What can I do with this interesting piece of bowed glass?

what a shame to destroy the original. Curved glass is very exspensive to replace. hope you can find a good use for it.

The rest of the cabinet was cracked and the glass has been replaced by copper for a different use.

It looks like it might fit between two studs. I've always wanted to build a glass display right into a wall, so if you use the glass vertically and cap the two curved ends with some wood, you could build a display similar to the one below and space some shelves according to what you're displaying. That way, your artwork could be behind the glass and not take up much room since it's built right into the studs.

Maybe a large terrarium?

It would look great over bricks. Maybe you could cap it off with wood so you can fasten to wall leaving the bottom open then place some air plants that you can fasten onto hooks from wooden top. Airplants are usually kept in glass containers that hang so they would be a piece of art in a sense. If not that hang some beautifully colored glass icicles that in themselves are art but this would show case them all year long.

Hi Karen - since it won't fit between the studs, here's my second idea. Use a router to create a channel to match the curve so you can create a base so it will stand (do one for both ends to finish the edges). Then back paint the glass similar to the picture I attached. If you can't place it on a table in front of a window to display it, then consider making a wooden frame all the way around and routing out some channels along the sides so you can recess a strip of LED lights to illuminate it.

I just checked out all your posts, Birdz of a Feather, cool stuff. I have LOTS of old vinyl records and have been trying to find uses for them. I love your key chain holder VW Bug. How would you color the glass? I tried using alcohol inks on glass recently, thinking I might color this piece with it but wasn't happy with the results. Maybe it would be cool to do what you suggested but use it above our bed (horizontally), since we have no headboard. I like the idea of routing out a piece of wood to frame it too, though I'd need my friend's help because this rounded piece might be beyond my abilities. Thanks for your input.

Happy to hear you liked my posts! I may just have to try some faux glass now that you have me thinking :)

If you wanted to achieve something like the picture, I would apply paint to the back of the glass. if I wasn't going to see the back of this, I'd cut a stencil out of shelf liner and spray paint all the black areas of the design with a car paint. Once the paint is dry, since the black paint is solid, I would lay coloured acetate in the areas I want colour and glue it down within the black areas. Then you wouldn't have to mess with paint in those areas and you'll get a transparent look.

Alternately, I recently saw someone paint glass using varathane mixed with food colouring to get a transparent look. I've never tried this and I don't know how durable it would be, but I'd be curious to try it on some plain glass. Suzy at Suzy’s Sitcom, uses clear glue mixed with acrylic paints. Here’s her link: http://suzyssitcom.com/2011/01/feature-friday-faux-stained-glass.html/4

Another option for the coloured areas of course would be paint made specifically for painting glass and there are lots out there. Rather than brush it on, I'd try a small makeup sponge to apply it to try to get a smooth finish. Again, I've never tried it myself but if I were doing it, I'd avoid using a brush. I'd also be tempted to try airbrushing it on, but I don't know how practical it would be; glass paint is pretty pricey.

Lastly, if you wanted to convert the glass back one day, apply all your finishes to a clear piece of acetate and mount it onto the back of the glass. Then you can simply remove it if you want.

I think I'll have to play around with some of this myself. If I do, I'll let you know and send some pics!

I have lots of extra window panes (bought for replacements but never used) I'm practicing on. I've even experimented with nail polish. I'll check out Suzy's link now. Thanks.

Cool glass, search "Unicorn Spit on glass" for ideas. If you can't come up with something to do with it try selling the glass on Craigslist. Many people have antique furniture that is missing glass and would love to use it.

I see a back lighted waterfall wall panel. use some of that copper to make a collection trough at bottom, small pump and clear tubing to the top. Maybe add a copper pipe at top with holes to trickle water. Or add clear silicone lines at the top to break up the flow. You could even decorated the back of the glass that remains dry. And you can always dismantle it for another project!

Put somme boleys that Will reflex the sun and fix it on the wall

I knew I came to the right group. Thanks everyone. When I do whatever I'm going to do I'll post a picture.

I think the light fitting is a perfect idea, you could have natural timber that curves with the light on the bottom and the back) and a simple light fixture in the middle. I think you are onto a winner.

Making it look like old Mercury glass might be a thought.

Be sure to send pictures of final product