DIY A Beautiful Glass Window Using Thrift Store Glassware
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If you enjoy perusing the thrift store, you have probably seen more cut and pressed glass dishes than you could ever possibly count. Many thrift stores are full of breathtakingly beautiful pieces, and it can be devastating to pass them up, especially when they are available at such low prices. For instance, some thrift stores sell plates and bowls for only $0.49 per item. Unfortunately, buying a bunch of glassware you will not use is not the best idea, even when it is extremely affordable. Glassware can take up a lot of space in your kitchen and be quite fragile. Luckily, there are many ways to reuse crystal cut glassware from the thrift store, including creating a DIY decorative glass window.
By gluing vintage pressed glass plates, bowls, cups, or other dishes to a framed glass pane, you can repurpose all of the items and create a lovely decorative window. When viewed on the flat side, the design has a similar look to decorative glass bricks. The other side will have a cool three-dimensional effect. The finished art can be displayed on a wall or hung in a window indoors or out. The glass will reflect and refract the sunlight. The steps to the project are simple, and it can likely be completed affordably. Already having an old window frame or finding one at a yard sale or thrift store for a few dollars makes the project even more cost-effective.
How to create stunning window décor using pressed glass
For the project, you will need an old wooden window frame or a large, heavy-duty picture frame with the glass intact. You will also need all the glass dishes you've collected. You might also want some small glass beads, which you will use to fill in any empty spaces. Finally, you will need some strong glue. For a project like this, which may be exposed subjected to heat or sunlight near windows and involves gluing glass together, choose a silicone sealant. A tube of clear GE Advanced Silicone Caulk for Windows and Doors costs a little under $11. Note, however, that it can dry a little milky rather than crystal clear.
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Start by playing around with how you want to arrange the glass dishes within the frame. First, decide where you want the largest pieces to sit. Then, fill in the gaps around them with smaller dishes or glass beads (if you have them) until you've created a pattern you like. It is important to do this before gluing the dishes together and to the frame. You do not want to run out of space for an important piece or move things around too much once you've added the glue to them. The glue will smear and ruin the crystalline effect of the glass. Take a photo of your final arrangement so you can refer back to it later. Then, carefully clean each piece of glass and the frame. Once everything is dry, glue the dishes in place. Leave the arrangement to cure — about 24 hours for GE Advanced Silicone Caulk.
How to clean pressed glass thoroughly for the best window effect
Ensuring that your dishes are clean and shiny before gluing them down will improve your results dramatically. Wash each dish with soap, hot water, and vinegar. Allow the dishes to soak in the soapy water for a couple of hours before scrubbing them with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse them thoroughly in hot water to avoid water marks. Keep your finished project clean by dusting it regularly. Clean it every so often using a commercial or DIY glass cleaner that never leaves a streak. This will ensure the glass stays transparent and retains its sun-catching abilities.
When choosing your glass dishes for this project, consider where and how you will display your art. This will dictate how far the dishes can protrude from the back of the frame. For example, if you plan to mount the finished piece to the wall, you will need to use flat plates that won't leave a prominent gap between the wall and the artwork. If you want to hang your DIY decoration in front of a window or from your patio rafters, you can use bowls and dishes with a more pronounced profile if you wish. For a unique result, there are Depression glass patterns you should keep an eye out for at the thrift store. Mix these colorful dishes in among the clear glassware, creating a more authentic stained glass effect. Colored glass beads, stones, or marbles work well in this way, too.