DIY Network

No-Cut Stained Glass Get an easy stained-glass look. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-609

If you love stained glass but are intimidated by glass cutting, never fear: Michele Beschen can help you get the same look without making a single cut. The B. Original host shows how to create beautiful faux stained glass pieces using glass paints, decorative papers and even fabric. Scroll down to see how.

Get a great look with glass paint...

Or even papers and fabric.

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No-Cut Stained Glass

picture frame with a glass front
stained glass pattern book
tape
automotive pinstriping tape
sharp craft knife
glass paints, fabric or decorative papers

Note: Auto pinstriping tape is the best choice for this project because it's the same color on both sides and because it's flexible enough to use for rounded or curved designs. If using a different sort of tape, make sure it looks the same on both sides: The adhesive side will be the visible side when the piece is viewed from the front.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• Choose a pattern for the glass project, either from a stained glass pattern book or from a similar source.

• Use a photocopier to enlarge the pattern to fit the picture frame.

• Place the pattern on a work surface, facing up. Remove the back from the frame and place it face down on top of the pattern. Position the pattern as desired relative to the frame (figure A).

• Holding the pattern against the frame and glass, turn the pattern and frame over. Tape the pattern into place.

• Flip the frame back over so that the inside of the frame is facing up, with the pattern visible through the glass.

• Apply automotive pinstriping tape to the inside of the glass over the lines in the pattern (figure B). Use a sharp craft knife to trim the tape, and try not to stretch the tape while applying. Burnish the pinstriping tape to eliminate any bubbles or gaps.

• Once the pattern is "traced" with pinstriping tape, remove the paper pattern from the front of the glass. Be sure to clean off the glass surface with glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol.

• Add color to the patter with glass paints, fabric or decorative papers:
  • For paints, simply color in the pattern with glass paints and let dry (figure C). Use stained glass paints for a more translucent look.

  • If using paper or fabric, make a few photocopies of the pattern to use as fabric cutting patterns. Numbering the pieces in the pattern will make it easier to place the pieces accurately (figure D). Remember that the fabric or paper will need to go onto the glass right-side down so that it will show through the glass properly. Michele Beschen likes to use vellum papers and thin fabrics that let the light shine through.

  • Spray an even coat of spray adhesive on the front side of the paper or fabric to attach it to the back of the glass.

• Do not put the back of the frame back on. Instead, secure the glass inside the edges of the frame and hang it in the window. Sit back ad admire your "no cut" stained glass.