Make a Mosaic Stained Glass Window
Make a beautiful stained glass window with this easy mosaic method using a ready made frame. No soldering or using harmful led!
Steps
- Find a wooden frame with glass. Remove the glass and clean it on the side that you will glue the stained glass pieces to.
- Choose a simple pattern that will fit the frame size.
- Wearing protective goggles, cut the stained glass into strips, about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} wide. Using glass nippers, break the strips into triangle, rectangle, and square shapes. Keep each color separate.
- Tape the design facing up to the underside of the glass.
- Starting with the design, work a section at a time (best from the center out) using a clear paper glue, spreading a thin, but complete, coat on the glass. Begin fitting the various shapes down on the glass so that the glass fills in the design.
- After the design is filled in work on the background so that the entire piece of glass is covered in stained glass.
- Wipe off any excess glue on top of the glass. Let this dry overnight.
- Use sanded grout, in black or dark gray, to imitate the lead in a stained glass window.
- Mix grout with water to the consistency of oatmeal, but not thick oatmeal. Southerners will relate better to the consistency of grits.
- Spread the grout over the surface of the glass. Press gently into the cracks between the stained glass pieces.
- Immediately begin to gently wipe the excess grout off the piece. Using soft rags, like old t-shirts cut into manageable pieces. Continue to wipe off until the design is visible. Let dry a few hours and then wipe clean with a damp cloth, then a dry one, until grout haze is gone.
- Drill pilot holes into the top corners of the frame and screw in small eye hooks for hanging in a window.
- Put finished glass back into frame, without the cardboard backing, and secure with clear silicone or push down the tines on the back of the frame to secure.
- Using wire or fishing wire, hang in a sunny window and enjoy!!!!
Tips
- Start with a 8x10 frame and a very clean, simple design.
Warnings
- Use protective eye wear when nipping and cutting glass.
- Use gloves when using the dark grout to avoid ugly staining on hands.
Things You'll Need
- Wooden frame with glass. Readily available at dollar stores.
- stained glass in colors needed for your chosen design
- glass cutter, and running pliers to snap glass strips
- glass nippers; wheel type is best.
- clear paper glue
- dark grout
- latex or vinyl gloves
- rags or soft paper towels
- 2 small eye hooks for frame hanging
- paint for frame if you want a different color - I always paint my frames black
