Stained Glass – Project Ideas

Stained glass has been with us for over a thousand years. People are fascinated by the beauty of the light that passes through the artwork and the visible radiation of light in a room. Most people think of traditional cathedral and church windows.

Stained glass artwork was created to help communicate stories to the masses of people who could not read. Books and other written works were restricted to the few and were not available to the general public. Artists assembled pieces of glass paintings that were joined with lead to tell religious stories or represent spiritual beings.

Today, stained glass kits are available and there are many books on this topic. As an artist and craftsman, you have the option of using selected materials for small or large projects, depending on your skill level and tool choices.

There are many projects that can be done with stained glass. The expenses will depend on your selection.

Stained glass project ideas:

1. Glass doors

2. Interior decoration of homes and offices to complement light, art and color.

3. Exterior windows to allow sunlight to flow through artwork, highlighting a room with light, mood, and energy.

4. Home decoration: lamps, mirrors, panels, room dividers and containers.

5. Piece of furniture

6. Jewels

7. Glassware and tableware

8. Indoor and outdoor containers

9. Wall tapestries and other works of art.

Hand and power tools can be used. Most of the time hand tools are used. If you decide that this hobby can be turned into a business, power tools will be needed to speed up production.

There are some dangers in working with glass, and if you want to avoid this medium, you can substitute other materials for it.

1. Acrylic panels: Buy clear acrylic sheet and clear paints designed for stained glass application. After this project is finished, its appearance will be very similar to glass. It will add beauty to the interior of the house, is less expensive, saves time and is safer than real glass. Other tools may be required depending on the type and size of the project.

2. Plexiglass – It is also an acrylic, but it is made stronger and will cost more than standard acrylic, but it has a longer life than real glass and is not as expensive.

3. Glass Paint and Imitation Lead: The paints that can be used are enamel and formulated acrylic stains designed for glass. Lead trim is used in traditional jobs. False leading is false and is available as liquid or paste.

4. Resin: Liquid acrylic that is often used for small projects and jewelry.

5. Colored tissue paper

6. Melted pony beads

7. Contact paper