|
 Stained
Glass has long been reserved for the very wealthy.
Artisans would take months and years to create
one-of-a-kind windows depicting religious scenes
and nature. It doesn't take years to create a
stained glass window anymore. Even better than
that, getting the look of stained glass is no
longer reserved just for the wealthy.
Gallery
Glass Window Color and Leading products make it
possible for anyone to create their very own stained
glass effects. Its as simple as lead, paint and
seal.
Leading
Once
you have selected a clean surface, the very first
step in Gallery Glass is to lead the design. There
are several ways to do this: lay a leading blank
or your surface over your pattern, then using
Liquid Leading, trace the design. If you do not
want to use Liquid Leading, Redi-Lead strips can
be used instead. These strips are flexible enough
to follow curved lines. Another option is to use
Redi-Lead shapes to outline your designs. If you
decided to use the Redi-Lead stripes and shapes,
it is best if you apply them directly to your
surface.
Adding Color
Redi-lead
strips and shapes are ready for color once they
are placed. Liquid Leading must cure for at least
eight hours before colors can be applied. When
you add color you want to create a seal between
the color and the leading. In order to do this,
paint along the perimeter of the leading first
then fill in the rest of the area. If you notice
air bubbles, lightly tap the underside of your
surface or comb through the window color.
Heightening the Effect
You can adjust
the look of your project in several ways. The first
is in the Window Color application.
- Applying the paint with a "figure eight" motion
will create a textured look. This is most commonly
done with Crystal Clear.
- Blend colors by putting at least two colors
into an area, then comb the colors together.
The more you comb, the more your colors will
blend. You can experiment with different ways
of combing such as back-and-forth or in a swirl.
- Darken colors by applying another layer of
the color after the first one has dried. Lighten
the color by adding Crystal Clear.
Another way to alter the look of your project
is to add embellishments.
- After Window Color has dried, put a light
coat of Crystal Clear over your color and add
Crystal Beads or Glass Nuggests for a 3-D effect.
- Apply Gallery Glass Crackle Medium over dried
Window Color to get an aged look.
Using Gallery Glass in Other Places
 It looks beautiful on windows, but Gallery Glass
can go in so many places! Redi-Lead small shapes
and Gallery Glass Stick-ons make it possible to
dress up centerpieces, mirrors, photo frames and
even trinket boxes. Plus, Stick-ons are so easy
to complete that anyone can do them! Simply fill
in the designs with paint, then once the paint
dries peel the Stick-ons off the backing and place
them! Many of the designs appeal to younger crafters,
making Gallery Glass a great project for the whole
family.
Its as Simple or Complex as You Want!
If you are great at drawing and want to create
your own patterns, go for it! Use Liquid Leading
to trace over your pattern and then paint. Once
dry, if you don't like a color in the design,
simply score the edges with a craft knife and
peel the color out. Then apply the new color.
If you want the look of stained glass, but don't
want to create your own pattern, we have plenty!
Redi-Lead Shapes come with pattern suggestions
to get you started or you can refer to one of
our Gallery Glass books or online projects for
inspiration.
Perhaps best of all, you can use any of the Stick-ons
to add a whimsical touch to a window or mirror
in your home.
Once you get started with Gallery Glass, you
will get so swept up in the possibilities that
no piece of glass within your reach will go without
some kind of lovely touch.
|
