Stained Glass - A New Art Hobby for 2018

Have you made a resolution for the New Year to try an art or a craft which you have never done?

Try stained glass. This form of art will test both your art and craft talents and skills. This form of religious story telling has been with us for over a thousand years. Stained glass is considered both an art and a craft and it will be your skill level which determines the starting point. 

There are beginner kits and an assorted number of mediums which may be used rather than glass. Try something simple at first, then do a sample of projects using other mediums, and finally make a traditional stained glass project. Making and experimenting with the different types of mediums will be an educational experience, skill building, and discovering your favorite niche. 

Cathedrals and churches were the first to fill their windows with religious stories and spiritual entities to communicate to the masses when books were not available to the public.

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​List of Medium alternatives for Glass:
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1. Acrylic panels: Purchase a clear acrylic sheet and transparent paints designed for stained glass application. Upon completion of this project its appearance will be very similar to glass. It will add beauty to the home interior, is less costly, saves time, and safer than real glass. Other tools may be necessary depending on the type and size of the project.
2. Plexiglas: is also an acrylic but is manufactured stronger and will cost more than standard acrylic but it has a longer life than real glass and not as expensive.
3. Glass paint and faux leading: paints which can be used are enamel and formulated acrylic tints designed for glass. Lead trimming is used in traditional work. Faux leading is fake and available as a liquid or paste.
4. Resin: Liquid acrylic usually used for small projects and jewelry.
5. Colored tissue paper
6. Melted pony beads
7. Contact paper

Dancing Lights

Mosaic style of stained glass for a Christmas ornament.

This is the beauty of the light rays which enter a room and make it sparkle with color and warmth.

The discoveries of new materials and better technology have undone certain traditions and created new and better ways. The new mediums open other opportunities which do not require actual glass to be used. 


Stained Glass Usage

1. Windows and doors
2. Interior décor of homes and offices to compliment with light, art, and color
3. Exterior windows to allow sunlight to stream through artwork highlighting a room with light, mood, and energy..
4. Art work on home décor – lamps, mirrors, panels, room dividers, and containers
5. Furniture
6. Jewelry
7. Food and beverage containers
8. home and garden containers
9. Art pieces of many different subjects
   
   ​As your interests grow and change other projects may be discovered or invented by your personal creativity and imagination. 

Read more

Stained glass can do wonders for a bay window.

Add color, warmth, and beauty as a room divider.

Framed art work beautifies any wall.

Stained glass lamps are very popular.