The Faux Leaded Glass Window

My latest project deserves a post. Not because it was overly amazing, but it's a DIY that you can do too!

Love the look of vintage leaded glass windows? Well, you can put a custom leaded glass window look in your house for a fraction of the cost of the real thing.

The hardest thing about this project is deciding on a design that works for your space and style. The window I wanted to "makeover" was my window in my stairwell. I put in interior wood shutters, which I love, but I still wanted something interesting without overpowering the small area. I decided on making my own faux leaded window with no stained glass coloring. I previously made one of these for a window we didn't end up using, so this is my "take two."

My window is 56x32", so not a small accent window, but a substantial focal window. The thing that needed the most planning was factoring in the size. Hobby Lobby sells all you need, but the thin plexi glass sheets do not come large enough. In fact, I needed 3 of their largest size ($6.99 each before coupon) to fill up my window. With that came strategic design plans and making a pattern that disguised the seams. Here is what I came up with:

I did end up tweaking it a bit more after this template to account for the window plastic frame it would sit on top of. Yes, this window will be attached to the existing window with the ability to take it off later with no damage to your house's actual window. Drawing this design was fun and a bit of a challenge, if it seems too daunting for you, I suggest simply searching online for a design already made and copy it, altering it to your size needs. After your template is set, cut your plexi glass sheets to sizes that meet your measurements. In my case I used 1 24x32 sheet and 2 16x32 sheets on top and bottom to fill up the space evenly...that's why there are solid black lines that stretch from one end to the other about a 1/3 up and down from the edges; to hide the seams. I'll highlight them so you can better visualize.

  I then picked up liquid leading, faux lead strips, and different clear glass application paint. Etching, crystal clear, and frosted. I also planned to apply each of these in different ways to ensure a patchwork look of different glasses. You can get a ton of different colors with this brand as well, but again, for this project, I wanted no color. I also had some spare glass vase filler beads and added those in for texture and another glass element.

I cut and planned and measured a ton, and then, you just have to go for it! As it is, this stuff is not expensive, and it's not on anything permanent. So, don't worry! The worst case scenario is just tossing it in the trash and nothing changes.

I mentioned applying the different paints in different ways to add style and believability to the piece. I chose a stiff paint brush for horizontal strokes, a foam sponge brush for dabbing (leaving bubbles), and using the tip of the paint nozzle in circular motions for "swirls."

Here is a picture of the paint still drying and curing, so it appears white until fully dry. You can also see the glass bead vase filler placed with heavy duty glue dots. I used a lot of the faux leaded lines on the long straight runs, for obvious reasons. I did run out of strips, so some of the lines are the liquid leading. All the swirls, circles, leaves, and petal-type designs are done with the liquid leading.  The trick is holding the nozzle off the surface and go slow, letting the liquid slowly lay evenly down on the plexi glass. (Remember to take off the plastic protective covering on the plexi glass first!) I had my template underneath the plexi glass, so it was simply "tracing" over the design.

Here is  the center panel with no fancy design, just the line work, making sure my strips align up against the edges where the other panels will connect...making that seam "disappear." You can also see the protective plastic film on the underside of the plexi glass. I suggest keeping that there until you hang it up. No sense in exposing it to scuffs and scratches early on. I say this, and yet, I still ended up with some scratches...I don't know how.

I installed each section with just a generous dap of hot glue in the corners on the plastic window trim of the existing window. I did struggle a bit between keeping the lines straight, and keeping them fluid from one section to the other. It's not perfect, but it's pretty darn close. It looks how I envisioned it and I am glad I did all the work. It was a weekend project, from Friday evening to Sunday evening. I did stop for long periods of time (i.e. eating, soccer games, dry time) but it will take some planning and patience...maybe less if your window is smaller and/or your pattern is simpler.

I apologize for the poor pictures. This stairwell is impossible to photograph, and believe me, I have tried! I still feel you can appreciate the window in them though, so that's all that matters. You can clearly see some scratches in the middle panel. The one I spent the least amount of time fussing with. You couldn't even see them until I peeled off the plastic sheet while hanging them up. I certainly wasn't going to stop and redo it right then, so we are calling it character for now. Roll with it. ;-)

Total cost of this DIY: ~$35 (always use that 40% coupon at Hobby Lobby!)