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DIY

Faux Stained Glass Window

01/09/2019 By Tahni

This easy DIY faux stained glass window doubles as art and a privacy screen at the same time. I was getting tired of the wood blinds in our small living room and wanted to let in more light. However, the house next door is really close to ours and we both use the shared driveway on that side of the house. Therefore, I need privacy.

My design solution was to remove the blinds, add privacy film and hang a pair of faux stained glass windows to infuse some art, personality, and most importantly, more light. This decor project takes the DIY faux leaded glass window one step further by adding colorful paint.

Before we dive into the step by step directions on how to make a faux stained glass window, I want to tell you where I got my windowpanes for this project.

These are glass doors from a bookcase that I repurposed into my kitchen island. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on this project. You could use a repurposed glass door (like I did), a large thrifted picture frame, or even a mirror.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you click on these and make a purchase, I earn an itsy bitsy commission but it doesn’t cost you any extra.

Supplies

  • Blank Windowpane or Piece of Glass
  • Plain Paper
  • Black Marking Pen
  • Gallery Glass Instant Lead Lines
  • Gallery Glass Paint Set
  • Small Screw Eyes
  • Small S Hooks
  • Chain

Tools

  • Paint Brushes
  • Box Cutter or Small Scissors

Clean the Glass

Clean the piece of glass. You will want to ensure that the instant leading is going to adhere well to your glass and keep flecks of dirt out of your paint on your faux stained glass window.

Cut A Template

Using plain paper, create a template the exact same size as your project glass. This is what you will draw the pattern on for your faux stained glass window.

Design & Draw Your Pattern

Design the pattern for your faux stained glass window and sketch it out using a pencil. You can see in the photo below that I did some erasing until I got it how I liked it. Once you are happy with your pattern, trace it out with a medium size black marker.

Attach the Template to the Glass

Tape the template on the backside of the project glass with the pattern facing forward. This will be your guide, for applying the instant leading.

Apply Instant Leading

The instant leading is basically a thin rubber sticker. It is very easy to cut, manipulate, and reposition as needed. Note, I have found that if you move it more than three times, it may loose some of its tackiness. Use a box cutter or small scissors to trim the instant leading as needed.

Add Leading Joints

After you have all of the lead lines in place on your faux stained glass window, use the liquid leading that comes in the paint set. Apply a generous dot of liquid leading at each lead line intersection. Allow the liquid leading to dry before moving onto the next step.

Paint from the Center Out

After the liquid leading is dry, begin painting your pattern working from the center of the project glass out to the edges so you don’t accidentally set your hand or paintbrush in wet paint.

Apply a Optional Second Layer

If after the first application of a color dries and it is not dark enough for your design, you can add a second or third layer like I did with the orange flower and blue diamond. You can see in the below photograph, that the paint will dry clear.

Use Different Textures

Use different textures for different colors on your faux stained glass window to give it character and interest. This step is also going to make it feel like a real stained glass window. The paint takes some time to dry, so you can play around with different patterns as you apply it.


Texture Techniques Used

  1. Brushed – applied with a flat edged paint brush
  2. Dappled – applied in swirls the dappled with fingertip
  3. Stippled – applied with a flat edge paint brush then stippled with the to edge of the brush

Apply Hardware for Hanging

If you plan to hang your faux stained glass window attach small eye hook screws to the top of your project glass and from the area you will be hanging it. You’ll want to make sure they are strong enough to hold the weight of your window. Use small S hooks in the eyes and chain cut the length you need for your space.

Once you have completed your first faux stained glass window, the process will more than likely have you hooked. You can transfer this technique to other decor projects such as vases, picture frames, glass doors. The possibilities are endless – how do you think you will use a faux stained glass?

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Filed Under: DIY

How to Apply Frosted Glass Window Film

01/02/2019 By Tahni

Applying frosted glass window film is easy and allows for privacy without compromising natural light. The house next door sits very close to mine. In fact, we have a shared driveway. Not only is privacy and issue, the house needs a paint job and isn’t that pleasant to look at.

I wasn’t sure how I was going to like having frosted windows in my main living space, but I really wanted to let more natural light in the space so I was willing to take the gamble. Here is a picture of my small living room with the blinds still in place.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you click on these and make a purchase, I earn an itsy bitsy commission but it doesn’t cost you any extra.

Supplies

  • Window Cleaner
  • Paper Towels or Clean Rag
  • Empty Spray Bottle
  • Dish Soap
  • Frosted Glass Window Film

Tools

  • Measuring Tape
  • Box Cutter
  • Stiff Ruler
  • Cutting Mat or Scrap Wood
  • Squeegee (included with the above window film)

Clean the Window

It is important to clean the window really well before applying the frosted window film. This will ensure you window film application will be smooth with no bumps or air bubbles.

Measure and Cut

It is a good idea to measure your windowpanes before you order the frosted window film. The product comes in different sizes and you want to be sure to order yours big enough to cover the whole window. When you are ready to cut your frosted window film to size, use a firm straight edge such as a firm ruler and a sharp box cutter. Place a cutting mat or scrap board, like I did, underneath when cutting to protect your work surface.

Apply the Frosted Window Film

Mix three drops of clear dish soap in 8 ounces of water placed in a clean spray bottle. Spray the window with a generous amount of the soapy water. Peel the backing off of the frosted window film and place on the window. This will take two hands.

Position the Frosted Window Film

The window film will be very easy to move around once it is on the window, so know that you have time to straighten it out and get it even.

Remove Air Bubbles

Using a squeegee or a credit card, begin pushing the bubbles out to the sides, working from the top to the bottom. Use a rag or a paper towels to wipe the excess water the squeezes out as you work.

That is it! This project goes really fast and is super easy to do. I hung these faux stained glass windows in front of my window and love the overall look!

This is what the frosted window film looks like from the exterior of the room at dusk. You can see even when it is dark, you can’t see through. Let me know how you would use frosted window film.

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Grapevine Wreath Chandelier

11/07/2018 By Tahni

This DIY grapevine wreath chandelier is easy to do and makes an enchanting Christmas decoration. I did this project a few years ago and I wanted to share it with you here. I know you’ll love it because my grapevine wreath chandelier is a top performer for me on Pinterest from when I posted it on my old blog and it has even been featured on Shutterfly.

front porch at Christmas

This project is easy to do and you can electrify it without any wiring. Plus, If you ever wondered what my previous house looked like, this was my front porch.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you click on these and make a purchase, I earn an itsy bitsy commission but it doesn’t cost you any extra.

Supplies

  • 30″ Grapevine Wreath
  • Floral Wire
  • String Lights
  • Decorator Chain
  • Faux Greenery
  • Light Socket Adapter
  • Screw Hooks

Tools

  • 2 Pliers
  • Wire Cutters
  • Ladder

Decorate the Wreath

Decorate your grapevine wreath before you hang it. I used a combination of artificial greenery, fresh boxwood, and industrial-looking cage string lights. I attached everything with my favorite floral wire. It is durable and I like how the paddle is small so I can wrap it around and easily weave it in and out through the grapevines. 

grapevine wreath chandelier

Add Hanging Chains

Using a chain to hang your grapevine wreath chandelier is going to allow you to weave the end of the light cord through it to go up to your electric source. You will need two sets of pliers to bend, pull apart, then re-bend your chain back in place.

grapevine wreath chandelier

Hanging the Chandelier

Your front porch light may be a different kind of fixture than mine. So at this point, you are going to have to tweak this step to fit your situation. I had a can light and this is how I hung my chandelier.

  • Pull down the can light to reveal the wood framing underneath. Most can lighting is hung with little “v” shaped springs that allow you to pull it down without completely removing it.
  • Insert small screw hooks into the framing evenly spaced apart, being careful to avoid any electrical wiring.
  • Place the chain over the hooks. Push the can light casing back up as far as it will go. You’ll notice that it will not close completely due to the chain. I made this look better by tucking a little artificial greenery around the gap.

grapevine wreath chandelier

Connecting to the Electric

If your electric source is trickier than mine, you may want to enlist the help of an electrician. I removed the light bulb and simply twisted in a light socket adapter.  I plugged in my light strand and I was finished.

I love to connect. Comment below and let me know which quick fall decor home idea you are going to try. Snap a picture of it and tag me, @urbancottageliving on Instagram.

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grapevine wreath chandelier

 

Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: christmas chandelier, christmas decor, grapevine wreath chandelier

12 Quick Fall Home Decor Ideas

10/24/2018 By Tahni

You don’t need to break the bank or take a lot of time to infuse some fall decor into your home. Here are twelve quick ideas for you to try.

1. Decorate the Mantel

wood mantel

Sprinkle some baby pumpkins and small gords in different colors between thrifted brass candlesticks and orange mums.

2. Add a Pillow with a Fall Quote

throw pillow

A cute pillow like this one is a whimsical way to add the message of fall. You can make this Cheap DIY Pillow Cover yourself.

3. Decorate a Coffee Table Tray

small pumpkins

Placing a tray filled with small orange and white pumpkins and orange mums on your coffee table will add the perfect pop of fall color right into the center of your living room.

4. Add Fall-Colored Throws and Pillows

Wingback chairs

Swap out the summer pillow covers and throws and replace them with warm fall colors.

5. Use Battery Candles on Timers

small entry way

There is nothing like the warm glow of flickering candles when nighttime arrives early. Add battery operated candles on timers to a fall arrangement and relax in their flickering glow.

6. Don’t Forget the Bedroom

orange throw pillows

Don’t forget to add a few cozy touches to the bedroom. A couple warm throw pillows and a pumpkin or two are the perfect fall decor in the bedroom.

7. A Charger Centerpiece

fall centerpiece

A charger or small round tray grounds a fall decor grouping in the middle of the table. Add a few orange and white pumpkins, some candlesticks, and flowers.

8. Small Plant Surrounded by Oranges

bowl of oranges

Place a small plant in a large shallow bowl and surround it with oranges or tangerines. This quick fall decor idea adds that perfect pop of orange to any room in the house.

9. Pumpkins on Candlesticks

pumpkin candle stick

Top candlesticks with small pumpkins. The different heights add visual interest and take your fall home decor from bland to bam!

10. Decorate a Cakestand

3-tier dessert stand

Sprinkling small pumpkins and gords on a cake stand brighten up a little corner or shelf.

11. Change the Tablecloth

plaid table cloth

Change or add a fall decor themed tablecloth to your kitchen table. It will visually soften the room and give it that cool-morning cozy feel.

12. Pot Flowers in Goblets

flowers in goblets

Pot some fall-colored mums in vintage goblets. The different heights add interest and their size is perfect to display on trays, tuck into centerpieces, or place on a shelf.

I love to connect. Comment below and let me know which quick fall decor home idea you are going to try. Snap a picture of it and tag me, @urbancottageliving on Instagram.

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collage of fall decor

Filed Under: Design, DIY

Cheap DIY Fall Pillow Covers

10/10/2018 By Tahni

Do you love to decorate for the different seasons? If you do, then swapping out pillow covers is an affordable and effective way to do just that without breaking the bank. Plus, when are limited on storage, pillow covers become the perfect answer to embracing the season without taking up extra space. When a new season rolls around, you just swap them out, fold them up, and hide them away.

pumpkin pillow

How cute would these look in your home? Well, I’ve got you covered (see what I did there?) with all the how-to below and the graphics files  – for free on the Free Resources page. The download file includes an SVG cut file for you to use however you want. I made my pillows using a stencil method from a cut file I made on my Silhouette. Both the Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice and the Gather Together, Give Thanks, Eat Pie files include a three-part stencil and here is how to do it.

Thanksgiving pillow

This post includes some affiliate links. If you click on these and make a purchase, I earn an itsy bitsy commission but it doesn’t cost you any extra.

Supplies

  • Ikea Gurli Pillow Cover
  • Fabric Paint
  • Adhesive Vinyl
  • Transfer Paper

Tools

  • Iron
  • Silhouette Machine and Accessories
  • Makeup Sponges or Cotton Balls
  • Small Paintbrush
  • Small Plate or Bowl for Mixing
  • Ruler
  • 19 x 19 Cardboard Piece

orange paint

Prepare Pillow Cover

Wash, dry, and iron the pillow cover. Lay it on a flat work surface and insert the cardboard to protect the back of the pillow from the fabric paint bleeding through.

iron

Cardboard

Create the Stencils

Using adhesive vinyl, cut the fall pillow stencils follow the directions and settings of your cutting machine. You can download both the “Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice” and the “Gather Together, Give Thanks, Eat Pie” SVG cut files for free.

silhouette machine

Reverse Weed

Weed (remove the letters) the adhesive vinyl to reveal the writing of your stencil. You want to do a reverse weed. Which means, you will leave the large piece of transfer vinyl intact and remove the inside of the lettering.

adhesive vinyl

Move to transfer Paper

After the words are revealed for you fall pillow cover stencil, move it to transfer paper. This is going to allow you to easily place your stencil on the blank pillow cover. Transfer paper allows you to lightly manipulate its place on the cover without the stencil becoming twisted or sticking to itself.

transfer paper

Place Stencil on Pillow Cover

Once you have all three stencils cut and moved onto transfer paper, you are ready to place the stencil on the pillow cover. Use a ruler to make sure each part is centered on the pillow and evenly spaced apart.

ruler near stencil

stencil on pillow cover

Apply Fabric Paint

Pour a quarter size amount of black paint in a plastic artist pallet or small plate. Using a makeup sponge (or cotton ball, because I was out of sponges) dip into the paint and then onto the stencil. You could also use an appropriate size paint brush.

black paint

Work from top to bottom. This will help eliminate smudging so your hand or arm won’t end up in wet paint. Similarly, work left to right if you are right-handed and opposite if you are left-handed.

paint

Mix together the yellow, red and black paint to achieve the right color orange. You will need to do the same thing with the green, yellow, and black for the stem.

orange paint

Dry

Tempting as it may be, allow the paint to dry 4 hours before removing the stencil.

Stuff with Pillow Insert

Stuff your new fall DIY pillow cover with a pillow insert. Since I live in a small space, I rotate my pillow covers out and use the same inserts. If you need a pillow insert, this is one of my favorite.

fall pillow

throw pillow

What seasons do you like to decorate and change our your pillow covers for? I love connecting with you on Instagram. If you end up making one of these pillows be sure to share it and tag @urbancottageliving

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diy throw pillow

 

Filed Under: DIY

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