Glass Painting Ideas

Last Updated on March 25, 2013

Here are glass painting ideas that even a novice can do.  I love the look of glass painting.  I’ve tried it a few times but I have found I’m not any good at it.  I cannot draw or paint things that look like what I want them to.  My people look like stick figures.  My flowers look like blobs of color.  I wanted to find glass painting ideas that would let me upcycle plain glass jars easily.  I love the look of the painted glass canisters, wine glasses and jars I see on fancy home stores.  They tend to be fairly expensive so I wanted to create my own. Here are a few glass painting ideas that work for me.

Glass Painting Ideas

• Shop second hand.  You can find many pretty glass jars, wine glasses, glass canister, mirrors, and picture frames at thrift stores.  The prices tend to be very affordable.  Just make sure the item isn’t cracked or scratched.
• Mix and match.  You don’t need to have six identical wine glasses to create a project.  You can have glasses that are slightly different and paint them all with coordinating designs to tie them together.
• Go with a geometric design.  It doesn’t take as much skill to create a series of polka dots on your glass jar as it does to paint a rose or a horse.  If you are a beginner, start with the basics.
• Use home stores as inspiration. If your favorite color is turquoise, search the home stores for inspiration for turquoise designs.  Use that as a starting point for something you’ll enjoy.
• Use paintable clings as a guide when you paint.  Paintable clings can be painted over and removed when you want your decor to change.  The outline of the cling serves as a template of sorts to keep your painting neat. That way my flowers look like flowers.

I decided to upcycle a glass jar using a few of these glass painting ideas.  I was given the jar by a friend and use it in the bathroom to store cosmetic wedges.  I wanted to add a bit of spring to my home since I am so tired of all the winter snow.  I thought a few colorful flowers would be a great idea but the flowers I paint by hand don’t look like flowers.

Supplies

• Martha Stewart Crafts Paintable Clings Butterflies and Blossoms
• Martha Stewart Glass Paint Liquid Fill #33203 Key Lime
• Martha Stewart Glass Paint Liquid Fill #33214 Raincoat
• Glass jar, canister or other glass or ceramic item to upcycle

 Directions

• Make sure that your glass surface is clean, dry and smooth. Glass paintable clings can be used on nonporous glass or ceramic surfaces.
• Plan your design and make sure that you know where you want the clings to go and that they will fit before you begin.

• Place the cling on a flat surface and using the glass paint liquid fill, fill in each open area of the cling.  Work on small sections and make sure to fill in each area completely.
• Continue painting until all areas of the cling are filled in. Use a paint brush for small areas or the tip of the paint bottle in larger areas.
• Let the paint dry completely.
• Carefully peel off the dried painted cling from the backing sheet.

• Position it where you want it on your glass or ceramic surface and press gently to smooth it.
• Wash all of your tools.
• Remember these are for decorative purposes only.  They are not dishwasher safe. You can carefully and lightly wipe them with a damp cloth to clean them.

Do you have any glass painting ideas that I’ve missed? Have you tried glass painting clings before or do you paint freestyle?

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Ellen Christian

Ellen is a busy mom of a 22-year-old son and 27-year-old daughter. She owns 5 blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.