Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

I use 4mm windowpane strips, that measure 1" x 12". I have my glass guy cut them in the strips. They run 2 strips for one cent. There is thinner glass, but I use 4mm because it is the same thickness as mirror. What ever thickness you decide, make sure you ALWAYS get the same thickness, so you can mix the leftovers of one project with another. Sometimes there is an oil on the glass that must be wiped off with a paper towel before you paint.

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Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

I use any acrylic paint I can get my hands on.
The metallics are great for special effects.

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Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

We are going to be putting 3 layers of paint on each strip of glass, so remember LESS IS MORE. The first coat I call Press and Swirl.
Use a little dollop and hold the glass strip firmly. Press down hard and swirl the paint down the strip. You will have to get more painton your finger about 4 more times for each strip. Don't get lazy and put a lot of paint on your finger, it won't work. Always go in one direction and don't go back over your work. the paint dries fast and you will just wipe it off. I can't stress enough how you must embrace the irregularities of this process. One strip will be cut into 48 pieces and each one needs to look different. NO UNIFORMITY!

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Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

Here are two pieces that are complete after the first step
"Press and Swirl"

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Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

Now We Tap and Drag. After the first step of Press and Swirl has dried completely, get another dollop of another color of paint. Tap a spot on the glass and turn your finger to the side and drag the paint back and forth. Lightly now, this is a wet on wet process and you do not want to wipe off the paint underneath. This is the most difficult step, so be patient. The metallic paints seem to move easier and I strongly suggest you use metallic paint for this Tap and Drag step.The secret to this step is to put the glass right on the edge of your work surface. It will keep your fist out of the way.


After you Tap and Drag about an inch down the strip of glass, stop pick up the glass and turn it over. Hold your hand under the glass to get a true read of what the colors will look like and make sure there is enough contrast between the two colors. If not, change to another color and continue on to finish the strip of glass.

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Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

Here are two photos of the finished Tap and Drag.
First from the painted side, and then from the glass side.
Please accept my apologies for the photos.Glass is REALLY hard to photograph, especially with a flash.

The most important thing here is to make sure you put on the second coat shear enough to be able to still see through it and the third coat can be seen.............Continued

Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

Finally the third step which is The Flood.
Here we put on the last coat. Just rub on a solid coat of the third color. Don't go overboard and make it two thick or it will never dry. Again after the first inch, turn it over and make sure you like it. If not it is not too late to change the color. I have used 4 different Flood Coat Colors to show you how you can change the effects.


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Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

Now I have finished painting my strips.
Next turn them over and mark off 1" intervals.
It is important to mark on the glass side and not on the painted side. The marks will come off during the grouting process.


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Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

I use regular tile nippers to cut my glass. First cut the strip in half, it is easier to handle. Then cut them down to the 1" pieces and stack them. This will prevent them from picking up shards on the back.
Keep a brush ready to sweep up shards in between each strip.


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Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

Now cut the 1" squares into 4 pieces.
Remember to wear protective eyewear.

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Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

Here are the finished pieces. They look like little jewels don't they? I hope you can see the different effects with the 4 different flood coats that I used. I have tried using brushes, sponges and feathers to get different effects, but always return to my fingers. Mostly because the "tools" make the pieces look too uniform and the cut pieces all turn out the same. The last piece of green painted glass is a sample of the Press and Swirl pattern I use when I keep the pieces in the large 1" size. You have to mix it up a little more. If you are going to apply the glass onto a mirror surface, just use step 1 & 2 so you can see through to the mirror. I use regular white Elmer's glue to adhere. Then grout when the piece is dry. Remember if you are in a hurry, use a hand held hair dryer to dry the layers of paint. Don't get to close, or the paint will blister. HAVE FUN!

Good Night Sweet Prince

Good Night
MICHAEL

Fellow Mosaic Monsters

I want to welcome both Rachel and Beth as new followers!

I took the day off and spent it on the computer.
It is AMAZING how time flies when you are glued to that tiny screen!
I looked up different blogs and organizations and here's a couple
you have to check out:

mosaicartistorg.com
mosaicartist.org

And some Yahoo Groups I checked into where great too,
like mosaicaddicts group.



Here is another photo of Garisol, it's coming along!

Back to Earth

I have been off on an adventure!

I celebrated my sister's 50th (May 25th) in Las Vegas.
Saw Cher, Cirque de Soliel O, gambled and just plain had a good time.
Thanx Sis..........GREAT PARTY!!!!

Temporarily touched ground and then it was off again
to celebrate my birthday, June 15th
(don't even bother trying to guess which one!),
............now my feet are firmly planted.

I did manage to get some work done
and here are some photos to show you the progress....



The first flower is almost complete, just the leaves and stem to go.
I have started the second flower, mostly reds and oranges.
The last photos shows the two together.

More to come!