Simple Glass Painting Project Ideas

Glass painting is a great way to achieve stunning decorative effects on plain glass. Unlike stained glass work where specialist equipment, supplies and knowledge is required, glass painting can be undertaken at home using the most basic of equipment. Simple glass painting projects are ideal for beginner glass painters as these provide the opportunity to learn the basics of glass painting before moving onto more complex or advanced projects.

Simple Glass Painting Project Ideas

Simple glass painting projects ideas include items that are created using items that are readily available and low cost.

• Glass jar candle holders – one of the most attractive features of glass paint is its translucent effect. This makes glass paint ideal for making candle holders as the candle light highlights and emphasizes the colours of the glass paint. Recycled glass jars make great candle holders and can be decorated with glass paints. Patterns can be painted free-hand or ready-made templates and patterns can be printed and placed inside the glass jar and the pattern followed with outline paint.
• Sun catchers – glass sun catchers are a popular glass painting project. Sun catcher blanks can be purchased from craft shops as well as specialist glass painting shops. Many sun catcher templates and patterns are available for free and these are a great way to try new designs.
• Glass bottles – glass bottles can be recycled into attractive vinegar or oil containers with some glass painting designs. Keep a look out for bottles with flat sides as these are easier to paint.
• Mirrors – glass paint can also be painted onto mirrors and this is a fun way to give a new lease of life to an old mirror. Mirrors that are most suitable for glass painting are those without a frame. Second hand mirrors can be found in charity shops or jumble sales. Painting around the edges of a mirror will add colour and interest without detracting from the usefulness of the mirror.
• Handmade cards – in addition to painting onto glass, it is possible to paint onto other transparent materials such as acetate and film. These make interesting additions to handmade cards. As these are typically small, making embellishments for handmade cards is a great way to practice glass painting techniques on a small scale.
• Other glass items – there are a surprising number of other glass items that are great for simple glass painting projects. Cheap glass salt and pepper pots, for instance, can be given a makeover using glass paint and turned into attractive dining accessories.

Glass Painting Patterns and Templates

There are many free simple glass painting patterns and templates available. These can be found in magazines and on the Internet. There are also a wide range of glass painting books that offer patterns and templates to be used with specific projects. Bold and simple patterns are easiest for beginners to follow. Using ready-made patterns and templates is a convenient and low-risk way for beginners to add designs to glass. Many patterns and templates also show images of the finished item or offer step by step instructions which makes them easy to follow. Here are some tips for using glass painting templates.

• Try different colour schemes on paper first using coloured marker pens.
• Keep patterns and templates after use in a folder for future reference.
• Patterns can be customised by using a typing corrector fluid to blank out any areas of the design that are no longer required and a black marker pen to add in new lines.

Glass painting is a fun and rewarding hobby and there are many interesting yet simple projects that are ideal for beginners as well as those with more experience.