How to Make Letters
On A Stain Glass Piece

I am attempting my first project where I have made my own pattern from a picture that I found in a newspaper. I have made progress with the picture itself, but I would like to add a caption around the picture and I am not sure how to do that. I found one pattern that had used paint on glass for writing a caption. I am a beginner and I am learning with each new project. I would like to have "Laisse les Bon Temp Roule" which means, Let the good times roll printed around the picture of a crawfish. Please let me know how I might be able to do this or if you have any additional idea for the project.

Thank you, Donna

Answer

Hi Donna,

That sounds like an interesting and fun project.

There are three ways you can do it:

1. If it's a large panel, and there is room, you could actually make the letters out of glass and incorporate them as part of the design. There are several stained glass alphabet books available.

2. You could etch the letters in the glass using Etchall (my favorite) or Armour Etch. Both products are available from stained glass suppliers. Once the letters are etched, paint over them using Glass Magic paint, then wipe the excess paint off. The remaining paint will color the etching just enough to make it show up well.

If you don't know how to use etching creme, there are some pretty good etching instructions here.

3. Paint the letters on the glass. There are paint pens, available at most hobby stores, that are made for glass. Zig Painty Pen is one brand that I have used and have found to work well. They come in a variety of colors and are made specifically for non pourous surfaces.

I hope this information will help you.