How to Find Stained Glass Designs and Patterns

Stained glass began as a way of decorating cathedrals with uplifting Biblical scenes, but the patterns are now more an expression of art and culture, and stained glass is used for more than just windows.

Some of the most popular themes of stained glass patterns are flowers/plants, birds, animals, fruit/vegetables, landscapes, seascapes, angels, holiday themes, sky and planets, and abstract art.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tracing paper
• Glass marking pen
• Any of the following: Your imagination & creativity, a computer, or magazines and books

1. Using your computer, visit and search engine and perform a keyword search. There are hundreds of sites dedicated to templates; some are for free stained glass designs that you can print, and others are available to order then download and print, or you can purchase paper patterns and cd collections to mail to your door. Prices start as low as $4 USD per single pattern.
   
   Visit libraries, bookstores, or craft and hardware stores to obtain glass pattern magazines and books.
   
   Use your own creativity and draw your own ideas or turn your favorite works of art into stained glass by simply tracing the existing image—even a photograph—onto another sheet of paper before following the instructions for making stained glass.

2. After you find a pattern, turn it into a stencil by tracing it onto the cardstock paper and cutting the inside design to leave a hollow for you to trace onto the stained glass.

3. Stencil your design on the glass and you're ready to make stained glass.

Tips & Warnings

• You can transform lampshades, picture frames, mirrors, goblets, candle holders, doors, windows, cabinets, suncatchers, ornaments, nightlights, tables, signs, vases, jewelry, and plaques with the beauty of stained glass.
• If you're just starting out, or are not extremely artistic, stick to less intricate designs easy for you to stencil.

Resources

• Stained Glass Ideas