| Creating a nice stained glass window or mirror can | | | | Simply position the pattern underneath the |
| be one great and unique project to decorate or | | | | Plexiglas and secure it in place with adhesive tape |
| beautify your room and mirror making them look | | | | so it will not move while you draw and paint. You |
| more personal. Adding a touch of creativity using | | | | will see the fruits of your creativity through the |
| your own style can make a difference in your | | | | Plexiglas. |
| room. Making you own stained glass window is far | | | | Carefully put the leading strips along the outlines |
| more practical and affordable than buying one | | | | of your pattern. |
| that is done by a professional. The following are | | | | The leading strips do not contain any real lead and |
| the materials and guide for a personalized painted | | | | they are adhesive once you remove its paper at |
| window. You can buy these materials from home | | | | the back. Place the strips in the Plexiglas carefully |
| improvement and crafts shops. | | | | following the outlines of your pattern placed |
| For the painted stained glass window, you will | | | | underneath. Press down on the strips to make |
| need these supplies: | | | | sure that they are secured in place. You can cut |
| Plexiglas Sheet | | | | them at any thickness you want. Once you pulled |
| Pattern of your choice | | | | out a strip, do not attempt to stick it again. Pulling |
| Leading strips | | | | it out affects it ability to adhere on the Plexiglas |
| Crafts knife or cutter | | | | instead, cut another one and replace what you |
| Leading | | | | have pulled out with it. Seal the ends where one |
| Your choice of colours for glass paint (Ceramcoat | | | | strip meets another using a liquid leading. This |
| also makes a nice glass paint) | | | | does not contain real lead as well. Liquid lead is |
| Toothpicks | | | | usually available in ready-to-squeeze bottles with a |
| Glass paint sealer | | | | nozzle-like tip which you can cut across using |
| Double-sided adhesive tape | | | | sharp scissors at its end. This can make you |
| Guide to making your stained glass window: | | | | become more precise in your application along the |
| The first thing to do is to take the | | | | ends of the strips. |
| measurements of your window. Cut a Plexiglas | | | | Apply the liquid leading where one strip meets |
| that is half an inch smaller than the size of your | | | | another to create an impression of soldered joints |
| window for a nice fitting. | | | | just like what you can see in a real stained glass. |
| Paint on your Plexiglas sheet. Be as creative as | | | | Allow the liquid leading to dry up for 24 hours |
| possible to make a nice design and shade. Then, | | | | before you proceed on working with your project. |
| attach the sheet to your window to make the | | | | Once the liquid lead had completely dried up, you |
| impression of a stained glass without having the | | | | can now proceed with painting your design. The |
| need to paint directly on your window/glass. By | | | | lead outlines will serve as your guide to separate |
| doing this, you can change the Plexiglas sheet | | | | each section. |
| whenever you feel like having a new design for | | | | Glass paints are also available in ready-to-squeeze |
| your glass. | | | | plastic bottles with nozzle tips. |
| The Plexiglas is important for you to have a flat | | | | Simply snip the ends of the nozzles and the paint |
| surface to work on and the paint will not run | | | | is ready to be applied. There is no need to shake |
| down. | | | | or mix the paint as this can only cause bubbles to |
| It also makes changing easier because sooner or | | | | develop. Avoid shaking the paint bottle as you |
| later, you might want a new look for you window. | | | | paint to avoid froth from developing as this can |
| Your personal taste in the future will most | | | | affect the quality of your project. |
| probably be different from what you like now. | | | | Start painting from the center of your design and |
| Make sure to measure your window accurately. | | | | then work your way out to avoid laying your arm |
| Home improvement stores usually cut Plexiglas | | | | and hand on the painted sections and staining the |
| sheet depending on where you intend to use it. | | | | rest of the design. |
| Have it cut about ¼ inch short of the | | | | Apply the sealer. |
| actual measurements of your window for a good | | | | Follow the manufacturer's instructions in applying |
| fit. This way, you will avoid bending of the | | | | the sealer to protect your window from changes |
| Plexiglas sheet. | | | | in temperature and fingerprints. Allow your |
| Choose a good design that compliments the room | | | | project to dry for 24 hours before installing it. |
| where you intend to place your personalized | | | | Carefully hang the Plexiglas sheet in your window |
| stained glass. | | | | mirror. |
| Arts and craft stores usually sell kits with ready | | | | Apply your double-sided adhesive tape along the |
| made designs and patterns including colouring | | | | edges of your window. Gently mount your |
| instructions. However, you can also choose your | | | | painted Plexiglas sheet following the adhesive |
| own drawing or design. Enhance it in your | | | | tapes. Press the edges. Clean the painted glass |
| computer and enlarge it prior to printing to readily | | | | window using a damp clothe a week after. |
| use it as a design for your stained glass. | | | | |