How to Make Faux Stain Glass Christmas Ornaments

Some of the most precious Christmas ornaments in many families are those that were handmade. Such ornaments are often personalized to a specific family member, to the family's cultural background, or to represent something that the family loves. While there are dozens of different ways to make handmade Christmas ornaments, some of the most beautiful are done in faux stain glass or what is sometimes referred to as reverse glass painting.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Picture frame style ornaments
• Glass paints
• Paint brushes
• Ink that will write on any surface
• Aluminum foil
• Ribbon
• Ornament hook
• Computer system with scanner and printer
• Desktop publishing program
• Rubber gloves

1. Decide what will be included on each Christmas ornament to be made. It might be a simple Christmas design, like an angel or more complicated, like the nativity. Also decide if a name, date, or other information will be recorded on the ornament. All of this is important information to decide upon before moving on to the next step. Choose graphics that can be simply and easily traced onto the ornament's cover. These can often be found in desktop publishing or graphics programs, online, or in coloring books. If necessary, scan the chosen design into a computer system, through a desktop publishing program that will allow the design to be sized as necessary.

2. Purchase the supplies necessary to complete the project. Choose small picture frame style ornaments that are between 3 1/2 inches to 5 inches at the widest point. They may be round, square, oval, or rectangle. The frame part may be metal, plastic, polyresin, or ceramic. The one thing that they must have in common is a glass or heavy clear plastic or acrylic covering.

3. Gather all of the project supplies together and put on a pair of rubber gloves for working with indelible inks and glass paints. Lay paper underneath everything to prevent damage to furniture. Take the picture frames apart, setting the frames aside.

4. Trace, with indelible ink, the chosen graphic design onto the glass, acrylic, or plastic of the picture frame to be used. Make sure the lines are clear and focused but not too heavy or it may destroy the integrity of the graphic design. Since the graphic will appear reversed on the front, make sure to make necessary allowances for that. It may be necessary to trace the design backwards in order for the front to appear as desired. Let the ink dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

5. Paint the graphic using paints made specifically for use on glass. Use small enough paint brushes to ensure the integrity of the graphic design. Make certain that colors don't spill together or overflow into an area of the graphic where it doesn't belong. If necessary, let each color dry before applying another color to the design.

6. Using the same indelible ink chosen for the graphic outline, write in any names, dates, or other text planned for each ornament. While it is permissible to write on the front side of the glass, acrylic, or plastic--the side opposite that of the graphic design--it is recommended that it be put on the same side as the graphic. Therefore, using a reverse technique, write everything backward so that, when turned, it reads correctly from the front. Let the ink dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

7. Paint any additional special treatments onto the areas around the graphic, if desired. Such techniques might include an opalescent, a mother-of-pearl paint, or anything else that is desired. Let the paint dry thoroughly.

8. Clean away any fingerprints or debris from the glass, acrylic, or plastic, making sure that the ornament will be clean before it is put back together.

9. Cut a piece of aluminum foil about the same size as each ornament. Crinkle the foil, straightening it back out slightly before placing it behind the cover and the ornament's backing. When the ornament is viewed from the front, the foil backing would give the glass paint a stained glass look.

10. Tie a ribbon or put an ornament hook into the place allotted for it on the ornament and it is ready to be boxed for gifting.

Tips & Warnings

• Personalize ornaments with the name of the individual to whom it will be given.
• Put the year the ornament was made somewhere on the piece.
• Chose graphic designs that have special meaning to the person for whom the ornament is being made.
• Consider using an old quill style pen that allows for finer drawing of lines and for perfect writing.
• While indelible inks come in different colors, black ink is best for this process.
• Consider painting ornament frames to match the colors used in the graphic design.
• Wear rubber gloves when using glass paints and/or indelible ink.
• Don't opt for the cheapes picture ornaments or the results may look cheap or not well planned.