by Dixie Thomason

Created on: June 10, 2009   Last Updated: June 13, 2009

Stained glass mirrors are beautiful and can add much class and charm to your home decor. However, creating a real stained glass mirror can be a bit costly and a little difficult. Do not let that discourage you though, you can create the look of a stained glass mirror with ease and on a low budget. Just follow these simple instructions and you will be creating beautiful mirrors with a stained glass look in no time at all.

Before you begin you should think about the total look that you want to create. Everything you use to create your mirror should contribute to the overall design. For example, if you are thinking of using a vintage design, this might look best on a mirror which comes in an elegant antique frame. However if you are considering a whimsical, fanciful design this would probably look better on a more modern mirror. Once you have decided upon your design and what sort of mirror to use you are ready to begin.

Start by gathering the materials you will need to create your project. Depending on what type of mirror you need, this may be purchased at a yard sale or flea market, for older or antique looking mirrors, or any craft, dollar or discount store, for more modern looking mirrors. You will also need a stained glass pattern of the design you want. Patterns can be found in craft books or online. Finally you will need colored chalk, tape, paint brush, stained glass paint and liquid lead, all of which can be purchased at a craft store or most department stores.

Be sure that your mirror is clean. Using your colored chalk, completely color in your design. Then secure it pattern side down to your mirror using tape to hold it in place. With a pencil trace your design. Be sure to press down hard while tracing. Once you have traced the entire pattern gently remove the pattern from the mirror. If you followed the steps correctly up to this point your design should now be displayed on your mirror in a chalk outline.

Now take your liquid lead and trace over the chalk lines. Outline the entire design with the lead. When you have completed this part of the project, set your mirror aside for a while to let the lead dry.

Once the liquid lead has completely dried it is time to color in your design. Choose the colors that you wish to use on your design. Then using your paint brush, carefully fill in each section of your design with color. Be sure to stay inside the lead lines which you created earlier. After you have colored in your design it is important that you remember to allow the paint time to dry before hanging up your mirror.

The finished project should be a beautifully designed mirror which looks just like real stained glass. This is a project which you can be proud to display in your living room, guest bedroom, dinning room or wherever you please. Your new stained glass mirror is sure to be the envy of all your friends.

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