Stained glass on glass is a great way to decorate the interior, to give windows and interior door inserts nobility and sophistication. And if earlier it was a very laborious and expensive process, accessible only to single craftsmen, today it is really possible to do it with your own hands. Stained glass windows are made in different ways, but it makes no sense to master the most laborious methods, which were used several centuries ago to decorate cathedrals and palaces. A similar effect is easy to achieve thanks to the use of stickers or the technique of painting on glass with special paints.
The use of stained glass in the interior
Many centuries have passed since the invention of glass for stained glass, and mankind still admires the narrow and long windows of temples and cathedrals, palaces and houses of the wealthy nobility of the Late Middle Ages. In those days, any glass was an expensive luxury, especially stained glass. They were made on the basis of a cellular metal pattern, into which pieces of smalt and colored Murano glass were inserted exactly corresponding to the pattern.
The word "stained glass" is of Latin origin, where vitrum means "glass", but now it is used to refer to colored drawings on glass. Until now, numerous pilgrims and sightseers of historical monuments are impressed by the images of saints on glass, passing light through colored cells. Breaking stained glass with biblical scenes in an Orthodox church or a Catholic cathedral was considered sacrilege, especially since they were created for decades.
Stained glass painting has long gone beyond the framework of religious buildings. Today, stained glass on glass is again in vogue, with a wide variety of subjects used. Artists specializing in stained glass painting offer more and more new techniques that reduce the cost of creating glass inserts shining with paints.
This special highly artistic decor can make the interior of an apartment more expensive and respectable. And today, stained glass is widely used wherever appropriate:
- window glass;
- large plafonds of ceiling lamps;
- false windows with illumination;
- interior doors;
- glass partitions for zoning large areas;
- graceful tabletops of small tables in the living room;
- frameless glazing of internal premises;
- translucent screens between 2 adjacent rooms;
- multilevel and false ceilings;
- sliding cabinet doors;
- fireplace screens;
- table, floor and wall lamps;
- * translucent inserts in the ceilings;
- inserts on wall niches;
- art objects and souvenirs.
You can choose from transparent or impenetrable stained glass, depending on the overall task. If it is important that the light partially penetrates the room, but it is not visible in detail what is happening behind the partition, choose an opaque glass for the stained-glass window:
- stained-glass screen in the bathroom (in the shower);
- glass partition between kitchen and bathroom;
- impervious interior doors with an insert in the bedroom;
- partition between toilet and bathroom.
Attention: It should be borne in mind that a colored impenetrable stained glass window only partially transmits light, therefore it is inappropriate in an apartment where there is already insufficient lighting. But on the south side, a self-made stained glass window will become an appropriate light filter, for example, stained glass windows, photo:
Advantages and disadvantages of stained glass inserts
To master the art of stained glass painting is within the power of anyone who wants to make stained glass on glass with his own hands. It is useful to master the technology of painting on glass to decorate your personal space, and then you can use it as additional income. And while a beautiful stained glass window is a real art, you don't have to be an artist, many craftsmen use ready-made sketches for intricate drawings with clear boundaries on the glass.
Self-production of a stained glass window is a fascinating process, reminiscent of children's "decorations", where within the limits of ready-made contours, each cell of the drawing is filled with a certain color. And it also resembles a children's kaleidoscope with colored glass between the mirrors, where it is so exciting to observe delightful patterns.
An important advantage is that each stained-glass window is unique, even if a ready-made sketch was used. Any image is obtained as a result of the choice of a particular technique, the method of application and selection of dyes and cell boundaries.
Getting the selected picture of stained glass on glass is an interesting activity that even a schoolchild can master. It is interesting to make it for all families, being careful when working with glass, the edge of which can be temporarily pasted over with masking tape. If you work with acrylic paints, then you don't need any special fixtures. The traditional technique of making stained glass windows from glass and metal requires a separate workshop. And some glass etching methods involve the use of chemicals.
Drawing on glass, with a competent organization of work and in the presence of a ready-made sketch, can be completed quite quickly. And if you have artistic skills and a delicate taste, then making stencils and stained-glass windows on glass with your own hands is an excellent hobby or a way of creative self-realization. In this case, you can try which stained glass windows will be most interesting:
- drawn;
- cut;
- glued;
- brazed.
The simplest drawing methods have their drawbacks - the drawing may turn out to be unstable. The simplest unfixed image has to be done between 2 glasses in a frame, keeping it as a souvenir so that it does not wash off. But this is more related to children's creativity. And if it is decided to decorate the apartment with real works of art, using special paints on glass, the stained-glass window should be elegant and attractive. It is unlikely that "something" special will come out the first time, you will have to practice several times in order to practice to master the technique.
Attention: Remember that any glass can break, including stained glass. Therefore, it is advisable to first consider whether there is a chance that the inserts will be broken. In some cases, it is better to use a ready-made bend film that will prevent debris from scattering, for example, if you do not carefully slam a glass door.
Varieties of techniques for performing stained glass painting
Stained-glass windows used to be the most labor-intensive method, when they made a metal pattern consisting of cells. Then a piece of glass of a certain color, cut exactly to the shape of each cell, was inserted into each free space. The most difficult thing was to make symmetrical images - the metal patterned mesh might not coincide in outline, and each fragment was cut separately. The glasses had to be fixed, and even so that there were no cracks allowing air and water to pass through.
The classical brazed method is still used today, but less expensive, labor-intensive and inexpensive stained glass painting techniques are applicable in domestic conditions. The most popular techniques today are:
- frosted stained glass;
- Tiffany;
- in the casting technique;
- in the fusing technique;
- in the Plastic Lead technique;
- frosted stained-glass windows;
- film stained-glass windows SGO;
- facet technique;
- etching technique;
- bending technique;
- laser engraving;
- painting with acrylic paints;
- combined stained-glass windows.
How to make a stained glass window on glass with your own hands using the most accessible methods, you should understand in more detail.
1. Fold the pieces of cut out colored glass, which form a mosaic canvas. Each fragment of the composition is inserted into a metal stencil frame made of tin or sheet copper. The metal parts will have to be soldered, but this has to be done without glass, so it is important to think about how to fix the glass in these cells. The finished drawing will resemble a real expensive stained glass.
2. Sections of a colored translucent film are laid out on the glass, like an applique, with a premeditated pattern - along the contours drawn with a special disappearing marker. Further along the borders, a special paint is applied with a tube in the form of a dark border, or any resinous solution that quickly sets. The finished image is covered with another glass of exactly the same format and carefully glued along the edges. Internal patterned double glass is quite practical and is inserted into a frame or wooden window frame.
A similar method - inserts made of thin colored glass (transparent, frosted or sandblasted) are also inserted between two glasses. Such double or triple colored glasses for stained-glass windows are the most difficult, therefore they are not recommended for furniture doors.
3. On sale you can find ready-made colored smalt, which in the form of cut and polished along the edges of the fragments are simply glued to the glass. Plastic crystals or artificial "stones" for embroidery with a flat back, as well as small gems or flat beads are also suitable. They can be planted on glass with "liquid nails", for example, in the form of a vine. In this way, it is easy to decorate vases, glassware and souvenirs. The method is suitable for those inserts that do not need to be cleaned partly - pebbles and smalt can be accidentally scraped off. Nevertheless, such sparkling Hand-made crystals on glass looks luxurious, especially when illuminated.
4. Drawing on smooth or sandblasted glass is applied with special paints that require heat treatment. After firing in the oven, a permanent stained-glass pattern is obtained, which is not afraid of cleaning.
A similar method is an imitation of stained glass painting, where acrylic paints are used without processing in an oven. The drawing will turn out to be durable, but you should not wash such glasses. Such stained-glass windows are successfully used in double-framed windows with a pattern to the inside, where the glass is not washed often, like outside.
Where can I get stained glass stencils?
The beauty of the initial sketch determines the final result. And if you try to draw "something there" yourself, such a stained-glass window is unlikely to be highly artistic. Even if you take advantageous plots - roses, peacocks or fish, it is important to respect the proportions of the picture, color balance and general composition.
The choice of the plot must be justified by the functionality of the room. Fantasy flowers, angels, beautiful half-naked virgins, Amazons, leopards are suitable for the bedroom. An elegant abstraction, symmetrical ornaments that are in harmony with the general theme of the room will suit the living room. If you are looking for stained-glass windows suitable for the bathroom, stencils are selected with aquarium fish, something on a marine theme.
Any abstract image or neutral theme, for example, a firebird, is suitable for the partition of a walk-through corridor. The image for a certain style of interiors is selected in accordance with the characteristic theme for such a design:
- sakura branch - for the Japanese style;
- curls "rocalia" - for rococo;
- the stroke of the whip is typical of Art Nouveau;
- intricate abstraction - Art Deco, etc.
It is best to use ready-made stencils that can be purchased:
- in art stores;
- from artists who own this technique;
- print popular "pictures" from the Internet (the uniqueness of your stained-glass windows will suffer).
For those who know how to draw, it is best to take the illustrations you like as a basis, choose a suitable plot and develop your own sketch.
Attention: It is important to consider scaling images, because when transferring a small sketch to a large glass, you will get distorted proportions and a lot of empty space. Therefore, a small sketch is pre-drawn into squares - for a better increase in the picture.
Sometimes, at the stage of completion, you have to add elements to fill in the voids. Ready-made stencils for full-size stained-glass windows do not require revision. Traditionally, stained-glass drawings look beautiful, where a thin graphic frame and floral ornament are combined.
Tip: Do not rush to fill the stencil drawing with paints. If you have a choice, experiment with color on your drafts. Sometimes replacing the background or central elements not only changes the overall impression of the picture, but also forms an aura in a room with stained-glass windows. For example, cold blue or purple flowers should be changed to warm shades for the living room or cold ones for the bathroom.
What kind of stained glass paints to use?
1. Solution based on nitro lacquer NTs-2141 (or similar, other markings). You will need art oil paints and thinner. In a separate container, dilute nitrolacquer with the addition of a solvent (less than half). The size of a pea of artistic paint or a drop of pigment for construction work is added to the finished emulsion. We check the intensity of the paint on the glass, if it is not enough, add more. The glass must first be degreased by wiping with a solvent such as acetone. A high-quality bend varnish should be transparent, well-spreading, not curling on the glass with bald spots.
2. Solution based on BF-2 glue. The emulsion is diluted on the basis of a solvent and any dye, soluble in alcohol. For example, they use a paste made from ballpoint pen refills - blue, purple, green and red. The glue and solvent are mixed in a glass jar, where the dye is added dropwise to the required saturation. We try with a brush on a control glass.
3. On a gelatin base and dyes for fabrics. Gelatin (5-6 gr.) In the form of a paste is brewed with hot water, where diluted liquid paint is gradually introduced. You can first apply the image, then outline the boundaries, but it is better to make a "paint" mesh first. Such a pattern requires fixing - after the bend has dried, the glass is covered with colorless nitro lacquer.
Stained glass painting with silicate paints is used by artists for heat treatment. Special chemical components create a mirror or matte surface on the stained-glass windows. Some techniques are not available for home painting, for example, engraved stained glass, which is created on special equipment.
The simplest method is to use ready-made stained glass or mirror self-adhesive.
Three "whales" that allow you to make a good stained glass window: the eye, accuracy, confidence. If not everyone notices one mistake or inaccuracy, then two or three will already give the product a sloppy look, or even completely ruin the whole work. It is for this reason that it is worth practicing on small compositions and only then taking on the implementation of large-scale projects.
Sketch + scissors
The production of any stained-glass window does not even begin with the selection of materials ideal for work, but with the creation of an element-by-element sketch in two copies. To speed up and simplify work, a sketch can be created on a computer and then printed. But, alas, a large panel will require manual sketching. To get two identical copies, you need to use a blueprint machine. No, this is not a complex device that will have to be rented, but a fairly simple device. It can be built in two ways. Attach the first copy of the sketch to the glass in the daytime, attach the second sheet, fix it and use a pencil to transfer the image onto clean paper. If the area of the window does not allow, then a sheet of glass is placed on ordinary kitchen stools, a table lamp is placed on the floor, and its light is directed upwards, that is, onto the glass. A sketch is placed on the glass, a blank sheet of paper is placed on top and the drawing is translated.
- It is important to remember that the assembly of the stained-glass window should always be done according to the first sketch, and its second copy is used as a template for the manufacture of elements. This is done to minimize the risk of inconsistencies and snippets fit.
- If you are determined to make a stained glass masterpiece, then purchase template scissors with three blades in advance (the first two cut the sketch, and the third cuts off a strip a little less than two centimeters wide).
- Before you start cutting the sketch, it is better to stick it on thin thick cardboard, so that in the future it will be easier to trace the contour on soft paper.
- When you start gluing, do not forget that the paper soggy from the glue will stretch a little.
- Do not forget to align the template with the main (first) sketch.
- To make the work a little easier, especially if the stained-glass window involves a large number of small details, it is better to number all the fragments of the canvas in both sketches even before the cutting stage.
Glass stained glass
Glass stained-glass window is a classics recognized and tested over the centuries. It consists of dozens of multi-colored glasses that can be transparent, milky and frosted. Milk glasses are opaque, but simply painted in some color. Matte is artificially "rough" on one side. Each part of the stained-glass window - smalt - is framed with a lead, brass, tin or copper profile in the shape of the letter P. When making a glass stained-glass window, each smalt is carefully laid out on the initial sketch, and then the seams are sealed. The canvas looks like a binding of fragments. To increase its strength, it is decorated with brass corners, creating a frame, and soldered along the contour. It turns out a full-fledged picture, which is inserted into the opening and the backlight is installed in the back. The second no less common option is the installation of such a stained-glass window in a window frame. The disadvantages of classic stained-glass windows are the complexity of manufacture and fragility.
Film stained glass
Film stained glass is an imitation of a classic stained glass window. On a base made of transparent, frosted or milky glass, a drawing is applied, between the fragments of which borders are made. Instead of smalt, self-adhesive film is used. Even a beginner can make such a stained-glass window, you just need a little accuracy and perseverance. The secret of success is pre-treatment of glass with alcohol to degrease the surface. You can use 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in a glass of water instead of alcohol. After such processing, be sure to rinse the glass with distilled water.
If during the manufacture of film stained glass it was not possible to completely get rid of air bubbles, then they can be pierced with a needle and gently ironed. Within a day or two, you yourself will not find where the bubbles used to be.
Modern self-adhesive films are beautiful and durable. From a distance, the stained-glass window looks impressive, but close up it is immediately clear that this is just an imitation. In addition, such a stained-glass window is beautiful only from one side. It is because of this that film stained-glass windows are most often decorated with ceiling windows. Not so long ago, few people ventured to make stained-glass windows on the ceilings. Broken glass can harm the life and health of people who accidentally find themselves in the room. However, an acrylic base has recently been actively used for ceiling stained-glass windows. Acrylic plastic is only 1 mm thick, it is lightweight and extremely durable, practically does not sag over the years, and if it suddenly falls out of the frame, it will quietly fall to the floor in the room without damaging anything. The film adheres perfectly to acrylic, adheres firmly. The lack of material is its cost. It is much more expensive than ordinary glass.
Fill stained glass
It is difficult to distinguish the stained glass window from the front side from the classic one, but the reverse side immediately reveals all the cards. Such compositions look very impressive, but their production will require a lot of experience and patience. To get really beautiful, you need to provide a smooth or textured reflective surface under the base glass, then the light rays will pass through the canvas twice. It is for this reason that stained glass windows are often performed on a mirror. Correctly filled paint forms a meniscus, and the rays of light pass directly and are reflected from the mirror film. Their different curvature due to such refraction gives a variety of lengths of light rays, and therefore the stained glass literally plays with all the colors of the rainbow. Borders in stained glass windows are usually made in a dark color, but with a metallic effect. The most expensive are such stained-glass windows, where acrylic mirrors with an additional tantalum-niobium substrate are the basis.
Tiffany stained glass
This is already a full-fledged stained-glass window, assembled from dozens of glass smalts. It differs from the classic glass stained-glass window only in that the binding is formed by foliage - metal soldered foil, and not cast or forged grooves. At the peak of the heyday of stained glass art, that is, in the Middle Ages, they still did not know how to make folia. Tiffany stained-glass windows are quite durable, if necessary, they can even decorate swing or French windows, as well as doors. Another advantage of such compositions is the ability to fill curvilinear and volumetric structures.
Facet stained glass
Such stained-glass windows are now especially popular with wealthy people who do not hide their wealth. A facet is a polished chamfer on a 6mm glass plate. The chamfer is usually quite wide, and the bevel angle depends on the optical properties of the glass. An accurate mathematical calculation of the master will allow you to create a so-called diamond facet, guaranteeing maximum refraction of light. Facet stained-glass windows can be:
- painted;
- colorless;
- transparent;
- potash (made of light glass with a small refractive index);
- lead (made of heavy glass with a high refractive index).
The most expensive are croflint facets - a combination of potash and lead ones.
Facet smalts are collected separately, as they are heavy. For this, individual aluminum profiles are used. Unfortunately, the production of beveled stained glass is possible only in an industrial environment.
Fusing stained glass
Such a stained-glass window is made of smalt, which is preheated to 300-1200 degrees (the softening temperature depends on the type of glass) and laid out according to the sketch on a heat-resistant surface, then rolled. Fusing stained glass is a smooth transition of colors that is unattainable in other techniques. Large fusion stained glass windows are very expensive.
2 ways to create a stained glass window with your own hands
Most of the stained glass windows that you can make at home are imitations, but they are original, unique, and creating them is a fascinating experience. To create a good both film and colorful stained glass window, you need to know about the intricacies of imitation of a binding-border.
Curbs can be made in three ways:
- lead tape;
- soft wire;
- contour paste.
Lead tape is a 1/8-inch wide tape made of lead foil, adhesive, and protective film. The roll is carefully unwound, laid out according to the boundaries of the fragments on the sketch, cut off. Then you need to remove the protective film, apply it to the canvas and press down. When creating a film stained-glass window, working with lead tape is one of the final stages, when creating aspic ones - one of the initial ones.
The soft wire is bent along the contour and glued with dishware PVA (there must be a corresponding marking on the label). Such borders in stained-glass windows are made before working with paint, in film ones - after the completion of the drawing. Specialized copper wire can be used, but ordinary enamel wire, which is easy to find in radio parts stores, can also work. To create a special effect, the wire can be lightly sanded with sandpaper.
Contour paste is a special mixture of PVA glassware (50 ml), black ink (25 ml) and silverware (35 ml). First, you need to mix the glue and ink, and then gradually add silver (aluminum powder) until you get a mixture similar in consistency to sour cream. If necessary, the silver can be replaced with bronze powder. Apply the contour paste immediately after preparation with a thin brush, making sure that it lies with a uniform border along all contours. For beginners, it's best to use a small pastry syringe.
1 way to create a simple stained glass window
Imitation of a flooded stained-glass window involves the sequential execution of a number of operations.
- Organization of the workplace. Cover the even shield with a white soft cloth (coarse calico, flannel, bike, felt), put the primary numbered stencil on it.
- Degrease the glass on which you plan to make the stained glass, put it on the sketch.
- Decorate the outline in any way convenient for you. It is more convenient to work from the upper left edge of the canvas. Leave the circuit to dry for about a day.
- Start pouring paint. With the cells located next to each other and requiring filling with the same color, work one by one, waiting for the adjacent ones to dry. If paint has leaked onto an adjacent piece, carefully remove it with a blade.
- After finishing pouring, leave the glass to dry for a day or two.
It is most convenient to fill the paint with a syringe without touching the curb. It will spread itself over the glass. If the paint is too liquid, then you can repeat the pouring when the first coat is completely dry. You can make your own stained glass colors (recipes for at least four proven compositions are easy to find on the Internet). Nowadays, wonderful stained glass paints in all kinds of colors are on sale in handicraft stores or outlets for artists' supplies.
2 way to create a simple stained glass window
The second way to simulate a stained glass window is to use film. The film is called stained glass, it is quite easy to find it on sale. The second sketch is cut into fragments, which alternately become templates. It is necessary to cut out individual parts from the film and put them sequentially on degreased glass. Then, it is necessary to remove the protective film from each fragment and glue it to the desired place. The final stage of the work will be the design of the contour in a way convenient for you.
The oldest example of stained glass art that has survived to this day dates back to the 7th century BC. As strange as it may sound, the process of creating colored glass is so simple that even children can learn how to create stained glass with their own hands.
Stained glass styles
For a long time the existence of this type of creativity, the technology for creating glass drawings with your own hands has improved significantly. New types and technological features have appeared.
Having studied all the techniques, you can choose the one you need, each time planning new interesting stained glass windows.
The classic way
The classical technology of creating stained glass with your own hands has survived to this day. The master draws sketches on the main glass, cuts them out, and, according to these blanks, prepares the details of the future composition of colored glass. The particles are inserted into a previously prepared forged frame.
After the completion of the setting of colored glasses, the iron partition is sealed for greater strength. The finished product is a beautiful picture of large geometric elements with a well-defined metallic outline.
In ancient times, wide openings of buildings were decorated in this way. Especially often stained-glass windows were used to decorate windows in Christian and Muslim churches - the ideas of the drawings were taken from biblical and Koranic motives.
The beauty of the classic method is that it allows you to connect large-sized parts with your own hands. Unfortunately, the structure turns out to be quite voluminous and heavy, so it is not recommended to use it to decorate the ceiling. In addition, coarse metal makes it impossible to draw a pattern from small curved parts.
Tiffany stained glass
The advanced technology was developed by the founder of the Tiffany jewelry company, Louis Tiffany, at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
He proposed a fairly simple solution that made the stained glass look different. Instead of lead rods, Louis began to wrap the glass parts in thin copper strips with his own hands. As a rule, the strip protrudes slightly above the plane of the part.
After drawing up the drawing, the parts are treated with flux to avoid rust and are soldered to each other. The protruding edge of the copper tape is leveled over the glass surface, creating additional protection against parts falling out of the frame.
Thanks to the Tiffany technique, stained glass windows have become real works of art! Fine filigree patterns made up of small particles allow for smoother color transitions and natural images.
Tiffany stained glass can be used to create almost any product due to its lightness and beauty.
Fusing glass
The amazing fusing technique allows you to create a variety of products - from glass inserts in doors and furniture to painted tableware. But this method is too laborious to make large stained glass windows with your own hands.
The peculiarity of the technique is that colored elements are laid out on top of the main transparent glass. The workpiece is sent to the furnace, where, under the influence of high temperature, the parts are fused into each other. Thus, you get colored glass without an iron partition.
The disadvantage of fusing is that it is difficult to find a kiln for firing in which large items can be placed.
Pseudo-stained glass
Modern technologies have given people the opportunity to create stained-glass windows with their own hands without learning the laborious process of forging, metal processing and glass cutting.
All you need is a piece of clear glass of a certain size and a special film with colored patterns that allows light to pass through. There are several types of film:
- self-adhesive - a sticky layer is applied to one side of the material;
- a film that must be attached to the glass with a special colorless glue.
Film stained-glass windows help to save on interior decoration, while maintaining an interesting appearance of the glass.
In addition to the film method, the use of special stained glass paints is also widely used. Transparent gel-like mixtures are applied to the workpiece in the form of a specific pattern. After they have solidified, the glass looks like a transparent stained glass product.
This technology is so simple that recently, children's art kits have begun to appear, allowing you to create painted stained-glass windows with your own hands.
Tiffany stained glass: master class
Tiffany stained glass is very easy to create even at home. Prepare colored glass shards, a glass cutter, thin copper foil - folia, soldering iron, grinder, flux, soldering tin.
- Create a blank sketch - the more T-shaped connecting lines in the drawing, the stronger the curtain parts will hold.
- Print 2 life-size copies of your sketch. Number the parts in each sketch and cut one along the seam lines.
- The second whole sketch is pasted over with tape and inserted into a wooden working frame.
After working on the sketch, you can start stocking the parts.
- Attach the cut out parts of the first sketch to the fragments of a certain color.
- Take a glass cutter and start cutting the colored piece by holding the tool at a 45 degree angle to the surface. Try to cut the part in one continuous line, while maintaining a constant pressure, otherwise you may get chips and cracks.
- After the glass cutter, microcracks formed in the glass. By barely tapping on it, you can separate your part.
- Use a sander to trim and roughen the edges of the glass before proceeding.
- Now wrap the piece with copper wire. Use a foil, a special thin, long copper material with one adhesive side.
- Fold and smooth the raised edges of the foliage on the garment.
- Install the finished element in the general picture with the help of nails driven around.
- When all the parts are in place, remove the nails and flux the gaps between them.
The preparatory stage is complete - you can start soldering!
- Place the tip of the tin wire at the joint and heat it on top with a soldering iron. Thus, gradually process all the seams with your own hands. Do not keep the soldering iron in one place for a long time - you can overheat the foil and glass, as well as melt too much tin.
- After completing the soldering of the pattern, remove the wooden frame and bring the iron blanks to the sides of the painting.
- Using tin, solder them to the image where they touch the seams.
Leave the product to cool in a dry ventilated area for an hour or two. When it reaches room temperature, rinse the painting well with a sponge, water and degreasing detergents.
Now your creation can be hung on the wall or placed on a shelf.
Filled stained glass: master class
Try to make stained glass windows with your child - the kid will surely enjoy the process of non-standard drawing. The main thing is to follow the safety rules: after all, your main material - glass - can lead to injuries and cuts.
Prepare stained glass paints - easily found in large stationery stores - and a small square piece of glass. Pre-insert it into a frame with rounded corners to protect your child from sharp edges.
With a dark paint, draw the thin lines of the sketch on the glass with your own hands. The most commonly used color is black. You have delineated hollow areas. Near the black color, but not on it, drip a few times with a colored shade - it should spread itself over the cell.
You can create beautiful do-it-yourself stained-glass windows for candlestick decor by watching the following video.
This technique can be used to decorate a glass photo frame, a locker door, or a window in a nursery.
In this article: real look for making stained-glass windows at home:
- what types of stained glass are suitable for making at home
- what tools and materials are needed for work
- what training courses can you trust, find out course reviews and see the works of beginners
- watch video tutorials on making stained glass at home
- find out where to start
The creation of stained glass is an ancient art that used to be available only to select masters, but nowadays it is very possible to make a beautiful stained glass window yourself at home. Of course, you will not make a stained glass window using medieval technology in this way, but modern materials and modern technologies allow you to create very beautiful compositions that outwardly differ little from those very ancient stained glass windows. 
Methods for creating stained glass windows, which are suitable.
There are many ways to make a stained glass window. In some cases, the manufacture of stained glass windows is a rather laborious and complex process that requires the mandatory presence of special equipment, while other methods allow you to make a stained glass window with your own hands at home is relatively simple. The word is relative - the key. Stained glass cannot be done without cost 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. Such stained-glass windows are assembled from pieces of glass held by metal partitions. This is a rather complicated and time-consuming job that requires special equipment and skills, besides, such stained-glass windows are expensive. And they also turn out to be quite heavy, so you cannot install such a stained glass window on some fragile structure. However, as the saying goes, "hunting is greater than bondage", and such trifles cannot get in the way of creating beauty.
Now you can buy ready-made glass for stained glass in specialized stores. The choice is fascinating, since 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 for the manufacture of 1 sq. M of stained-glass surface, as a rule, 1.5 - 2 sq. M. Is required. glass. For the manufacture of lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers, glass with a thickness of 3-4 mm is used, and the thickness for different types of glass may hesitate within one sheet of glass, therefore, it is difficult to calculate the required amount of glass for a piece. Unclaimed pieces of expensive material will surely remain.
How easily and simply make a classic stained glass window Svetlana Romanova and Marat Ka can be seen in this video.
Advice from an experienced stained glass artist:
“You don’t need to buy a glass sander yet,” said the shop assistant. “At first, just take a touchstone and grind the sharp edges. Then, when you get the skills, buy a typewriter.
The advice seemed reasonable, and the rather high price of the typewriter prompted to postpone its purchase until later. And we followed this advice.
So gentlemen, if someone ever advises you like that, send the advisor to hell. The very first thing that a beginner stained glass painter should buy is a glass grinder.
Without it, work will turn into torment. Especially at first, when you have not yet learned how to cut glass precisely along the contours and you have to remove a lot of unnecessary things to give the curved lines of the details an accurate shape. "
This type of stained glass also includes the Tiffany technology, which involves collecting pieces of glass on a copper tape.
At home, you can make a stained glass window using Tiffany's technology, but this also requires the ability to work with glass.
- The work on creating a stained glass window begins with a sketch. The details should also not be too small, otherwise they simply will not be able to be properly cut out of glass.
- The sketch is cut into parts, each part is applied to a sheet of colored glass of the desired color, after which, using a glass cutter, a part is cut out.
- Then the edge of the parts will need to be sharpened evenly and wrapped in copper foil. When everything is ready, the details need to be folded into a composition, pressing tightly against each other.
- The edge of the foil should be coated with soldering acid, and then the seams should be connected using a tin and a soldering iron. At the end of the work, you will need to wash the stained-glass window so that no plaque remains on the seams. This can be done with a regular detergent.
- The seams will need to be covered with patina, and then rinsed again, thereby completing the work.
Film stained glass
Stained glass making this type best for home use, since there is no need to buy special equipment and expensive materials. This is a stained-glass window on glass, but on a single piece, the glass does not need to be cut into pieces, there is no need to grind, no need to spend money on adhesive plasters, because there will be no cuts on the fingers... The entire pattern is mounted on solid glass. This can be window glass, a door or decorative panel on the entire wall, or a tiny decorative element.
To do film stained glass, You will need a special film. The quality leaders available on our markets are English films from Regalead. This is not an ordinary self-adhesive film, it is a surprisingly technological imitation of glass, the film consists of a dye located between two durable layers that do not transmit ultraviolet light and protect the paint from fading, as well as withstand temperatures from -45 degrees to + 135 degrees Celsius. Films have an incredible range of colors and textures, and also differ in the degree of transparency.
To cut the 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, digital devices for accurate cutting according to the applied pattern. At home, it is enough to have scissors.
And, of course, a special lead tape for connecting the pieces of film. And, of course, a good teacher. These include the artist Irina Kiseleva, she will tell and show, teach where to get what and how to do it, publishes an electronic magazine to help beginners, is engaged in the creation of stained-glass windows and training in the creation of stained-glass windows professionally.
Fusing
In another way, this technique is called sintering. Pre-cut pieces of colored glass are laid out on a colorless glass base, placed in an oven and sintered together under the influence of temperature. Also, other objects can be used to create a pattern, for example, colored sand with which patterns are laid out, or wire. Of course, you cannot get contour images with this method, but the abstractions are bizarre and beautiful. The technique is attractive, the products are mesmerizingly beautiful, but look at the video, what equipment is used to make such gizmos.
Sandblasted stained glass
The technique for making stained-glass windows of this type consists in the use of air flow and sand. There are three subspecies of this type of stained glass, which differ in the ways of using an air jet and colored sand.
Etching
Stained glass windows are made with acid. A special protective film is applied to the glass, as well as a stencil with the contours of the pattern, along which the image is melted. Such stained-glass windows are embossed, with three-dimensional patterns. It should be noted that the technique of working with acid is very dangerous and therefore rarely used. In order not to be poisoned by acid vapors, artists wear respirators and special clothing. Not suitable for the house at all.
Cast stained glass
A sophisticated technique, in which each glass module is cast or blown by hand, while giving the glass a special texture that enhances the refraction of light and gives expressiveness to the stained glass. Glasses are fastened together with metal fittings and cement mortar.
Painted stained glass
This technique implies the mandatory use of painting. And such a product can be called a stained-glass window with a stretch, but nevertheless. The surface of the glass is painted either with opaque acrylic paints and then, after drying, it is 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.
Filled contour stained-glass window
In fact, this is just an imitation of a classic stained glass window, since no glass processing is required here. Stained glass making this type is performed using a special paint. First, a contour is applied, which simulates a stained-glass frame, and then another layer of paint is poured into the area bounded by the contour.
Where to begin?
Choose a drawing, or draw yourself, go to the store, buy a bunch of unnecessary materials on the advice of a cheerful seller and ... SHOULD FILL THE WHOLE WORK?
Stained-glass windows, however, are not the easiest thing to do. Even the easiest way, film, requires certain knowledge and skills. After all, what is a profession is knowledge of nuances! Therefore, if you want to know, how to make stained glass with your own hands, contact professionals with professional nuances, do not enter into statements about the ease of the process that does not require preparation, this is not.
Go to courses in your city in the workshops of artists, buy special literature, watch video tutorials. Although on the internet enough ridiculous recommendations for making stained glass paints with your own hands, for example.
Therefore, the phrase "contact professionals" will never lose its relevance. Turn to professionals, it will save you your time and your money.
The artist Irina Kiseleva has been dealing with stained-glass windows for a long time. Her professional career began with a stained glass company. The artist maintains an electronic journal where she shares tips with readers, and she also has a video training course, which was created especially for those who want to learn how to create stained glass windows.
Irina Kiseleva's training course reviews
Irina Terekhova presented a photo of her work and words of gratitude to the author of the course (source of information vse-v-tvoih-rukah.ru):
I liked the poems of M. Tsvetaeva:
"Do not forbid yourself to create, even if it sometimes comes out crookedly, no one can repeat your ridiculous motives!" M. Tsvetaeva
You can view 120 photos with ideas for using stained glass in the interior HERE.
Good luck in your endeavors!
There are several easy tricks for making stained glass at home.
Real stained glass is not cheap and is made by experienced craftsmen. There are several simple techniques for making stained glass at home. A window opening or a door with stained glass will add an authentic touch to the room. Stained glass looks expensive and, finally, it is simply beautiful.
There are several easy tricks for making stained glass at home. They will not require any unusual skill or a lot of money from you. On whatman paper or tracing paper, a pencil sketch of the stained glass you like is applied. These may be: animal silhouettes, geometric patterns, exotic birds or floral designs. Fragments of the sketch are marked with the desired color tone.
Types of technologies for the production of stained glass
Stained glass can be used in the decoration of a wide variety of interior items. Glasses can be inserted into window frames, doors, ceilings, used as a partition screen or apron in the kitchen. Sometimes they are decorated with a stained-glass mirror frame.
To create a stained glass window, you will need a palette of translucent and volumetric paints, markers for marking and sketches of the drawing on tracing paper. After the completion of the work, the bulk stained glass window can be fixed with transparent varnish. After heat treatment, the stained glass window is made moisture resistant.
Tiffany stained glass is a little more difficult to make. From materials you will need a set of colored glass and stained glass foil. If you have the skill in cutting glass and working with a soldering iron, then making a Tiffany stained glass window will not be difficult.
Film stained glass is the easiest to make. A multi-colored translucent self-adhesive film is cut out according to sketches and glued to the glass. Work can be performed even on a vertical plane without dismantling the glass. The choice of colored self-adhesive films in hardware stores is very large.
The work on the manufacture of any type of stained glass does not tolerate haste, requires attention and scrupulousness.
Production of flooded stained-glass windows
A sketch of a stained-glass drawing in a scale of 1: 1 is placed on a horizontally installed table. On top of the sketch, glass is cleaned from dirt and degreased. Relief paint is applied along the contour lines of the drawing. Tubes of such paint are equipped with nozzles of different diameters, and in the range of colors there are tones similar to the colors of metals. The relief paint is applied along the contour with uniform rollers, and after drying it forms a side 3-4 mm high.
Contour edging can be made from a special stained glass tape. This is a lead strip on a self-adhesive base in metallized colors. The tape can be of a natural lead color or imitating copper, bronze, gilding, etc. The width of the tape has different dimensions.
Sometimes the edging is made of aluminum wire from 2 mm thick. The wire is flattened with a hammer, bent along the outline of the sketch, coated with thick PVA glue and pressed tightly against the glass.
Paints for stained glass drawing are used acrylic, diluted with water, or a colored varnish is prepared. For colored varnish, a little transparent nitro varnish is collected in clean plastic jars and diluted with a solvent to a liquid consistency. Add some oil art paint and stir. Colored varnish is poured into the free openings of the stained glass pattern according to the marked markings and left to dry in a horizontal position. The tone and thickness of the colored varnish layer is selected depending on the required light transmission of the stained glass.
Aniline or acrylic paints are diluted with water with the addition of PVA emulsion. The paint is applied with strokes, from the outline of the fragment to the middle. After the first layer has dried and the color saturation has been corrected, the final filling of the stained glass fragments is performed.
The stained glass window is covered with transparent varnish, and when installed in the frame, a rubber seal is used.
Tiffany stained glass technology
Two sketches of the stained glass drawing are being prepared. Fragments on them are numbered and color-coded. One of the sketches is cut along the contour lines into fragments. The cut out elements will serve as a template for cutting colored glass.
Tiffany stained glass sets are sold in hardware stores or art stores. They have different thickness, texture and color density. It is advisable to purchase glass of uniform quality and always of the same thickness. Edging copper foil - folia is also purchased there. Folia - a strip of copper foil with a one-sided adhesive surface. Depending on the type of patina chosen, a black or copper foliage is obtained.
Fragments of a sketch of a stained-glass window cut out of paper are glued to colored glass. Elements of the pattern are cut out on them with a glass cutter. Using a grinder, the part is sized and chamfered. Glass elements are degreased and blotted dry with a napkin. Each piece is wrapped in a foliage.
A second whole sketch of the stained glass is placed on a sheet of thick plywood. Stained glass elements are laid on it, starting from the corner. Along the outer perimeter, the stained-glass window is fixed with strips or baguette slats. The laid out several elements are nailed and soldered.
The seams are treated with flux, and the tin solder is evenly distributed over them with a red-hot soldering iron. Wooden slats along the perimeter are removed and the stained-glass window is edged with a U-shaped frame profile. The contact points of the profile and seams are seized by soldering for strength.
The fully soldered Tiffany stained glass window reveals a patina at the seams. The patina solution is applied with a sponge. The stained glass is cleaned with a glass cleaner and installed in the frame.
The simplest film stained-glass windows
To make stained glass from self-adhesive film, you will need:
- a set of translucent multi-colored adhesive films;
- lead stained glass tape;
- scissors;
- stationery knife;
- sketch;
- marker.
Works can be performed even in the vertical position of the glass. Dirt is removed from the glass and wiped with a degreasing solvent. Fragments of the stained-glass window are cut out of the film of different colors in accordance with the pattern. A sketch drawing of a stained-glass window is glued to the opposite side of the glass on double-sided tape.
Along the lines visible through the glass, an embossed rim made of lead flexible tape is glued. The joints of the contour board can be soldered. Colored pieces of film are glued into free openings. The film is applied in the central part of the fragment and smoothed over the edges of the contour. Excess film is trimmed with a sharp clerical knife. The air sinuses formed during the application of the film are pierced with a needle and smoothed out with your fingers.
Conclusion
Home-made stained glass is difficult to distinguish from factory glass. Be patient and attentive when working. Stained glass for windows is advised to be placed on the south side of the house. In this case, they look more beautiful in the light and "steal" little sunlight. published by