"Faux-Finish Stained-Glass Window"

If you're out on the flea market circuit this summer, you might spot old leaded windows with cracked panes. They can be transformed into real gems. Minor cracks can be camouflaged by using window paints to add texture and color. Once the gel dries it becomes translucent, creating a stained-glass look.

Materials & Tools:
•An old window with leaded design that has cracked panes (available at flea markets, salvage centers or garage sales)
•Window paint colors (I used yellow, orange, dark green, light green, dark blue, light blue)
•A small artist's spatula
•A fine-tip paintbrush
•Damp cloth or paper towels
•Swag ceiling hooks (available at hardware retailers)

Materials are available at arts and crafts stores or online.

Using this technique is less expensive than having the cracks repaired professionally or purchasing the equipment to do it yourself.

Sand, paint or strip the window frame if needed prior to the paint application. I left the frame in its natural state. Before starting, clean the panes with a light soapy cloth and wipe dry.

To create a beveled stained-glass effect, I mixed two paint colors of similar hues in each pane. I did two diamond-shape panes in each of the following color combinations: yellow with orange, dark and light green, and then dark and light blue. Work on one color combination at a time. Apply the paints directly from the tubes. Squeeze orange paint onto a window pane in a swirl motion and then apply the yellow paint in the same manner over and around the orange. Use a spatula to blend and spread the two colors in a criss-cross manner to completely cover one pane area at a time.

Do not overmix the colors. When dry, the spatula-blended strokes will have a brilliant, translucent stained-glass look. For a clean finish, use a fine-tip paintbrush to apply the paint along the edges of the lead strip shapes. Wipe the lead lines with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any excess paint.

Repeat the same step for each additional color combination for the remaining panes. Let the paint dry for at least 24 hours until it becomes translucent. Touch-ups or a second application can be added if needed. Once the paint is dry, turn the window pane over and repeat the whole process. This way no one will know which side or pane had a crack.

Use swag ceiling hooks to hang your stained glass creation. Old window frames can make intriguing wall or ceiling decorative accents, especially if used between two rooms.

Miy Tips:
•Do not let your project dry in the sun, room temperature is recommended.
•The same process can be used on regular windows and other glass items around your home. Use self-adhesive lead strips, which can allow you to transform plain windows and glass doors or panels into original works of art.
Miy Variations:
•Children can keep busy this summer making their own creations.
•Once a basic design like a flower, ladybug or geometric shapes are dry, they can be easily peeled off and repositioned onto windows and other surfaces, like mirrors, vases, candles, ceramic tiles, metal, assorted jars and assorted home plastic accessories.

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