How to Make a Faux Stained Glass Mirror

Faux or fake stained glass is not only easy and affordable, but with so many colors glass paint out there, you have no more excuses! Get out there and have some fun! It's not just for window clings anymore!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 mirror (any size)
• Computer
• Printer
• Glass paints
• Fake Lead lining paint
• Brushes
• Chalk
• Permanent marker

1. 
   Finished design

   If you're using a pre-made design, skip to step 4.
   Design the image you want onto a computer. You can use anything you want, as long as it's an outline image. Simple is better though. Think kid's coloring pages. I used a family name.

2. Connect the images with straight lines to simulate the look of stained glass.

3. 
   Image laid out onto mirror. Taped together.

   Print out your design. If your design is larger than a 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper, no worries, you can print it out in sections and tape it together like I did.

4. Take a piece of chalk and rub it onto the back of the design. Be generous. This is your transferring medium.

5. Tape your design down onto the mirror so it doesn't move.

6. 
   The chalk transferred

   Take a chopstick, or something like it, and firmly trace the image onto the mirror. Once you're finished, Do NOT pull up the sheet all at once. Keeping some of it firmly in place or taped down, lift to see if all of the image has transferred.

7. 
   Permanent marker put on

   Now take your permanent marker and trace the lines again. Why do this step? Because the chalk will wipe away and you want to make sure to use something that will stick to the mirror. After you're done, you can safely wipe away the chalk with a damp cloth.

8. Open your fake lead paint and begin tracing the lines. Be sure to read the directions on the bottle. It does not have to be perfect, but it will look nicer if you take a little care with the project. Set aside and allow to dry.

9. 

   Take your glass paints and go to town! Remember that stained glass has many different striations and even bubbles in it, so don't worry. It dries quickly, so time is of the essence. And then... You're done! Hang your masterpiece!

Tips & Warnings

• Think kid's coloring book pages for the style of your design
• There's no wrong way to put on the paint.
• Don't lift the paper until everything has been transferred!