How can I make a stained glass look without using glass?

Noelle
by Noelle

My church wants to make some stained glass windows for the upcoming holiday season. Our budget is small. I can get enough money for wood to make frames but sheets of glass or plexiglass break the bank for us. Anyone have suggestions on what to use or where to source something I haven’t thought of? My current best plan is clear shower curtain painted with the glue and paint technique. Thoughts?

  5 answers
  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jul 08, 2019

    What about using old windows? When we replace windows we usually pay to have the old one removed. Call Window World or another company and ask for donations of used windows.

    • Noelle Noelle on Jul 08, 2019

      Thank you I did think of this but can’t imagine we would get multiple of the same dimensions.

  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Jul 08, 2019

    Also go to Habitat. They get tons of Windows in. Maybe a hotel that is selling out their art work. Can use the frame and glass.

  • William William on Jul 09, 2019

    Try a Habitat Restore, window company like Cynthia suggests. Architectural resale store. You can make wood frames and staple 4 mil clear plastic sheeting tightly to them. Comes in large rolls.


    https://www.homedepot.com/b/Paint-Paint-Tools-Supplies-Tarps-Drop-Cloths-Plastic-Sheeting-Plastic-Sheeting/N-5yc1vZci20?browsestoreoption=2&Ns=P_REP_PRC_MODE%7C0


    Faux stain glass painting.

    https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=stained%20glass

  • Cynthia Cynthia on Jul 09, 2019

    Once in grade school. Our class made a huge stain glass mural using cellophane sheets ,and it was beautiful,

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Jul 09, 2019

    Hi Noelle,

    What if you spent your budget on glass frames from the Dollar Tree or even another store if it fits the budget? Do they have to be a certain size? You could also use old windows for both the wood and the glass. Do they all really have to be the same size? If you use old windows you would be repurposing and that's what a lot of people do to stay on budget. Clear shower curtains should work, but they aren't glass. I do think they'd be fine for temporary decorations. I'd talk to the committee and figure out what is the most important part since there isn't enough in the budget to do exactly what the church wants. Wishing you the best.