Stained Glass Art - A super simple project that uses glue and food coloring to produce breathtaking results!
I've been seeing so many fun Mother's Day projects around everywhere, and today, I'm sharing one of my own! This Stained Glass Art is fun to make any time of the year and believe it or not, even children as young as 3 years old can do this! I shared this about a month ago over at Smart School House, and today I'm bringing over to Bitz & Giggles to share with all of you!
I remember seeing this project at my son's school years ago. To prepare for it, however, the teachers were adding food coloring to empty condiment squirt bottles filled with glue and shaking them like crazy for what seemed like hours to get everything mixed. It looked like quite the process. I loved how their art turned out, but between you and me, that's just way too much work.
I'm going to show you an easy way to achieve the same stained glass effect without all the muscle and prep. You just add the glue and the food coloring separately. Glitter glue is translucent so when you hang your art, the sun will really make the colors shine. I also love the little specks of glitter sprinkled throughout! This project is so easy and affordable and the end result is quite breathtaking. This is so much fun for families to sit down and work on together!
Here's what you're going to need:
Materials
- Glitter glue
- Toothpicks or paint brushes
- Food coloring (we used neon)
- Picture frames (we used 5x7 frames)
- Suction cup hangers (for hanging frames on your window later on - I found mine at Walmart)
So, first things first. Let's talk about the frame. I found some white 5x7 frames at Walmart. They had three left on the shelf so I grabbed one for my son, one for my daughter and, of course, one for me. There's no way I was missing out on the fun.
- You want to begin by disassembling the frame. The cardboard back to the frame doesn't get used for the project so you can set it aside.
- Clean the glass with some glass cleaner and then place it inside the white frame.
- Grab hold of the hanging tab and, here's what we want to do with it:
First decide how you're going to hang your frame when you're don. Vertically or horizontally? I decided I wanted to hang my horizontally, so I positioned my hanging tab onto the glass in the middle of the frame and then pushed down the little tabs that hold the glass in. It worked out that one of the little tabs fit right over the hanging tab so I was able to secure it further.
If you want to be absolutely certain the glass is going nowhere (including the hanging tab), you could hot glue the glass to the frame. During my assembly, I didn't feel it was necessary, so I opted out.
Once the frames are ready to go, cover your work surface. I used wax paper and newspapers on top of that. Then, I set out the glitter glue, toothpicks and food coloring, and called in the troops.
The kids had so much fun with this project. If you want to ensure the kiddos walk away with clean hands, you could always have them wear some plastic gloves. We braved it, and, believe it or not, the color they did get on their fingers came off pretty easily.
Alright, here's what you'll want to do next:
- Position your frame so the back is facing up.
- Squirt glue all over the glass. There is no rhyme or reason here. Add a little, add some more.
- Add one drop of food coloring at a time to various parts of the glass. I wouldn't suggest putting all of the colors in one place or you'll just end up with a black puddle on your glass.
- You can use a toothpick to blend the colors into each other and create some swirl or line designs. Here's where the kids can get real creative.
- Once you're happy with your design, allow the glue to dry overnight.
I love how these frames turned out. I adore all of the bright colors. They look beautiful hanging up on our patio door.
If you look real close you can see bubbles, glitter and fine line designs. To give it a bit of a different look, you could use a paintbrush to create softer lines and blending.
Each frame will have a little bit different look to it. I love that. It's really a work of art. It becomes even more beautiful when you allow light to shine through. Isn't this a perfect project for Spring? I think so!
I can't wait to hear how your frames turn out. Will you use two colors or five? Will you go with a black frame or a white one? I would love to hear about the little artists that helped you, too. As with anything glass, if you have little hands involved, just make sure the kids are supervised throughout the entire project.
I've never tried this technique on plastic or plexiglass. I don't see why it wouldn't work on one of those surfaces. However, I've been known to be wrong once or twice. Just ask my hubby. . .and my kids. They're quick to tell me if that happens (of course they are).
Well, Happy Spring, friends! Bring a little pop of color into your homes with this simple and beautiful project. These frames also make great gifts. Think Father's Day, Mother's Day, birthdays, etc. Grab the kids and just have fun with it!
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Stained Glass Art
Materials
- Glitter glue
- Toothpicks or paint brushes
- Food coloring (we used neon)
- Picture frames (we used 5x7 frames)
- Suction cup hangers
Instructions
- You want to begin by disassembling the frame. The cardboard back to the frame doesn't get used for the project so you can set it aside.
- Clean the glass with some glass cleaner and then place it inside the white frame.
- Grab hold of the hanging tab.
- Once the frames are ready to go, cover your work surface. I used wax paper and newspapers on top of that.
- Then, I set out the glitter glue, toothpicks and food coloring, and called in the troops.
- Position your frame so the back is facing up.
- Squirt glue all over the glass. There is no rhyme or reason here. Add a little, add some more.
- Add one drop of food coloring at a time to various parts of the glass. I wouldn't suggest putting all of the colors in one place or you'll just end up with a black puddle on your glass.
- You can use a toothpick to blend the colors into each other and create some swirl or line designs. Here's where the kids can get real creative.
- Once you're happy with your design, allow the glue to dry overnight.
Notes
- Glass Cleaning: Ensure that the glass surface is thoroughly cleaned with glass cleaner before starting the project. Any dirt or residue on the glass can interfere with the adhesion of the glitter glue and affect the overall appearance of the stained glass art.
- Color Placement: When adding food coloring to the glitter glue, distribute the colors evenly across the glass surface. Avoid concentrating all the colors in one area to prevent them from blending into a muddy color. Experiment with different patterns and designs to create vibrant and visually appealing stained glass effects.
- Drying Time: Allow sufficient drying time for the glitter glue to set completely. Overnight drying ensures that the colors remain vivid and the glue adheres firmly to the glass surface. Rushing the drying process may lead to smudging or uneven drying, affecting the quality of the finished stained glass art.
Eileen
Love this look! Did you drop the food coloring on top of the glue or separate from it?
Sara
On top and then mixed it around with toothpicks.
MarDe
Hi Sara, Is there a certain glue that should be used. Or one that you find may dry faster?
I would like to do this in our co op art class.
Thank you
Sara
We used Elmer's glitter glue.
Kristie Sumner
Clear glitter glue or colored?
Sara
We used colored, Kristie!
Bethany
This looks like a great project which i will be doing with my children. Although one suggestion, instead of the hanging tabin the. Iddle of their work, I use command strips on either side of the frame to hang straight and be unseen.
Sara
I love the idea of using Command strips, Bethany!
Rachel
What did you use for the hanging tab?
Sara
I used the hanging tab that was already included with the frame.
Cheryl
Can't wait to try this. My grandkids coming on Sunday. Going to Wal-Mart tomorrow. Will keep you posted?
lil
We did this but it doesn't dry 🙁 Left it two nights and it's still wet!
sarah
How do these hold up in direct sunlight?
Polly
I was wondering the same thing, I have an old glass door going out to my front porch that I would love if my 4 yrs old could stain the glass. Does it peel off over time?
Della
Hi - we made these and used clear glue and added in food coloring. They turned out so bright and beautiful and I loved them. But after a week of being in the window the colors faded 🙁 soooo sad. The blues and greens seem to stay okay, but the purple, pinks and reds faded out to light gray or brown. So disappointing. I want to try again and try to seal somehow. Or maybe look into the stained glass paint someone mentioned. I really want the color to stay.
Rena
I'm thinking hot gluing the glass in first would help keep little fingers safe.
Sara
That is certainly a step you can include in the project! Yes!
Stevie
Such fun! A great project for all ages! Older kids who might say "lame-o" can work more intricate designs. One safety note though--if the frames are glass, the edges can be razor-sharp; I've used frame glass for other projects and I've sliced my fingers before. So be careful. Plastic or acrylic frames are usually okay.
Katie
I've been looking for a craft to do with some of the residents at an assisted living home nearby (taking youth group girls with me) & this seems like a great idea, but I"m wondering if there's a way for it to be finished quicker (instead of waiting a day for it to dry). Would covering the back with wax paper or Saran Wrap work? Or do you think that would end up making it gross?
Sara
Maybe if you would put them outside in a cool, shaded area with some breeze they may dry faster, Katie?
Dee @ Lemon Lane Design
Thanks for sharing this great technique. I was looking to make some outdoor lanterns with my boys when I found your site. It worked perfectly for what we were making. Stop by and check it out at http://www.lemonlanedesign.com/diy-crafts/stained-glass-lanterns/
Dee
Sara
Dee, your lanterns are so pretty! Thanks for sharing with me!
Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai
What a cool project, and so pretty too! Please come share your blog posts over at the Home Matters Linky Party! We'd love to have you for a visit. The Door is OPEN. http://lifewithlorelai.com/2015/05/14/home-matters-linky-party-37/ 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Megin
These are so fun, Sara!
I'm visiting from Freedom Fridays Link Party. I would be so honored if you would share this at Brag About It Link Party on VMG206 (Mondays at Midnight).
~ Megin of VMG206
Sara
I will try and stop by Megin! Thank you for the invite!
Vic
Can I just say how amazing this is? Mother's Day is in 6 days, and I had no idea what to give her. I'm so going to do this...
Sara
Oh, I'm so glad you like it! I love the colors in this project and they're so pretty when the light shines through them.
Cheryl
Great idea, love it!!
Sara
Thanks, Cheryl!!