How to Design Stained Glass Windows

Stained glass windows are pieces of art. Traditionally, craftsmen and artists designed these windows for churches, cathedrals, nobility, wealthy homeowners and businesses. Today, however, many homeowners can afford to decorate with stained glass. Each piece must be shaped and colored to create an over-all effect or picture. Stained glass patterns can be in contemporary, traditional, bevel or Escher styles. You can create a pattern that will be the basis for a stained glass window that fits your style and decor.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pencil
• Art eraser
• Colored pencils
• Graph paper

1. Sketch a rough drawing of the window design in pencil. Decide what height and width the finished window will be.

2. Draw a detailed picture of the window components on graph paper. Use an art eraser to gently correct mistakes. Determine scale size and record it on a corner of your pattern. For example, a quarter-inch graph square could equal 5 inches for the finished window.

3. Make two enlarged copies of the drawing to help determine the cuts and pieces of glass you will need to complete the window. Remember to keep the scale size in mind.

4. Color in a stained glass window design with pencils. Draw in the dark lines that show where the pieces of glass will be fused together.

5. Use the colored design sheet to number and color code a second enlarged window design drawing sheet.

6. Cut out the pieces of the second enlarged drawing to use as cutting patterns for the pieces of your window project. Store these pieces in a labeled envelope.

7. File your stained glass pattern until you are ready to complete the project in your craft area. You also can work with a glass artist and have him use your pattern design to complete a special-order piece for your home.

Tips & Warnings

• The cut-out pattern pieces can be made of lightweight cardboard or Mylar if the pattern will be used many times. Stained glass window patterns can be used for faux glass paint projects as well.
• Pay attention to scale to ensure a window that is sized correctly.

References

• Stained Glass

Resources

• Alice's Stained Glass