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nccmama_gw

newbie- stained glass for window arches

19 years ago

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I've never done stained glass or mosaics before, but I would sure love to try! Can anyone tell me if there is a way to create a stained glass, or stained glass effect for some window arches without removing and reinstalling the windows? The windows in my southern exposure family room have 3 half-circle arches above them. Could I apply some color and leading strips directly to the existing glass while working vertically? Or, could I have a piece of glass cut to fit, turn it into a do-it-yourself kind of stained glass, and then mount it in front of the existing window glass?

I hope that these are not just ridiculous questions! My knowledge of the art is very minimal, and I sincerely don't mean to insult any real artists out there with my amateur ideas! Any thoughts?

Comments (10)

  • 19 years ago

    My first thought was to do a Glass on glass mosaic- cut glass pieces glued to the original window, then grouted. I don't know how difficult it would be to do it on installed windows though. You would have to tape your glass pieces down so they wouldn't slide out of place, till the adhesive dried. Kathy

  • 19 years ago

    nccmama, there are NO ridiculous questions! and you can't possibly insult us, we're always thrilled to see new interest in this art!

    I agree with Tasy, I think GOG is the way to go. If you do a search here you'll find lots of info for glass on glass mosaics. and I'd also suggest you try out the technique first on a junk window so you can learn how to avoid bubbles in the glue and what width spacing you like for grout lines.

  • 19 years ago

    I personally would not GOG on the original window. In case you ever want to change it, or if you sell the house. I would do a separate panel that fit inside the window opening or just slightly smaller & hang it inside the window. If you do decide to glue directly to your existing window, don't do this as your first project. Try some smaller projects & perfect your technique. There is a definite learning curve, some trial & error. If you want traditional leaded stained glass, no that is not applied to the window glass itself. If you're interested in doing traditional stained glass, I suggest looking for some local classes. And please, no question is ridiculous! I certainly don't consider myself an artist at this point, and we all have to start at the beginning. Spend some time reading the old posts here & you'll learn a lot.

  • 19 years ago

    I agree with gin.
    I would have a glass shop cut you a piece of glass that size and grind the edges for you. I would mosaic that instead of the original window. To install, use whats called glaziers points (like they use to hold artwork into frames)or small nails.

  • 19 years ago

    Thank you all for your help! I'm sorry for the delay in response--- somehow I "lost" my original post and couldn't find it to even read the replies. Anyway, I think that I would be more comfortable with having another piece of glass cut, embellishing that, and mounting it in front of the window. Would the kind of stained glass materials that are sold at craft stores be adequate for this? Do you think that the "paint" would melt or run from the sun, since it is a southern exposure in a Texas window? Thanks again!!

  • 19 years ago

    NCCMAMA, Hobby Lobby sells good stained glass - most of it, if not all, is Spectrum brand and that's very good glass. I don't have any other craft stores that sells glass nearby.

    I don't know about paint. How were you thinking of using paint in your windows?

  • 19 years ago

    d3bbi, I think she is referring to the faux stained glass that is done with paint and faux lead. I believe the brand is "Gallery Glass".
    NCCMAMA, try a google search on that name and see if you can find out more info.

  • 19 years ago

    nccmama - what part of our great state are you in? I'm in Arlington.....

    Pat

  • 19 years ago

    Hi Pat, I'm in Plano. I have a Hobby Lobby within 2 minutes from my house (lucky me!), so I will check out the Gallery Glass. That is the one that I was thinking of originally when I mentioned paint. Any thoughts on using this? The windows are arches over three tall rectangular windows, so they are about 10 feet or so high off of the ground. So, you would not be able to inspect them closely, but they would definately attract your eye and need to be pretty. Thanks for all the help!

  • 19 years ago

    I did the Gallery Glass thing once years ago in an apartment I lived in during college. I had a bathroom window right in my shower & decided I wanted something besides the plastic mini blinds that were there. Gallery glass CAN go right on the existing window & that's exactly what I did. It peels right off when you need to take it down. My window got direct sun exposure, so it had become a little brittle & stuck on a little more, although it did come off with some work. Gallery Glass won't look exactly like real stained glass, but close. Also a lot easier & less expensive! And if you don't like it you can just peel it off.

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