that I featured you today, so stop by and grab a button if you want
Oh my gosh.. this is so fabulous!! thanks for linking in!!
This is totally interesting- thank you for sharing. Have you ever considered to do little videos on this? Could probably be easy to film, making it nice to follow the step by step instructions. You can also think about making a few dimes with it, for instance posting it with this video-tool Movielocker. You can choose if you give the vid away for free or by donation etc… take a look: http://movielocker.com/
Best to you and a happy new year!
Sebastian
Awesome! I'm need to try this! Thanks for your great tutorial!
Oh snap! You were featured on One Pretty Thing, so that's how I found you. Where have you been al my crafty life? This is soooo perfect! I can see doing this with 3-4-5 yo's, if the
leading" is pre-done for them. I'm thinking this will be this years Mother's Day project. Thank you for sharing~
Absolutely gorgeous! Your first time on Craft Schooling Sunday, and you've shared a major winner! I'm so excited to try this myself, and my daughter will love it too! Thanks so much and hope to see you every week!
Yay! Thanks for linking this up, Suzy! I can't wait to try this. Here are some pics of faux stained glass I did with Gallery Glass. Most of my projects were done before digital cameras, lol, so I don't have more pics. If you check them out, you'll see why I'm going crazy for your project.
http://muralmaker1.com/Art_FauxStainedGlass.html
A couple answers to some questions: the glue that you use for leading will be fine if kept in the glue bottle until your next project. For a dollar, you will have plenty for other projects.
The term "piping" is actually a cake decorator term and means to place the nozzle back on the glue bottle and use it to draw the black lines on, by squeezing the glue out of the bottle in an even stream. If you need to, you can practice on a piece of paper first, but remember that most errors can be corrected after the glue dries with a craft knife.
suzy
http://www.RealDadReviews.com
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The Dad!
This is great! I have been painting on glass using Gallery Glass paints and Redi Lead strips. This looks easier and CHEAPER. I will have to try it.
Faux?! This looks so real! What a wonderful project idea!
Also, I'm still working on my interview questions. It has been a busy week, full of wisdom teeth surgery and cleaning my boss's house (really!)
This is gorgeous. Great idea!
That is gorgeous! What a great idea.
Hello! I was browsing around to find some great new people to join my linky parties, and I am now your newest follower! I would love for you to come join in and don't forget to enter my $250 giveaway while you are there!
DANA
http://danajeanward.blogspot.com
wow. this is so cool!!!!! the colored glue lasts for a while, doesn't it? as long as it stays in the bottle?
I love the colors and the muffin tin is the perfect tool for the job! You are full of great, new ideas!
Your feature
http://menmythriftyideas.blogspot.com/2011/01/standout-saturday-linky-party.html
Absolutely beautiful! And a great alternative to spending $100s for one!
http://www.uvinyl.blogspot.com
This turned out beautiful, thanks for the tutorial!
Sorry for the double comment, lol, but what do you mean by pipe the paint?
First the faux metal and now faux stained glass, can you get anymore awesome? You have been such an inspiration to me.
It is very beautiful. I love the colors!
Thank you for sharing this.I was afraid to let the kids use the gallery glass because of the exspence.This solves all that.Beautiful peacock
Wow – that is so impressive! I love it. Thanks for sharing the artwork and the tutorial!
~Stopping by from Tatertots and Jello
I totally forgot to invite you to Passion for Paint this weekend. Links are open right now. This would be perfect! Hope you'll join us!
My *artsy* daughter would be all over this!
Thanks for linking up to my Pity Party.
xo,
Mique
great idea… the picture turned out beautiful
Hi this is Nicole from Colies Kitchen I just discovered your blog and wanted to drop by and say hi. I really like your blog, and am now a new follower. I would love to have you stop by Colie’s Kitchen if you get a chance. http://www.colieskitchen.com
This is so flipping awesome! Another thing added to my to-do list!
Are you kidding me?!?!!! I have spent tons of $ on Gallery Glass over the years. Hubs wanted me to do it as a sideline biz – faux stained glass. And now you're saying all I needed was a couple bottles of glue???
I'm so tickled, I can't see straight. Can't wait to try this!!
Does the paint&glue hold up to light? I want to paint a window to create privacy and beauty and also allow the beauty of color and design show on my side. It is a large window in my stair well that I can view neighbors kitchen window through. I plan on using glue on lead stripping on my interior side.
Hi Jessie,
Yes, the paint and glue holds up well to light. However, I don’t believe I would recommend this method for a window. The reason is that for this particular process, you would need to work on a flat surface. The paint/glue mixture would definitely drip down on a vertical surface because you have to apply it so thickly. Secondly, the issue of air bubbles in the paint is more prevalent with the paint/glue mixture unless you do apply it thickly.
Now if you can lay the window down flat to work on it, then yes, I don’t see why it wouldn’t work for you. I have two projects completed using this process and they both sit in window sills and they both look as good as the day I made them.
If you have to work on a vertical surface, then I recommend going with the extra dollars and buying glass paint and the glue on lead stripping.
Hope I was able to help. Let me know how it comes out. I’d love to see a photo!
suzy
Okay, first of all there's no way I could even draw the darn picture in the first place! LOL But this is absolutely STUNNING! And you make it sound so easy
Terrific! Thanks for explaining how you did it!
Will you PLEASE stop being so talented????? I'm seething with jealousy.
That or start selling your stuff!!
Very cool idea – may have to try too!
Found you on a blog hop and am your newest follower – Would love for you to check out my blog and follow back if you like it.
Check out my "retail therapy" giveaways and enter a few, there are some great products to win.
I also have a fantastic weekly blog hop.
http://retailtherapylounge.blogspot.com
Carol
Thank you so much for linking up! I would never have guessed that it's not real stained glass! Gorgeous!
Oh my goodness that is so awesome! I will have to try this.Thanks for sharing such a great idea.
Rebecca
I am doing this ‘Follow Friday 40′ that I saw over at Design It Chic's blog and I am now following you! This is such a cool idea isn’t it?! Love your blog by the way – that stained glass window is absolutely amazing!
Hey there! I just wanted to let you know that I love your stained glass and will be featuring it tomorrow morning on my blog! Don't forget to check it out!!
Anestazia <3
http://yourworkistodiscoveryourworld.blogspot.com/
Ooh, that's an awesome idea! I really love the colors you chose for your peacock.
This is gorgeous! I did a kid version with permanant marker: http://takens-tidbits.blogspot.com/2010/11/stained-glass-for-kids.html
Wow, that is beautiful. I've been thinking about doing some faux stained glass myself. I'll be bookmarking this for sure. Thanks for sharing your tutorial with us.
This is FABULOUS! Wow, great job and I love, love, LOVE the peacocks
You are amazing, woman!! Love this!
I think I will have to try this one. End results are awesome!
The idea is really a cool one and the peacock just a beauty!
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