Frozen glass mosaic: making stained glass windows with your own hands. Stained glass windows

Stained glass is one of the types artistic painting, nowadays it is becoming increasingly popular. Stained glass on glass is absolutely safe and can be done with children. It is made using acrylic paints. To perform this job, you do not need to have any special skills or abilities. Required colors can be purchased at any art or construction store. Painting can be done not only on transparent surfaces, but also on wood, plastic, ceramics, metal or plaster.

Just the facts

The name "stained glass" comes from the Latin word vitrum - "glass", which implies transparent patterns, paintings or drawings made on glass or from colored glass.

Stained glass on glass dates back to ancient times. Most often it was used in temples and churches. In the churches of Germany and France, the first narrative stained glass windows were used, made in bizarre forms, from different colors, quite large in size. The stained glass windows depicted religious events, the life and everyday life of saints. This is the so-called painting on glass.

Stained glass appeared in Russia only in 1820 and they were first called transparent paintings. Just at this time, the revival of this art form began in Europe after a long period of oblivion.

Necessary tools for acrylic painting

If you don't know how to draw stained glass on glass, we will tell you. You need to prepare the following tools:

• the most suitable sketch made on paper;
• which is supposed to be painted;
• pre-selected shades (it doesn’t matter which company you choose, the main thing is that at least 12 hours pass between applying layers, and 3-4 days before the first wash);
• solvent, it is advisable to choose one company with paints;
• ferrule;
• stained glass outline;
• cotton buds;
• toothpick or thin stick;
• synthetic brushes.

Once you have everything ready for work, you can proceed directly to creating your masterpiece.

Making stained glass with acrylic

So, let's start making stained glass on glass carefully and without rushing.

Glass is laid out on a pre-prepared sketch, the edges are aligned so that the drawing is in in the right place. The glass must first be washed and degreased; for this you can use ordinary vinegar or alcohol.

To make the line made by the contour thinner, a special metal tip is put on it. Using an outline, the design is applied to the glass. Movements should be fairly confident, clear and fast, with light pressure on the bottle. In order for the paint to flow better and the contour to be a little more voluminous, the tip must be held at a large angle to the glass. The outline must be drawn carefully enough so that there are no breaks in the drawing, since then it will need to be filled in liquid paint, and it can blur through the holes.

After the application of the main contour is completed, you must wait until it dries. Then we start filling it out. The technique of filling the contour is so simple that you can do it even with a child. To do this, select the necessary shades of acrylic paints. When working, you need to remember that only enough paint should be applied to the surface so as not to exceed the height of the contour. If the paint has flowed a little onto the outline, don’t worry; after drying it will become transparent, and your mistake will no longer be so noticeable.

When making stained glass, artists often want to get smooth transitions or various shades. To do this, you need to mix or shade several colors. This can be done with a regular toothpick. One of the colors is applied with a slight distribution towards the center. Then a second color is applied from the center to the edges, which is necessary for mixing. Then, using a toothpick, the paint is mixed and leveled so that it is evenly distributed over the element to be painted. If air bubbles appear during application, they can be easily removed with the same toothpick.

Little tricks

• While working, don’t worry about being too pale and not looking the way you would like. After drying, it will darken a little and become much more transparent.
• To make the paint apply more evenly, you can lightly tap the glass from below - it will spread better.
• It is very convenient to work with acrylic paint not only on horizontal planes. You can also use it to decorate and even make a stained glass window on the door glass without removing it from the frame.
• To make the design look a little more voluminous, use a sponge when applying a pure white color.

Advantages and disadvantages

Stained glass on glass is created quickly enough, and the work will not have any similar ones. The biggest advantage of such a painting will be its practicality. Painted stained glass windows, unlike soldered ones, can be used for large surfaces; moreover, they do not require cutting out individual pieces of glass and attaching them to the sketch. Therefore, when painting glass with acrylic paints, you get a durable and solid image. In addition, stained glass made with paints can be inserted into a double-glazed window, which will save much more heat than if soldered stained glass is inserted into them.

Glass painting fits much more easily into any apartment interior, while soldered stained glass windows require carefully selected furnishings. In addition, painted glass perfectly transmits light, creating a slight kaleidoscope effect.

Other types of stained glass

Stained glass on glass using paints is the easiest to do at home, but there are other types and methods of such work.

The most common of them:

• classic soldered stained glass;
• Tiffany stained glass;
• fusing;
• frosted stained glass;
• Plastic Lead stained glass windows;
• stained glass windows made using casting technique;
• film stained glass window made using SGO technologies;
• faceted stained glass;
• bending;
• combined stained glass;
• stained glass window made by etching;
• laser engraving.

If you decide to decorate glass with stained glass, then before starting the main work, practice on small glasses, so to speak, get your hands on a little.

Today, glazing technologies have reached such heights that a window can be of almost any size, shape and color, but our ancestors had to puzzle over filling window openings. This is how stained glass appeared - a translucent panel made of pieces of colored glass or thin stone plates. In this article we will look at how to make stained glass windows with your own hands, which are still relevant today. And not only as a form of art, but also as an opportunity to diversify almost any interior. Consider:

• what stained glass manufacturing techniques are used today;
• ways to create stained glass windows with your own hands;
• how to make Tiffany stained glass with your own hands.

Techniques for creating stained glass

The popularity of mosaic pictures is largely due to the possibility of making them yourself in various ways. Depending on the materials and technology, this can be not only stained glass windows, but also various elements decor. These are lampshades and designer ones flower pots, and door inserts, and furnishings, and framing interior arches, and much more. Today, there are several common techniques for making stained glass with your own hands.

Soldering

A classic of stained glass. The plot according to the sketch must be assembled from individual glass fragments (stained glass smalts), which are fixed together with lead, copper, tin or brass. Each smalt is wrapped in a forged or cast “cord” and soldered to the rest.

Now this method has been slightly modified and a soft metal tape (foil) - copper or brass - is used for edging.

A striking example of modern soldering is the famous stained glass windows of Tiffany; this is practically a household name, which has extended to the very technique of creating stained glass using foil.

Scenes from various small parts are assembled, soldered and framed; the technology allows you to create any shape, not just flat panels.

Facet

For stained glass windows, thick glass (from 6 mm) is used; all edges of each element are chamfered at a slight angle, which ensures light refraction. Faceted stained glass windows are made from special types of glass - lead and potash, the first is heavier, but gives a strong optical effect, the second is lighter, but the rays in it do not play as well. The most spectacular are the combined beveled stained glass windows made from both types of glass. Due to the thickness and heaviness of the elements, such paintings are assembled only in an aluminum profile. Therefore, their second name is aluminum stained glass.

Fusing

The technique is more complex, but stained glass windows can also be made voluminous and more spectacular; it is possible to produce multi-layered pictures or figures. Multicolored glass elements laid according to the plot, baked and rolled, the boundaries of the fragments can remain clear or layered, revealing the texture of the design, unattainable in other techniques.

Etching

The relief on the glass is formed during surface treatment with special acids; stencils are used, along the contour of which the design is etched.

Application (film stained glass)

This is not exactly a technique for creating stained glass with your own hands, although the result is something similar; it is a method of making an imitation using a glass or plastic base, multi-colored stained glass films and special metal tape. The pattern is gradually created on the base by gluing a layer of matte film, and the contours of the image are covered with tape to give a relief pattern.

Painting (filling)

This is also an imitation technique, only the drawing is not pasted on, but painted on the glass with your own hands using special stained glass paints. The painting turns out to be more transparent, and the filling produces brighter, more saturated stained glass windows. In this case, the contours are first drawn with thicker lines with contour paste to add texture, or they are also covered with tape/wire. Requires artistic skills.

DIY stained glass windows

For self-creation For stained glass windows at home, not all techniques are suitable, since it is unlikely that everyone has forged or cast metal strips, a bevel cutter with aluminum profiles or furnace equipment. Theoretically, you can get hydrofluoric acid, but you will have to breathe in the fumes, and it is difficult to guarantee that you will get a pattern and not a burn. Therefore, home craftsmen are left with the Tiffany technique and two imitations to choose from.

For Tiffany stained glass windows you will need certain equipment, and the work is quite painstaking and time-consuming, but painting and pouring can be done by any novice stained glass artist, and even with children. But if Tiffany is a full-fledged stained glass window that can be inserted into a window or a door, then the imitation of a classic stained glass window still gives itself away, even if the pattern is mirrored on both sides.

Stained glass Tiffany

Consider soldering using foil, which can be purchased at any art store, as a way to create a real Tiffany stained glass window.

Drawing – when choosing a design, you should avoid too complex lines; then they will not only be cut out of glass, but also processed and connected; it is better to focus on figures with smooth curves and, to begin with, medium-sized parts. The sketch can be taken from the Internet, there are a lot of options for patterns in various techniques, taking into account the specifics of stained glass painting. You can draw it yourself, provided that your desire is supported by at least minimal skills. If these are not observed, it is better to use standard blanks.

cutting – the sketch is transferred to thick cardboard and cut into parts (numbered). In order to have room for soldering, the smalt contour must be 0.5-0.7 mm deeper than the template contour. The template is applied to the glass and traced, and then the part is cut out of the glass.

You have a better chance of cutting out a shape, rather than ruining the glass, on a hard, flat surface, using a quality diamond glass cutter (with a curved cutting edge) and without making sudden movements.

Sheet stained glass costs a decent amount, so you can save money by using old glass. Before starting to cut smalts, it is advisable to practice cutting ordinary glass curved lines to fill your hand.

Treatment – the edges of each part must be processed with a glass grinder.

But this is an expensive pleasure and more often for finishing smalt, bars No. 220-240, 12-20 mm wide, at least square and semicircular, are used, triangular is needed for complex elements when there is a line curving inward.

The bars must be strong, corundum or garnet are suitable; sand powder will not take glass.

When grinding, the smalt and the block are dipped into a suitable container with water. After sanding, each smalt is wrapped along the contour with foil, the edges are rolled (the tape is leveled and pressed with wood or plastic). After the edges, smooth out the ends and once again go around the entire perimeter.

Assembly – professionals recommend cutting, processing and laying smalts one at a time, but this is everyone’s personal choice. Assembly is easier to do on a photocopying machine. Failing that, you can put a transparent sheet of plastic or thick glass between the supports and illuminate table lamp. It's even easier if you have coffee table with a glass tabletop - thin fabric, tracing paper (stencil) and off you go. Illumination is necessary to prevent gaps between the smalts; when laying them, they are tightly adjusted to each other or to the boundaries of the pattern. The stencil is fixed with two strips - on the left and above or on the right and above (for left-handed people), the layout begins from the corner, gradually filling the entire pattern.

Flusovka – the assembled stained glass window is crimped with slats on the remaining sides, making sure that the parts do not stick out upward or into the corner; if necessary, the edges are rolled, smoothed and pressed. Ideally, the stained glass window is sorted out again in order to evenly cover both the edges and ends with flux, but you can simplify the task by carefully going over the edges of each part with a generously moistened brush or cotton swab. The flux chosen is semi-active, with brown, the remains of the active one can corrode the binding over time.

Soldering – differs from the usual radio engineering both in equipment and method of execution.

To solder Tiffany you need a special soldering iron, which has a bronze nickel-plated tip (short, white with a characteristic shine).

The power of this tool is only 100 W, it heats the elements up to desired temperature, but the solder does not stick to it. Conventional tin-lead solders are not recommended; they can cause smalts to crack. Therefore, for Tiffany it is better to use solders with cadmium additives (POSK-50-18, Avia-1). You can get by with POS-61/61M solder, but it is softer and not as durable.

Tiffany is soldered using the capillary method in two stages - first, along the contour of the smalt, melted solder is dripped about every centimeter (the thread is as wide as a sting), without touching the parts with a soldering iron and solder. It is not recommended to cover a large area in one approach if the stained glass window is large. They pass a fragment the size of a man's palm, let the stained glass window cool, and continue until every detail has been covered. In the second step, each seam is soldered, applying solder along the contour of each smalt and heating until it seeps through the seam and covers the joint from the inside.

Framing – the finished stained glass window is soldered to a profile frame, rectangular if it is a flat panel, or shaped if we are talking about a lampshade or other decorative element. The frame, cleaned and degreased (with alcohol), is coated with flux from the inside, and the stained glass along the edge from the front and side. The frame is placed on the composition or the composition is inserted into the frame and soldered, like smalts, in fragments; if a gap remains, it is also fluxed and soldered.

Flushing - part of the manufacture of stained glass, necessary to remove flux residues, no matter how hard you try, it collects not only in the seams, but also on the smalts. Today the simplest way To get rid of these stains at this stage - treat the stained glass with a sponge soaked in dishwashing detergent, after which the product is washed and wiped.

Patination – if you already take on Tiffany, you should fork out for special colored glass, sheet or glass, since film or paint still looks worse. But patination will not harm such stained glass, but will only emphasize its beauty. Careful application ready-made composition Binding is done with gloves and a respirator, and the room must be well ventilated. If it gets dirty, feel free to wash it, wipe it, and finally, carefully polish it. soft cloth. If necessary, the metal frame is covered with a decorative frame made of wood or imitation.

Regardless of the chosen technique, a stained glass window made by yourself will not only decorate your home, but will also delight you with the knowledge that you can master the most ancient of arts.

In this article: real look for making stained glass at home:

• what types of stained glass are suitable for making at home
• what tools and materials are needed for the job
• what training courses you can trust, find out course reviews And see the work of beginners
• watch video tutorials on making stained glass at home
• find out where to start

Creating stained glass is an ancient art that was previously available only to select craftsmen, but nowadays it is very possible to make a beautiful stained glass window yourself at home. Of course, you will not make stained glass using medieval technology in this way, but modern materials And modern technologies allow you to create very beautiful compositions that look little different from those very ancient stained glass windows.

Methods of creating stained glass, which ones are suitable.

There are many ways to make stained glass. In some cases, making stained glass is a rather labor-intensive and complex process that requires special equipment, while other methods make it relatively easy to make stained glass with your own hands at home. The word relative is key. Stained glass cannot be made without expense and effort.

As a rule, stained glass windows are classified according to the method of their manufacture and the materials used. Some techniques are not very different from each other, but there are differences in the materials used.

This is the very first stained glass technique, known since the Middle Ages. These stained glass windows are assembled from pieces of glass held in place by metal partitions. This is quite a complex and labor-intensive job that requires special equipment and skills, and besides, such stained glass windows are expensive. They also turn out to be quite heavy, so you can’t install such a stained glass window on some kind of fragile structure. However, as they say, “hunt is greater than captivity,” and such little things cannot stand in the way of creating beauty.

Now you can buy ready-made glass for stained glass in specialized stores. Choosing is a fascinating thing, as the variety of colors and textures can awaken the imagination of even the most conservative person.

However, the cost of such glass is very high, and to produce 1 sq.m of stained glass surface, as a rule, 1.5 - 2 sq.m. are required. glass For the manufacture of lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers, glass with a thickness of 3-4 mm is used, and the thickness is different types glass may fluctuate within one sheet of glass, so it is difficult to calculate the required amount of glass for a product. There will probably be unclaimed pieces of expensive material left.

You can see how easily and simply Svetlana Romanova and Marat Ka make classic stained glass in this video.

Advice from an experienced stained glass artist:

“You don’t need to buy a glass grinder yet,” said the salesman in the store, “at first, just take a whetstone and grind off the sharp edges. Then, when you acquire the skills, buy a machine.

The advice seemed reasonable, but quite high price the car was pushing me to put off buying it until later. And we followed this advice.

So, gentlemen, if anyone ever advises you like this, send the adviser to hell. The very first thing a beginning stained glass artist should buy is a glass grinding machine.

Without it, work will turn into torture. Especially at first, when you have not yet learned how to cut glass exactly along the contours and you will have to remove a lot of excess in order to give the curved lines of the parts the exact shape.”

This type of stained glass also includes Tiffany technology, which involves collecting pieces of glass on a copper strip.

At home, you can make stained glass using Tiffany technology, but this will also require the ability to work with glass.

• The work of creating stained glass begins with a sketch. The parts should also not be too small, otherwise they simply cannot be cut out of glass properly.
• The sketch is cut into parts, each part is applied to a sheet of colored glass desired color, after which the part is cut out using a glass cutter.
• Then the edges of the parts will need to be smoothly turned and wrapped in copper foil. When everything is ready, the parts need to be folded into a composition, pressed tightly against each other.
• The edge of the foil must be coated with soldering acid, and then the seams must be joined using tin and a soldering iron. At the end of the work, you will need to wash the stained glass so that there is no residue left on the seams. This can be done using regular detergent.
• The seams will need to be covered with patina, and then washed again, thereby completing the work.

Watch the video of how his students make their first works in the studio of the artist Roman Zorin.

Film stained glass

Making stained glass of such a type best suited for home use, since there is no need to buy special equipment and expensive materials. This is stained glass on glass, but in one piece, glass does not need to be cut into pieces, no need to be sharpened, no need to spend money on adhesive plasters, because there will be no cuts on your fingers. The entire design is mounted on solid glass. It could be window glass, door or decorative panel the entire wall or a tiny decorative element.

To do film stained glass, You will need a special film. The leaders in quality available on our markets are English films from Regalead. This is not an ordinary self-adhesive film, it is an amazingly technological imitation of glass, the film consists of a dye located between two durable layers that do not transmit ultraviolet radiation and protect paints from fading, and can also withstand temperatures from -45 degrees to +135 degrees Celsius. Films have an incredible range of colors and textures, and also vary in degree of transparency.

To cut film, you do not need special machines or other devices, although in enterprises or private workshops where they work with a large number of orders they use plotters and digital devices for precise cutting according to the applied pattern. At home, it is enough to have scissors.

And, of course, a special lead tape for connecting pieces of film. And, of course, a good teacher. This includes the artist Irina Kiseleva, who will tell and show, teach where to get what and how to do it, publishes an electronic magazine to help beginners, creates stained glass and teaches how to create stained glass professionally.

Fusing

This technique is otherwise called sintering. Pre-cut pieces of multi-colored glass are laid out on a colorless glass base, placed in an oven and sintered together under the influence of glass temperature. Also, other objects can be used to create a pattern, for example, colored sand, which is used to lay out patterns, or wire. Of course, contour images cannot be obtained using this method, but the abstractions are bizarre and beautiful. The technology is attractive, the products are mesmerizingly beautiful, but look at the video to see what equipment is used to make such things.

Sandblasting stained glass windows

The technique for making stained glass of this type is to use air flow and sand. There are three subtypes of stained glass of this type, which differ in the way they use an air stream and colored sand.

Etching

Stained glass windows are made using acid. A special coating is applied to the glass protective film, as well as a stencil with the contours of the design along which the image is melted. Such stained glass windows are made in relief, with three-dimensional patterns. It is worth noting that the technique of working with acid is very dangerous and is therefore rarely used. To avoid being poisoned by acid fumes, artists wear respirators and special clothing. Not suitable for home at all.

Cast stained glass

A complex technique in which each glass module is cast or blown by hand, giving the glass a special texture that enhances the refraction of light and gives expressiveness to stained glass. The glasses are fastened together using metal fittings and cement mortar.

Painted stained glass

This technique requires the mandatory use of painting. And such a product can be called a stained glass window with great stretch, but nevertheless. The surface of the glass is painted either with acrylic opaque paints and then, after drying, varnished, or painted with expensive silicone transparent stained glass paints, and then the glass is fired in a special oven. Of course, no one wants to burn anything at home. And here’s how charmingly the designers painted the glass and at the same time shared their secrets in the television program “Dacha”:

Filled contour stained glass window

In fact, this is just an imitation of classic stained glass, since it does not require any glass processing. Making stained glass This type is done using special paint. First, an outline is applied that imitates a stained glass frame, and then another layer of paint is poured into the area limited by the outline.

Where to begin?

Choose a drawing, or draw it yourself, go to the store, on the advice of a cheerful seller, buy a bunch unnecessary materials And… FAIL THE ENTIRE CASE?

Creating stained glass windows, however, is not the easiest thing. Even the most easy way, film, requires certain knowledge and skills. After all, what a profession is is knowledge of the nuances! So if you want to know, how to make stained glass with your own hands, contact professionals who know professional nuances, do not be fooled by statements about the ease of the process, which does not require preparation, this is not the case.

Go to courses in your city in artists’ workshops, buy special literature, watch video lessons. Although on the Internet enough ridiculous recommendations on making stained glass paints with your own hands, for example.

Therefore, the phrase “turn to professionals” will never lose its relevance. Contact professionals, this will save you Your Time and Your Money.

Artist Irina Kiseleva has been making stained glass for a long time. Her professional activity I started working for a stained glass company. The artist maintains an electronic magazine, where she shares tips with readers, and she also has a training video course, which was created specifically for those who want to learn how to create stained glass.

Training course by Irina Kiseleva reviews

Irina Terekhova presented photos of her works and words of gratitude to the author of the course (information source vse-v-tvoih-rukah.ru):

I liked the poems of M. Tsvetaeva:

Success in your endeavors, Always with you,

Reading time ≈ 3 minutes

A colorful stained glass window can decorate a living room, a bedroom, or a corridor. Ordering such products is too expensive, but you can make similar decor for your home yourself. A stained glass window of any complexity can be created with your own hands without any special problems: the artist needs high-quality glass, paints, and sealant. Step-by-step instruction, given below, will tell you in detail about the rules for making stained glass.

Materials for creating illuminated stained glass windows

The basis of the work is glass, but its choice must be approached very carefully. The surface of the material must be perfectly flat; the presence of air bubbles or waves is unacceptable. The selection of other components for work should be approached no less responsibly: the result obtained depends on their quality. In order to make stained glass on glass, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Whatman paper (must correspond to the size of the decor being made);
• glass;
• stained glass paints;
• black silicone for aquariums (can be replaced with rubber sealant);
• wooden blocks (for the frame);
• corners;
• LED cord, fasteners and power cord with adapter.

After purchasing all the elements, you can safely start making bright home decor.

How to make a stained glass window from ordinary glass?

You should not do many elements, especially if such a task is being performed for the first time. After receiving a beautiful sketch, the following work is carried out:

1. The pencil drawing is outlined with a thick marker for ease of subsequent transfer of the image.

2. Glass is placed on top of the paper, whatman paper is fixed to the glass with tape.

3. The sealant is prepared: the sharp nose is cut off, as shown in the attached video tip. This will help you draw lines more accurately and conveniently.

4. The pattern is transferred to the glass.

5. The image is colored using stained glass paints along the prepared contours.

To obtain the most beautiful and “lively” stained glass window, it is recommended to use additives when applying paints, dilute one color with another, and lighten areas. All these techniques are demonstrated in a master class on making stained glass at home. On ready-made decor you can see how original and bright the play and shade transitions look.

Preparing a frame and decorating a room with stained glass

The dimensions of the frame are determined according to the dimensions of the glass itself: it will be glued directly to the wooden frame. To securely connect the beam, you need to saw it in the corners to get a reliable lock between adjacent elements. Next, drill holes at the joints and hammer dowels into them.

After assembling the frame, it is sanded and painted.

It is attached along the inner side using plastic fasteners duralight.

Once fixation is complete, it is connected to the power cord with an adapter. The glass is glued to the frame, the glass is additionally fixed at the front metal corners, mounted on the rear of the frame metal fastenings under the dowels. At this stage, the stained glass window will be completely ready for installation.

Stained glass is experiencing a renaissance. Colored glass paintings are increasingly used by designers to decorate interiors in the most different style. Such a painting can decorate a room, become its accent, and set the tone for the entire interior. But previously, making stained glass was labor-intensive and expensive, but modern techniques allow you to create masterpieces on glass yourself.

Styles and techniques

There are many styles of stained glass, because stained glass itself dates back to the Middle Ages. It has changed over time to reflect cultures different countries and eras, the emergence of new techniques made it possible to diversify the materials used. Nowadays, several styles are used to decorate rooms.

1. Classical. Assumes a symmetrical design, floral motifs or geometric pattern. Performed in warm, pastel colors. Suitable for classic interior with clear lines, good quality, heavy furniture.
2. Gothic. This is the style of Catholic churches of medieval Europe. Twilight, upward direction of narrow lancet windows and tall towers with spiers, dark red, scarlet, gold, green, blue, purple colors. It uses religious motifs or scenes from the life of medieval knights, castles, exploits, dragons, unicorns. Gothic stained glass will give the space a touch of mystery and fabulousness. It was during the Middle Ages that the most famous stained glass windows, recognized as masterpieces, were created.

   Stained glass in gothic style- fairy tale and mystery in your home

3. Modern. Perhaps a universal style for any interior. The main motives of this style are marine, the idea is the priority of form over content. This style is characterized by smooth, fancy lines, one way or another repeating the shape of a sea wave, grace, and sophistication. Pale, muted colors, halftones, blue-green tones. Art Nouveau goes well with modern technology and goes well with a high-tech interior.

   Stained glass in Art Nouveau style is appropriate in any interior

4. Abstract. Involves a geometric pattern and bright, cheerful colors. Does not conflict with almost any interior, except for the most orthodox one. Brings a special emotionality into the space. In abstract stained glass it is important to maintain a balance between form and color and then it will never get boring, charging you with optimism and encouraging creativity.

   Stained glass in an abstract style is suitable for any interior and will never get boring

5. Egyptian. Dim paintings in sandy-brown tones. The drawing reproduces Egyptian hieroglyphs, gods, pharaohs and scenes from their lives.
6. Antique. The paintings resemble antique mosaics with ancient Greek scenes. Characterized by the presence of many small details. Suitable for rooms in a minimalist style.

   Stained glass in an antique style is often a finished product

7. Byzantine. It is distinguished by the use of not only colored, but also transparent glass, which makes the image seem to be hanging in the air. Such stained glass windows resemble glass painting and are suitable for rooms filled with light.

   The use of transparent glass in the Byzantine style creates the illusion of the design floating in the air

8. Vanguard. The subject of the drawing can be anything. But thanks to modern execution techniques, it is given a sense of volume. The image is multi-layered, with three-dimensional details, on transparent or frosted glass, glossy, shining. This stained glass window sets the tone for the entire room and makes it trendy.

   Stained glass in an avant-garde style can contain voluminous details

Stained glass in the interior creates a powerful accent, so it is important not to make a mistake when choosing a style. It should be in harmony with the overall style of the room or set it. Then the rest of the interior items will complement and play with it without creating dissonance.

You can decorate any glass or mirror surface. This will give the interior uniqueness, originality and a feeling of luxury. It is appropriate to place a stained glass window in any room.

Where to place stained glass in an apartment

1. Window. Stained glass will give the bedroom a feeling of coziness, and the nursery - a fabulous feel. Stained glass in the window can be used as sun protection, to hide from prying eyes bathroom, add festiveness and comfort to the kitchen.

   A floral pattern on the balcony window will create the illusion of a country house

2. Doors. You can decorate completely glass doors, so glass inserts. It is better to do the drawing in the same style on all doors.

   It is better to keep the pattern on all doors in the same style

3. False windows. This glass picture is backlit and is often installed in bathrooms or on staircases.

   A stained glass window will help avoid the feeling of a closed space and additionally decorate the room

4. Ceiling lamps. Large glass shades or acrylic inserts in the ceiling will add originality to the interior.

   The Gothic interior will be decorated with a stained glass ceiling

5. Glass partitions. They can be transparent or matte. Such partitions are often installed between the kitchen and the bathroom or the toilet and the bathroom. Stained glass allows light to pass through, but does not allow you to see what is happening behind it.

   Stained glass - good decision for room zoning

6. Furniture facades, glass table tops. Decorating furniture with stained glass - good way give it personality. Even old furniture, decorated with stained glass, looks expensive and luxurious.

   Stained glass inserts are appropriate for both living room and kitchen furniture

1. As already mentioned, the plot of the drawing should correspond to the general style and atmosphere of the room.
2. Dark colors and horizontal lines suitable for spacious rooms with high ceilings, they visually reduce the space.

   Dark tones of stained glass create an atmosphere of mystery, but visually reduce the space

3. Stained glass on the mirror - a good choice For small rooms. It will create a perspective of space and visually enlarge the room.

   Stained glass on the mirror will create a sense of perspective and expand a small room

4. Abundance bright colors and colorful images can become boring over time. Take this into account when choosing an ornament.
5. For the bedroom and nursery it is better to choose calm bright hues, conducive to rest.

   For the bedroom it is better to prefer calm tones

6. It is appropriate to decorate the kitchen with a landscape or still life, and the bathroom with a marine theme.

   Scenes with fish are suitable for the bathroom

But not every stained glass window can be done independently. There are several types of execution techniques.

Types of equipment

1. Classic or typesetting. The most complex and ancient technique. Colored glass fragments are inserted into metal frames, assembled into a pattern and soldered. The technique requires special tools and skills. Used for large structures and only by professionals.

   Stained glass using the classic technique is indispensable for large areas

2. English or film. The pattern is formed on glass from stained glass self-adhesive film. Each fragment is cut out separately and glued to the place determined by the stencil. The pasted fragments are framed with lead tape. With certain skills, you can make such a stained glass window yourself.
3. Fusing. Stained glass is made without a metal frame by sintering multi-colored fragments into a monolithic pattern. It is impossible to make such a stained glass window at home; a special oven with a high temperature is required.

   Stained glass using the fusing technique amazes with the brightness of colors and integrity of the composition

4. Tiffany. This technique is similar to the classical one. Pattern fragments are cut out of colored glass and bordered with copper tape. The finished elements are assembled into a pattern and soldered together. This technique is difficult for beginners, but it can be mastered and used at home.

   Stained glass using the Tiffany technique successfully replaces the classical technique

5. Sandblasting. It involves processing glass using a stencil with sand fed under high pressure. The treated areas become matte, and the pattern becomes airy. It cannot be used at home; it requires special equipment.
6. Cast. Each element is cast or blown from glass separately. After this, the fragments are assembled into a picture using reinforcement or mortars. Not used at home.
7. Etching. By etching glass with hydrofluoric acid, deep relief patterns are created. Using this strong acid at home is hazardous to health.
8. Painted stained glass window. The pattern is copied onto the glass and outlined. After the contour of the void has dried, it is painted with stained glass paints.

   Using the painted technique you can create real paintings

9. Contour filler. As with the painted technique, the outline of the design is first prepared. After it dries, the voids are filled with a thick layer of paint. If necessary, the paint is leveled with a brush or wooden stick.

   The pouring technique most successfully imitates classical styles

Video: making English film stained glass with your own hands

Painted stained glass and contour pouring techniques are the most accessible for self-production. They don't require special knowledge, materials and tools, and can imitate almost any other technique. To make such stained glass windows you only need special paints, accuracy and patience.

Video: do-it-yourself stained glass using the Tiffany technique

What you need to make stained glass

Before you start work, prepare everything you need. For painted and filled stained glass you will need paints.

Paints

Special stained glass or acrylic paints on glass. They all have their own characteristics.

Acrylic paints

The composition includes three main components: pigment, water and acrylic polymer emulsion. Sold in tubes or jars.

Acrylic paints are sold in jars and tubes

Acrylic paints dry quickly, after which they become durable and resilient. After drying, they are resistant to temperature and humidity changes. It is very difficult to scrape off a dried coating, as well as to remove it with sandpaper.

Acrylic paints dry quickly and are easy to work with at home.

The color of the finished coating is matte and bright. It is not subject to fading and does not fade over time. Paints of different colors can be mixed with each other. The brush should be washed with water immediately after use; if it becomes dry, you will have to use a solvent.

There are two types: fired and unfired. After application, those fired are heated in the oven, harden and become resistant to external influences. The firing temperature is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.

Stained glass paints can be fired or unfired

If the paints are not fired, after a week they will dry and harden in the same way as when fired, but before this point there is a risk of smearing them. Paints are water-based, so they are diluted with it. Brushes can also be washed with water.

Unfired paints dry in 1 to 3 days, depending on the manufacturer. The drawing requires fixing by applying a layer of nitro varnish.

These colors are more vibrant. They are thicker due to the synthetic solvent they contain. They fit well and are more convenient to work on vertical surfaces.

Homemade paints

Some craftsmen prefer to use paints own production. They are easy to make yourself from what is sold in construction stores.

1. Based on nitro varnish. NTs-2141 or another similar one is used. Nitrovarnish is diluted with solvent 647 in a ratio of 1 to 0.4. Can be tinted with artistic oil paint or construction paint. The dye is added little by little until the desired color intensity is achieved.
2. Based on BF-2 glue. The glue is diluted twice with acetone, tinted with any dye for alcohol based. This could be ballpoint pen paste or other paint. The emulsion is stirred into glassware, try it on glass. If necessary, add paint until the required intensity is achieved.
3. Gelatin based. 5–6 grams of gelatin brew 200 ml hot water until it reaches a paste consistency and add fabric dye. A drawing made from such paint requires fixing with nitro varnish.

In addition to paints, you will need an outline for the work. This is a special thick paste for outlining the borders of a pattern. It imitates metal frames for pieces of smalt in painted and filled stained glass windows.

Circuit

Relief contours are made on a water basis and are sold in tubes. With their help, the drawing is outlined, which is then filled with paints. Can also be used to create a three-dimensional drawing.

Stained glass contours can be used to create a three-dimensional pattern

At home, contour paste can be prepared using PVA glue. To do this, you will need 50 ml of tableware PVA, 20-30 ml of natural black ink (the best is Dutch), 30-40 grams of silver or bronze powder.

Mascara is added to the glue with constant stirring, and then powder until a creamy consistency is obtained. This paste is prepared as needed and is not stored. Stir each time before use. Masters apply it with a brush, forming a roll; for beginners, it is more convenient to use a pastry syringe.

Required Tools

To make stained glass using different techniques, a special tool is required. In drawing and pouring techniques you will need a minimum of it:

• ruler;
• pencil;
• glass marker;
• tassels;
• wooden sticks or toothpicks.

And of course, making stained glass is impossible without a stencil of the design. Let's take a closer look at how to do it.

Stencil for stained glass

A suitable stencil can be purchased at a specialty store or from a stained glass artist. But it’s much more interesting to make a stencil yourself by choosing a suitable sketch.

Do not choose a sketch with many details and voids; such a design will look sloppy on the finished stained glass window.

The image can be downloaded from the Internet and simply printed at the required scale, taking into account the size of the future stained glass window. Or take a picture or postcard you like and enlarge it to the required size.

Photo gallery: samples of stencils for creating stained glass yourself

Floral motifs never go out of style and are suitable for any room The stencil details are numbered for easy painting of the stained glass window. The lattice complements the flower and gives the design a finished look. Birds are another timeless subject for stained glass

Number the parts of the drawing with the same color. This will help you avoid making mistakes when coloring.

How to enlarge a drawing

1. Draw the pattern into cells with a side of no more than 1 cm.
2. Number the resulting grid vertically and horizontally.
3. Take measurements from stained glass.
4. Transfer the dimensions onto paper.
5. Mark the sheet according to the number of cells in the picture.
6. Draw a grid on the sheet in accordance with the markings.
7. Cell by cell, transfer the image from the postcard onto paper on an enlarged scale.
8. The finished drawing can be adjusted and colors changed.

If you have drawing skills, you can create the pattern yourself. To do this, transfer the dimensions of the future stained glass window onto a sheet of paper and mark the contours of the pattern location. Draw with a simple pencil so that inaccuracies can be corrected.

When choosing an image, keep in mind that if you enlarge it, its proportions may suffer. If necessary, draw the drawing not in squares, but in rectangles.

Draw in the details, you should get a complete picture. Outline the finished drawing ballpoint pen or a thin marker.

Application

Having prepared everything you need, you can begin making stained glass. Make sure that the work surface is level, and remember that the glass may break if handled carelessly.

Making stained glass: step-by-step instructions

1. Place the glass on the prepared stencil so that their edges coincide.
2. Thoroughly degrease the glass with alcohol, acetone or vinegar. Dry the surface with a dry, lint-free cloth.
3. Transfer the outlines of the design from the stencil onto the glass with a special disappearing marker. If you have experience in drawing, the lines can be applied directly with a contour or contour paste.

   Drawing a contour requires accuracy and a precise eye.

4. Let the outline dry, otherwise the drawing will smudge.
5. Now all that remains is to fill the voids of the drawing with paints. This is done with a thin brush or straight from the tube. Tubes of ready-made paints are equipped with a convenient spout.

   Paints are applied to stained glass with a brush or using a tube attachment.

6. Paint is applied from the edges to the center. It’s okay if paint gets on the outline during work - touch it up with a wooden stick or toothpick. After drying, special paints become transparent and the outline appears through them.
7. If the design involves color transitions, lighter or darker tones are applied after the base ones. They can be mixed or shaded with the main ones using a toothpick.
8. Bubbles formed during the work are also removed using a toothpick.
9. Let the finished painting dry completely. Some paints require additional coating with nitro varnish, please pay attention to this. This information is indicated on the packaging.
10. All that remains is to insert the stained glass into the frame.

    Stained glass can be inserted into the frame

To protect yourself from cuts, you can first cover the edges of the glass with masking tape before work.

Video: master class on making stained glass using poured technique

Having mastered the painted and poured techniques, you can try yourself in the English film or fusion technique. This will require high expenses, materials and skills, but it's worth it.

Photo gallery: several ideas for placing stained glass windows in the interior

Abstract drawing suitable for high-tech style Floral ornament will decorate the living room windows Stained glass on the bathroom window will give special atmosphere and protects from prying eyes Geometric pattern for the living room it is easy to use stained glass film Stained glass windows landing performed in the same style Bay windows are well suited for stained glass The ceiling insert can be decorated with stained glass film

Creating stained glass windows is a creative and exciting activity. Even children can make the simplest stained glass windows. And let your work not be similar to the masterpieces of world painting, but they will bring originality and a piece of your individuality to your home.

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