Earlier this year Mandi created a really beautiful faux stained glass panel for her kitchen window. I just loved the effect and have wanted to create some kind of stained glass project myself ever since.
I decided what I would really love is some kind of collection. I finally landed on trying to create my own little cactus garden with glass bottles. I can place the bottles in window sills or fill them with little led lights for pretty effect. I plan to display these mainly as a centerpiece for my dinning room table. And the best part? I don’t ever have to water this little “garden”, which is perfect for me. 🙂
Supplies:
-Gallery Glass window color in 3 shades of green, yellow, and pink
–Gallery Glass Simulated Liquid Leading
-clean glass bottles (you can buy these or reuse ones you have)
-scrap paper and a marker
-toothpicks
I purchased my bottles new (on sale), so that added to my overall cost which was $35 for this entire project. You could cut that down if you reuse bottles or glass objects you already have, or you could thrift them over time.
Step One: Draw your design onto scrap paper and cut them out. I created three different cactus shapes for mine. If you are comfortable free-handing, you may be able to skip this step. But I don’t feel that sure of my doodling skills. Once your design is cut out, tape it to the outside of your bottle and trace around the edges with a thin black marker. This is an outline for you to follow once you start using the liquid leading. If your bottles have a larger opening (like a mason jar), you could place your paper inside the glass and use that as a guide instead, but my bottles didn’t allow for this.
Step Two: Trace your design with the liquid leading. I found that placing a towel under my bottle as I worked helped me keep it steady (so that it wouldn’t roll). If you have some liquid leading go astray, you can easily wipe it off before it dries. The liquid leading I used is water-based (containing no lead), so you can easily wash the liquid off your hands if needed. Allow the liquid leading to fully dry (2-3 hours) before beginning the next step.
Step Three: Fill the inside of your design with the window color. You can use the tip of the bottle to easily push the liquid so it flows into place. For small corners you can use a toothpick to move the liquid too. I did a small “practice leaf” on a separate junk bottle before I began so I felt comfortable working with both these liquids as they flow a little differently than each other. But remember, if you make a mistake, you can easily wipe the mixture off before it dries and you’ll be OK. The window color is a bit fume-y, so be sure to work in a well-ventilated space. Allow the color to fully dry (another 2-3 hours) before moving or displaying your bottles.
Once dry you can display your handiwork or gift to a friend. Enjoy your new faux stained glass pieces! xo. Emma
Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
I love your bottles! I have been painting on wine bottles for a few years but just came across yours with the leaded glass look.
I have to make one of these for my daughter to take to a friend in Arizona but am having a Problem using the lead. It comes out in globs when I’ve been practicing.. Do you have any suggestions? Can it be thinned down? Thanks for sharing.
Can you tell me what colors you used? I found the brand on Amazon but can’t make out the color numbers in the photos. Thanks!
this is really cool, love the cactus design. I actually did an article on this, would you mind reading it? Thanks:) https://omghow.com/articles/make-a-stained-glass-bottle
These are so adorable! I wouldn’t have thought they’d be this easy to make!
Thanks for sharing such a lovely DIY 🙂
The Everyday Life of Rachel
Great Idea lady’s! I’m a new blogger and a floral designer for Hobby Lobby. I will have to share this one with our customers!
Hi Kellee! We found them on Amazon 🙂 -Jacki
this is so cute!!! love the idea and love the lights! where did you get them?
These are so stinking cute! I love this idea, cacti and all. Will likely be add a few to our home! Thanks for sharing!
SO DARN CUTE!!! This is super cute and I’m obsessed with cacti! Looks like I need to go get some gallery glass 😉 LOVE this!!!!
xo, Brittany
www.foxandcoffee.blogspot.com
What a great idea for tequila party!
Oh yes! I absolutely love the lights, such an amazing DIY!
This is such a fun project idea.
Soo cute! Have to try it *-*
Love this, currently working on cactus themed revamp of my sons room these will look great
OMG! This is such a cute idea! You styled them perfectly too – they look so cute by the window!
xx, mel
http://melinspired.com
This is so cute!! Just wanted to send a tip for the bottles over — if you’re buying them new there are nice ones for $1 in the “spot” at Target, I actually picked some up yesterday!!
They look so pretty with the fairy lights!!! xx
VanessaVonJames | Fashion Blog
I love “painting” with Gallery Glass. They also offer the leading in strips and other pre-made shapes to make it even easier to create with it.
Debbi
Wow those are amazing!
These are gorgeous! I love the different shades of green that you used for the cacti.
Monica // Mocha and Moccasins