17 Homemade Stained Glass Window Plans You Can DIY Easily

Stained-glass windows can add a touch of elegance to any building, and some of the best examples can be truly stunning. The biggest problem for the average homeowner, though, is the cost since they don’t come cheap.

However, if you have some basic DIY skills and a little creative spark, it’s not difficult to make them yourself. To help, we’ve scoured the web to see what other people have been trying – and here are our top 17 stained-glass window plans you can DIY easily.

1. Make an Easy Faux Stained-Glass Window

If you’re looking to make your own high-quality stained-glass window that will look as good as anything you can buy from a store – but that will cost you a whole lot less – this is the plan you need. You will probably have to buy a few materials from your local craft store the first time you try (primarily the glass stain colors), but the outstanding results you will be able to achieve will make the initial outlay worth it. A great plan and well worth a look.

2. Faux Stained Glass Tutorial

Here’s a lively video that takes you through the process of making faux stained glass at home using just some simple items that are easy to find. We enjoyed watching this YouTuber create a large and elaborate design on a sheet of Plexiglas, and as you can see, the result is highly impressive. A great way to make fake stained glass at home at a fraction of the cost of the real thing.

3. How to Make Stained Glass Using 2 Ingredients

This is a very simple plan that allows you to create your own stained glass using only glue and acrylic paint, two inexpensive items you will easily be able to pick up from your local craft store. However, just because it doesn’t cost much, that doesn’t mean it will look cheap. Have a look at the photo of the stained-glass peacock on the site if you want to see what we mean. Amazing!

4. DIY Faux Stained-Glass Farmhouse Vintage Window

As this YouTuber explains, this DIY project takes a while to complete, so if you plan to try it yourself, you will need to arm yourself with a good amount of patience before you start. However, it’s worth persevering because the result is stunning. At the end, she also gives you a couple of tips to avoid some of the problems she encountered – so your version will probably end up looking even better!

5. DIY Faux Stained Glass

When you open this page, the first thing you see is a photo of a beautiful homemade stained-glass window in an attractive modern kitchen, and if that isn’t enough to inspire you to have a go at making some, then nothing will. If you agree – and you want to try – this blog gives you all the information you need. There’s a list of the required supplies, clear instructions – and plenty of photos that will show you what you should be doing. Simple, inexpensive and great fun – and sure to give you stunning results, too.

6. How to Make a Stained-Glass Window

This highly professional video gives you an introduction to the process of making true stained glass. Many home DIYers might prefer something a little simpler, but if you want to learn about making the real thing, this video will teach you how. And even if it’s too complicated for you to try, it’s fascinating to learn about how stained glass is made.

7. DIY Stained-Glass Window

Whenever you need a plan for a DIY project, the Instructables site is always a great place to look. They have hundreds of plans for just about anything you can think of making or building at home, and they always include clear step-by-step instructions, great photos, useful illustrations – and everything else you will need to make a success of the job. This plan for stained-glass windows is no different, so if you want to try making some beautiful creations of your own, check it out!

8. How to Make Leaded Windows and Stained Glass Easily and Cheaply

We’re sure this is a video that will appeal to many people. As the introduction explains, this YouTuber and DIY enthusiast came up with the idea for this project when he moved into a new home and found he didn’t like the front door. He was horrified by the price of buying a new stained-glass door, so he decided to make one himself. And this video documents how it went.

9. DIY Faux Stained Glass At Home With Ashley

In this blog, you’ll find out about how, while renovating her laundry room, this blogger decided to attempt to add a homemade DIY stained-glass transom window. As with all the best plans, there’s a list of the necessary equipment and materials you’ll need as well as some clear instructions. We enjoyed reading the personal anecdotes about the project the blogger includes that make this even more fun and informative. There’s also a useful video showing how the project went.

10. How to Fake Custom Stained Glass with Elmer’s Glue!

It’s always so much fun to discover those little hacks that allow you to create something attractive without needing to spend loads of time or money on the project. If that’s a sentiment you agree with, check out this video on making fake stained glass just using glue.

11. How to Make Stained Glass

Another of our favorite online resources for many fun and funky DIY projects is WikiHow. If you don’t know the site, it has instructions for how to do just about anything you can imagine. Like all the “how-to” plans on this site, this one includes a clear step-by-step guide along with useful illustrations to show what you should be doing throughout the process. We also appreciate the comments section at the end where the WikiHow community can share comments and ideas to help with everyone else’s projects.

12. Recreating Stained Glass with Resin

We love the concept of this YouTube channel. This couple find things they think they can make themselves, produce their own version and compare it with the store-bought alternative. Here, it’s the turn of stained glass vs. their DIY stained glass made from resin. It’s a fascinating watch, and we also enjoyed their enthusiasm and passion for the task.

13. A Stained-Glass Window that Hangs on the Wall

This plan is for an project that could be used to fill a bare space on a wall. These DIYers made this stained-glass window that is designed to be hung up, and we think it makes a striking addition to their home. As well as looking great, it also cost them very little, so if you are looking for an inexpensive way to create a beautiful decorative element for a wall, have a look to find out how they did it.

14. DIY Faux Stained-Glass Window

Here’s another fun idea for a YouTube channel – these DIYers specialize in doing makeovers on college dorm rooms, turning them from soulless digs to cozy and welcoming places to live and study. In this video, they make a fake stained-glass window – give it a watch to see how they manage it.

15. DIY Stained Glass by Dorrie

The title of this tutorial is a little misleading since it doesn’t show you how to make stained glass – not in the sense of glass with colors, anyway. Here, what you can learn to make is patterned glass, which, as the blogger explains, was her solution for french doors that she found were constantly covered in kiddies’ fingerprints. We thought she did a great job, too, so we thought it was worthy of a place on our list. What do you think?

16. Poor Man’s Stained Glass for My Front Door

This video is a little strange since there’s no sound apart from the noise of the brushstrokes. There’s no commentary or music, which makes it slightly unnerving. However, we still wanted to include it because it shows this DIYer completing an impressive project making a stained-glass window, and for much less than the real thing would cost. Just for this reason, it’s well worth a look.

17. DIY Stained-Glass Windows from Four Items

Some of the best DIY plans work well because they keep things simple and uncomplicated. If that sounds like the kind of thing you appreciate, this blog should be of interest – it provides a plan and instructions for homemade stained-glass windows that you can make with only four basic items. There are also only four steps to follow, and in no time, you’ll have a set of attractive stained-glass windows of your own.

Loads of great ideas for you to try at home

As you can see, the internet is full of great suggestions for how to make stained glass at home, and many of these plans yield some exceptional results.

We always love looking at other people’s ideas because it always inspires us to have a go too. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading and watching these plans as much as we did finding them, and above all, we hope you’ve found lots of inspiration for your next DIY project.

DIY Stained Glass Window

Introduction: DIY Stained Glass Window

Have you ever wanted to make a stained glass window? To peer through its beautiful symmetry into the scenery outside? Well, maybe this isn’t made of glass, but this is a safe, easy, educational, and fun way to make a stained glass window.

Step 1: Making Your Design

This is the most creative and mathematical part of making your stained glass window. Making your design! When you make it, make sure to write down each step you take, as you will need to recreate it later. If you don’t know what to make, try getting a design from the internet. Once you are happy with your design, we can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Transferring to Black Card

There are numerous materials that will work well for the purpose of your «lead filled» areas of the stained glass window, so be creative! What I used was black card, which is simple to cut and looks nice. Draw your design using the steps you wrote down in making it as a guide on black card (or whatever other material you chose!) and take your time. It is hard to erase if you make a mistake.

NOTE: If you want your stained glass window to have a back and a front, instead of having glued paper on the back, do this with 2 of your material. (This is optional)

Step 3: Getting Ready to Cut

Before we start cutting, we need to know where we will cut, as the window will look ugly if we just cut random areas, so shade in all the areas you will cut. Make sure there are some areas that go uncut, or else your window will fall apart and it will be boring (like mine did).

Step 4: Cutting!

When you are cutting, make sure there is an adult nearby and you have a cutting board (a clipboard will do too!), then use an exact-o knife to cut out all the shapes you shaded in last step. Go slowly because you could hurt yourself or mess up the design if you don’t take your time to do this.

Step 5: Putting on the Glassine

Glassine is a thin paper that easily tears but is safe from paper cuts. Colored glassine is used to make this stained glass window, and glassine acts like two normal colors do when put together. For example, the whole stained glass window is actually yellow, the sides just have pink added to make them orange. The way to add the glassine is by cutting or tearing it and then gluing it onto your stained glass window. If you remember from step 2, you can have a back layer for your stained glass window. This just makes the back look nicer and does not affect the final product in any way other than that. For the people that did do that though, just glue the back portion on.

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12 Stunning DIY Stained Glass Window Plans

Stained glass is a timeless way to make a window or other feature look colorful and exquisite.

While it is typically associated with churches, there is nothing saying you can’t have your own. You can even make it out of other materials.

This is a fun project and a great way to update any space. Here are a few DIY stained glass plans you can implement if you want to make your own stained glass feature.

12 DIY Stained Glass Window Plans

1. Basic Design

Regardless of what you choose to create, there are a few basic steps that you need to follow. While this is not so suitable for a window, you can do this with other materials.

You’ll need: some type of pattern, safety glasses, gloves, glass or a mirror, copper tape, solder, flux, a grinder, a cutter, a flux brush, and a sharpie. Cut out the pattern and trace it onto your material with a permanent marker.

Cut out the shapes carefully, then wrap the edges in the copper tape. Use a soldering iron intended for lead soldering on the copper tape, then clean your design with cool water.

2. Make a Door

This one is a lot more difficult, but it’s a perfect way to add a unique touch to any space.

You’ll need: an oil-filled cutter, running pliers, breaking pliers, a grinding wheel, a soldering iron, markers, a steel ruler, a craft knife, different colors and textures, copper foil, solder, flux, A3 paper, and masking tape. Follow the steps outlined in this article carefully, and you’ll have a beautiful door as a result!

3. Blue Suncatcher

Suncatchers are traditional ornaments that are believed to be good luck.

You will need: blue and clear glass, solder, copper foil, copper wire, decorative steel wire, pattern and scissors, marker, straight edge, cutter oil and a sponge applicator, a cutter, grozer-breaker, grinder, safety glasses, manila folders, paper towels, cardboard, push pins, flux, paint brush, and cleaner.

Draw your pattern, choose your colors, and cut accordingly. Wrap it in copper foil and solder. Clean it up and you’re done!

4. Recreate on Paper

You can also something with paper, which is undoubtedly a lot safer and easier. This article lists using a computer design program, as well as the Cricut program for this project.

You can find a design, such as in church, that appeals to you, or you can draw your own using the software listed. In the end, showcase it however you’d like- frame it, put it on your walls, or anything you choose!

5. A Lion

You can also choose to create a lion. Lions are fierce and impressive and could even make a perfect gift for someone you know. The steps for a lion are similar to the ones listed above; you’re going to need the same materials, as well as the template of the design you wish to create.

If you have any trouble with making a part of the design a bit smoother, then come back to it later. Add the finishing touches to your project.

6. Faux Stained Glass

Once again, you can use other materials to make a beautiful piece. This example used epoxy resin and plywood. A CNC machine was used to cut out the stencil. Then, tape the back of the stencil so that it can catch the resin.

Fill the cells of your design as neatly as you can so that no resin gets on the plywood. And once you’ve let it dry, you’ll have something similar to stained glass, but without the danger!

7. Do-It-Yourself Necklace

If making jewelry is something you enjoy doing, you can make your own necklace. You can even make necklaces and then open a shop to sell them!

You’ll need transparent shrinky dinks, permanent markers, scissors, paper, tape, a pen, a craft knife, metallic spray paint, clear nail polish, jewelry pliers, and chain and jump rings in the colors of your choice. The directions are simple, and you’ll have something that would fool anyone into thinking it was real glass!

8. Window

And here is perhaps one of the most common items that people wish to create out of stained glass.

However, keep in mind that it isn’t easy. You’ll need colored glass, diamond cutter, copper foil that is self-adhesive, permanent markers, a brush, flux, a soldering iron, pliers, and acetone thinner. You’ll also need to be patient and careful, of course, since this isn’t something that can be done in a short amount of time. Good luck!

Video Guide

9. Exquisite Feather

The directions for this one will be very similar to the directions for the suncatcher, so we won’t go into too much detail here.

But, if you don’t want to make an entire suncatcher, or you’re just starting out and want something more simple to do, this is the perfect way to start. You can choose any design you’d like and you can make the feather any size you prefer. Have fun!

10. Flower Ring

This is another cute jewelry piece that would make a perfect gift for one of your girlfriends or relatives. Or, of course, for your own collection!

This could be a great project to do with children on a rainy day, too. For this one, you’re only going to need wire, pliers, and nail polish. Loop the wire in a design you’d like and then drop a glob of nail polish into the loops. Fix the wire with your pliers so that it can be fit into a ring, and you’re finished! Not only is this a simple way to make a ring, but it is also very budget-friendly.

11. Faux Window

This is a great way to create a design on a window but without all the danger and hassle. For this project, you will need a ruler, some type of permanent marker, puffy fabric paint, acrylic metallic paint, a foam brush, a paper plate, and some type of pattern. Clean your window and draw the pattern.

You can search online for fun designs that would suit your tastes. Then, paint it as you wish, let it dry, and you’re done! It really was that easy!

12. Paper Stained Earrings

And here is yet another jewelry idea that would be perfect to add to your collection.

You’ll need a silhouette paper cutter, black cardstock, colored and transparent file folders, mod podge, Elmer’s glue, tweezers, a foam brush, a fine-tip paintbrush, wax paper, polycrylic, and any type of jewelry backings that you prefer. You can choose to follow the rules that this person came up with, or you can come up with something on your own!

Stained glass is among one of the oldest forms of home decoration, particularly the windows. According to Wikipedia, it was first introduced by the Gothic Churches and was gradually adopted by homeowners. One of the many reasons why people love stained glass is because it adds both color and architecture to a home.

What is Stained Glass?

You have probably seen stained glass either in your neighborhood or on TV. But, have you always wondered what it is and what it’s made of?

First, the staining occurs through the manufacturing process. The glass is colored using metal oxides and powders. The color is usually determined by the metal used. For instance, iron oxides make green and brown glasses. Today, thanks to modern advancements, scientists have discovered ways on how to add color to glass. You can also make stained glass all by yourself.

How Do You Get Your Hands On Some?

Have you decided to use stained glass to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home? Well, there are two ways on how you can get your hands on some. You can head to glass stores and purchase it. Or rather, you can make stained glass. This article will discuss both of these aspects.

DIY Stained Glass

Making stained glass gives you an opportunity to customize a design that you like. Moreover, knowing how to do this is an excellent business idea. When you become a pro, you can decide to use this skill to start up a local business.

Step 1: Start with A Simple Pattern

Basing on the fact that it is your first time to make stained glass, then you need to start with the baby steps. That is, you should pick a simple project. Also, begin with a small pattern. It will be less complicated.

You will also need to do some digging and find a suitable pattern. You can get a lot of ideas from DelphiGlass (https://www.delphiglass.com/). They have great designs that you can use. You can also look for inspiration from books or your neighbors. But, don’t pick a typical pattern. Be unique.

Step 2: Picking The Type of Glass

The second step is picking the right type of glass. Here, you will have to choose in between opalescent or cathedral glass. The choice is entirely up to you. Nonetheless, when choosing the glass type. Consider the color, transparency, texture and most importantly the price. Each of these two does have its advantages. For instance, cathedral glass requires less pressure to cut through.

On the other hand, opalescent glass does have a higher density and isn’t transparent. If you find it difficult to choose in between the two, you can decide to use both. They will give you a blend of clarity and opaqueness.

Step 3: Buy The Glass and Tools You Will Require

The best place to buy stained glass is from a stained glass shop. There, you will be able to choose from a variety of glass. And, you can be assured of quality.
Don’t also forget to purchase equipment for making stained glass. This includes glass cutters, copper foil, pliers, soldering iron, lightbox, and a grinder.

Step 4: Make The Stained Glass

To make the stained glass, you must first start by tracing the pattern onto the glass with a thick marker. You should then use a glass cutter to cut the glass in both straight lines and curves depending on your design. Be careful not to break other parts of the glass.
You should then put all the pieces together and gently grind them to a perfect shape. Don’t use too much energy. You may risk distorting the shape of the glass. With the aid of a copper foil, foil all the pieces together. When doing this, you need to be patient because it will take up some time.

Step 5: Soldering

The last step is to solder the pieces. Remember to apply some flux on the foil before soldering. You can soldier from the back of the glass so that everything on the front remains intact. The soldering should be done smoothly to create a perfect finish.

By following the above steps, you will have created an excellent piece of stained glass. You can clean it and place it on your window or door.

Buying VS Building?

As fun as making stained glass is, not all of us have the time or resources to do so. If you fall under this category, then you can get your hands on the ready-made stained glass. You can find hundreds of patterns from stained glass shops near you. The advantage of purchasing stained glass is that you not only get to avoid the long and tedious method of making stained glass. But, you also get your hands on perfectly decorated and designed pieces.

Should You Pick Old or New?

Old glass is rare and adds a sense of uniqueness. Antique stores are the best place for you to find old stained glass. But, finding enough glass for several windows can be difficult because old glass is rare. This is where new glass comes in handy. You can order different sizes and matching patterns for the windows in your home. Moreover, with new glass, you have the opportunity to customize the color of glass to match that of the paint on your wall. It’s also okay for you to use both.

Maintenance Tips

Whether you have decided to make or purchase stained glass. It is your responsibility to take care of these gems so that they continue adding beauty to your home. Below are maintenance tips that will ensure your stained glass retains its perfect look for the longest time possible.

• Completely avoid using harsh detergents when cleaning the stained glass.
• Use storm stashes to protect the glass from elements that may weaken it with time.
• Put stoppers on the stained glass especially if it is placed on a window. This will help avoid breakage when it is windy or stormy.
• Use steel wool while cleaning the glass to remove foxing along the soldier lines.
• Repair the glass immediately you notice any cracks.

Summing Up

The list of ways on how you can use stained glass to decorate your home is endless. They add appeal, color, change the quality of interior lighting and much more. Are you tired of the ordinary look of window/door glass in your home? Spice things today by using stained glass.