Use Dollar Tree Gems & An Old Window To DIY Stained Glass Decor (No Art Skills Needed)

A stained glass window is a dazzling feature in any home, especially when the light shines through it. Yet, the real deal typically costs a pretty penny. If these types of windows aren't in your budget, you can easily create a faux stained glass masterpiece without emptying your wallet. Although there are various ways to DIY a stained glass window, this one uses Dollar Tree's decorative gems as the main material. What's great is that you don't even have to be an artist for it to turn out gorgeous. All you need is an old window, lots of gems, and a quiet afternoon when you're in the mood for some crafting.

Not everyone has an old window laying around to use for all of the beautiful ways to repurpose an old window into decor. Fortunately, there are places to get your hands on a window if you're up for a little searching. You can check thrift stores, antique shops, yard sales, or even the curb right before garbage pick up. If those options don't work, you might be able to find an old window through a community garage sale page from a resident who's just as happy to get rid of it as you are to find it.

Then, you'll want to pick up bags of gems from Dollar Tree. How many and what color depend on your window size and project design. For example, Dollar Tree has these Ocean Blue Glass Accent Gems for $1.75 and Clear Accent Gems for the same price, which would both work well for a serene, nautical theme. In addition, you'll also need glue or clear silicone caulk and a printout of a simple design you want to create on the glass.

If you'd like your window to have a charming image, lay a piece of paper under the glass that has the printed design on it. Just keep it simple! Next, use your adhesive to attach the gems to the window, adding a little adhesive at a time and filling in the shape or image as you go. For example, you can use all of your brightly colored gems inside the design, then fill in the rest of the window with clear gems, allowing the image to really pop. You could also skip the design and just freehand it, alternating the gems until the glass is covered with a simple pattern. It shouldn't be difficult, only slightly time consuming. Make sure the adhesive cures fully before lifting the window.

Once your faux stained glass piece is complete, it's time to find the perfect spot for it. While you can really place it on any surface that's strong enough to hold it, it'd look extra lovely in front of a different window in the home. That way, the sun can shine through, adding to the beauty of the stained-glass look. If that's not an option, you can put battery-operated twinkling lights behind it as an alternative. It'll surely grab the attention of anyone who visits! You can also paint the frame prior to the project so that it matches your other decor.