A touch of glass

Hands-on time: Less than an hour, depending on the details of your artwork.
Total time: Needs to dry for 24 hours and then bake in oven for 30-35 minutes.
Skill: Easy.
Cost estimate: $10 to $25 (Cost varies depending on cost of glass item and on how many different colours of paint you buy).

Materials & Tools

• Glass item of your choice to paint, plate, bowl, bud vase etc. (Available from fine giftware shops, dollar stores or your own cupboards)
• Paint for glass in assorted colours (Pébéo Porcelain #160), available at craft and art stores
• Paint tray (try using an old ice-cube tray)
• Paintbrushes in assorted sizes - use small brushes to achieve fine detailing
• Water jar (for cleaning your brushes)
• Damp cloth, clean rag or paper towels
• Pencil
• Tracing paper
• Desired motif or design (if you do not do your design freehand)
• Tape

Add a touch of glass to dazzle any décor, from a dining room centerpiece to a charming bud vase on a night table. Decorative glass is a trend that will always be a classic to add to virtually any décor. Transform plain glass items into keepsake treasures.

Aside from items that I already have or flea market finds, my favourite source of inspiration is visiting fine giftware shops. I see items like glass pieces as blank canvases ready to be explored. Even though the holiday season is still a few months away, it's never too soon to collect and paint glass items to give as unique gifts.

Wash and wipe the glass item to prepare the surface for painting. Trace your designs onto tracing paper; use tape to apply the design at the back if the item is a plate, or for a vase, place your design inside the item. Painting freehand is always fun, too.

Paint the design with the heat-set glass paint; several coats can be added. If you painted something that you are not pleased with, simply wipe it off with a damp cloth, and continue. Remove the paper design. Let dry for 24 hours and bake in the oven according to product directions. The results will amaze you and your friends.

Tips

• To remove sticky price labels from any glass item, just spray a little WD-40 on the label and rub it off with a paper towel.
• Mixing colours can be tricky and the shades can change during baking. In particular, avoid mixing blues and greens. I've noticed that these pigments can change colours. White can be mixed with any colour, resulting in a more opaque colour on the glass. Try frosted paints, using painter's tape to make stripes, and to give a modern look to simple glass items like bathroom glasses and jars.
• Since most fine giftware shops are small and exclusive, a lot of them don't have web sites. The best thing to do is to go out on an inspirational shopping excursion. Most neighbourhoods have lovely gift stores that will inspire creativity.

Variations

• This project can be adapted for children by having them paint their favourite glass or cereal bowl. The Pébéo glass paints are non-toxic and dishwasher safe.