I have always loved how light looks when it passes through stained glass.
My little collection of colorful panels never fails to lift my mood and make my workspace feel cheerful.
I like painting on stained glass because it feels playful and creative at the same time.
Some of my favorite designs are bright flowers, whimsical animals, and fun abstract shapes that just make me smile.
I enjoy experimenting with colors and watching how they catch the light differently throughout the day.
For me, painting stained glass is a perfect way to add a pop of color and personality to any corner of my home.
These ideas are some of my favorites that bring joy and brightness without much effort.
I hope they inspire you to try your own playful and colorful stained glass creations.
Rainbow Arch Glass Suncatcher
This delightful piece features a classic rainbow arch painted onto a smooth circular glass base. The colors are incredibly vibrant, with rich reds and deep purples that look like they were pulled straight from a fresh box of crayons. You can see the lovely hand-painted texture in the brushstrokes, which gives the whole thing a cozy artisan feel. The fluffy white clouds at the base of the rainbow have a thick 3D quality that makes them pop right off the surface. It is a simple yet striking design that plays beautifully with the light.
I love how approachable this project feels for anyone who wants to play with glass paint without needing a master’s degree in fine arts. You just need a steady hand and your favorite bright shades to transform a plain glass disc into a total mood lifter. It is such a rewarding way to add a splash of happiness to a window, especially on those gray afternoons when you need a little extra sunshine. Plus, there is something so therapeutic about filling in those colorful bands one by one.
Midnight Floral Hexagon Frame
This gorgeous hexagonal piece features a deep cobalt blue glass base that looks just like a clear night sky. Around the edges, you will find delicate pink blossoms and soft green leaves painted with a beautiful layered technique. The texture is unique because the petals have a raised three-dimensional effect that stands out against the smooth, dark background. Silver soldering frames the entire shape perfectly, which adds a touch of sophisticated shimmer to the floral design. It is a fantastic mix of moody jewel tones and soft spring vibes.
I am totally smitten with how this project proves you can go bold with dark colors and still keep things feeling feminine and fresh. If you are looking for a weekend project that feels a bit more upscale than a standard suncatcher, this is a brilliant choice. It is such a fun way to practice painting tiny details like those dainty white centers in the flowers. I imagine this hanging in a sunny reading nook where the blue glass can cast a dreamy glow over everything.
Emerald Butterfly Diamond Pane
This striking diamond-shaped glass panel serves as a lush green backdrop for a stunningly detailed butterfly. The central insect features vibrant sky blue wings accented with juicy pink and sunny yellow patches that really draw the eye. Each section is outlined in a bold black lead or thick paint, which creates that iconic stained glass look, while the translucent green glass behind it adds a mysterious forest vibe. You can see the glossy finish reflecting the light, which gives the entire piece a polished and high-end appearance. It is a masterful combination of geometric sharp lines and the soft organic curves of nature.
I am completely charmed by how this design captures the magic of a garden visitor in such a permanent and stylish way. If you want to try a project that feels more like a piece of fine art, this butterfly is a fantastic place to start your journey. It is a wonderful excuse to play with color blending within those black borders to get that perfect shaded wing effect. Hanging this in a window would bring such a peaceful energy to any room, and honestly, it looks much more expensive and complicated than it actually is to create.
Celestial Plum Star Suncatcher
This celestial beauty features a rich plum purple glass cut into a perfect five-pointed star shape. The deep violet hue of the glass is beautifully offset by intricate gold linework radiating from the center like a shimmering constellation. You can see the thin silver soldering around the outer edge, which gives it a crisp, professional finish, while the hand-painted gold stars on the surface add a touch of whimsical magic. The texture of the glass appears slightly marbled when the light hits it, creating a wonderful sense of depth and movement within the solid frame.
I am head over heels for this design because it brings a little bit of the night sky right into your living room. If you are looking for a project that feels sophisticated yet totally doable for a home crafter, this star is your best bet. It is such a clever way to practice precision with metallic paint pens on a glass surface without needing complex tools. I can already see this hanging in a window where the purple tones can create a moody and relaxing atmosphere during the golden hour.
Hummingbird Heart Glass Plaque
This adorable piece features a lively hummingbird mid-flight set against a soft dusty rose glass heart. The bird itself is an explosion of color with bright turquoise wings and a lime green body that really pops thanks to the thick, textured paint strokes used for the feathers. Small dots of hot pink along the wing edges and a crisp white throat patch add wonderful little details that catch the eye. The entire heart is encased in a smooth silver metal frame, which gives the delicate glass a sturdy and high-quality feel. It is a brilliant example of how using bold outlines can make intricate animal designs look clean and professional.
I am completely struck by how much personality is packed into this sweet bird. If you love the idea of capturing nature in your crafts, this is a fantastic project to tackle because you can really experiment with layering different paint shades to mimic real feathers. It is such a cheerful way to brighten up a bedroom or even give as a heartfelt, handmade gift to a fellow bird lover. You will have a blast seeing how those tiny textured scales on the bird’s chest come to life as you add each little dab of paint.
Oceanic Wave Triangle Panel
This dynamic piece showcases a crashing sea wave painted onto a sharp, triangular glass pane. The background is a warm honey amber glass that provides a stunning contrast to the cool blues and teals of the water. What really stands out here is the incredible impasto texture of the white foam, which is applied so thickly that it looks like actual sea spray frozen in time. The wave itself transitions from a deep navy at the base to a bright turquoise near the crest with visible energetic brushstrokes that mimic the movement of the tide. It is a bold, modern take on coastal decor that feels both powerful and serene.
I am head over heels for the way this project plays with physical height and depth on a flat surface. If you want to move beyond flat washes of color and really get messy with some thick texture paste or heavy-body paints, this is your sign to try it. It is such a clever way to bring a bit of the beach into your home without using the typical seashells and sand. Plus, there is something so satisfying about swirling those blues together to create your own personal ocean.
Whimsical Ginger Cat Circular Plaque
This charming creation features a chubby feline friend sitting contentedly on a translucent cherry red glass circle. The kitty is split right down the middle with vibrant orange and sunny yellow paint, which creates a bold two-tone look that really stands out against the dark crimson background. Thick black outlines define the cat’s sweet face and pointy whiskers, while the little yellow paws show off adorable black toe beans. The paint application is nice and heavy, so you can see the wonderful tactile ridges in the fur, and the glossy finish makes the whole piece shimmer under a lamp.
I am completely tickled by the quirky personality of this split-color kitty. If you are a pet parent looking to immortalize your favorite furball, this is such a stress-free way to dive into glass art. You don’t need to be a master illustrator because the chunky lines and bright blocks of color do all the heavy lifting for you. It is a fantastic afternoon project that will leave you with a smiling piece of decor that is guaranteed to start a conversation with anyone who visits your home.
Sleepy Crescent Moon Oval
This enchanting oval plaque features a cheerful yellow crescent moon resting against a tranquil teal glass background. The moon has a wonderfully thick painted texture with visible swirls that give it a playful, handcrafted look and a sweet little smiling face. Surrounding our moon friend are dozens of tiny five-pointed stars in soft shades of pastel pink and baby blue, which add a layer of dreamy detail. The glass itself has a slight horizontal grain that mimics a calm night sky, while the glossy finish makes every little star sparkle when the light catches it just right.
I am absolutely charmed by how this design captures such a peaceful bedtime vibe with just a few simple shapes and colors. If you want to create something special for a nursery or a cozy bedroom corner, this is an incredibly beginner-friendly project to try tonight. You can really let your creativity shine by scattering those little stars wherever you like and playing with different pastel paint combinations. It is such a soothing way to spend an evening, and the result is a piece of art that brings a sense of quiet magic to your home.
Pastel Sorbet Octagon Pane
This sweet treat of a project features a delicious three-scoop ice cream cone centered on a warm mustard yellow glass octagon. The scoops come in a dreamy palette of strawberry pink, mint green, and creamy vanilla, all rendered with a thick and swirly frosting-like texture that makes you want to reach out and touch it. A classic waffle cone with a dainty crisscross pattern sits at the bottom, holding everything together against that smooth, olive-toned background. The entire piece is finished with a sleek silver trim that provides a clean, modern frame for the whimsical and textured dessert design.
I am completely over the moon for how this piece manages to look both retro and totally fresh at the same time. If you have been looking for a way to satisfy your creative sweet tooth without the calories, this sundae-inspired glass painting is a total win. It is a fantastic opportunity to practice your piping or palette knife skills on glass to get those luscious, thick peaks on the ice cream scoops. Hanging this in a sunny kitchen window would definitely keep the summer vibes going all year long and bring a massive smile to anyone who sees it.
Radiant Dragonfly Diamond Plaque
This elegant diamond-shaped pane features a stunning dragonfly with wings that practically glow against a soft lavender glass background. The insect is a masterpiece of color coordination with electric turquoise, hot pink, and sunny yellow segments all neatly contained within shiny silver leading. Tiny metallic beads or glass droplets are scattered just above the dragonfly, like magical sparkling dust, which adds a wonderful layer of dimension to the smooth surface. The glass itself has a subtle frosted texture that allows light to pass through softly while making those bold neon colors on the wings really pop.
I am completely mesmerized by how this piece captures the delicate beauty of a dragonfly with such high-impact colors. If you are looking for a project that lets you play with fine details and a bit of “bling,” this is a perfect choice for your next craft night. It is surprisingly easy to achieve this look by using liquid leading for the outlines and then filling in with your brightest glass paints. Hanging this in a window would bring such a sophisticated yet playful energy to your space, and I bet you will find it incredibly satisfying to peel those little silver lines into place.
Floral Garden Glass Heart
This elegant piece showcases a heart shape overflowing with a variety of colorful blossoms nestled within a circular glass pane. The design uses deep reds, sunny oranges, and soft pinks for the petals, while rich green leaves provide a natural contrast. Each flower and leaf is individually outlined with a dark, textured leading that creates a classic stained glass look against the slightly bubbly, translucent gray background. The smooth glass surface is punctuated by these raised, tactile lines, giving the entire artwork a wonderful handcrafted feel that mimics the look of high-end traditional leaded glass.
I am truly enamored with how this project captures the essence of a spring garden in such a permanent and stylish way. If you are looking for a project that allows you to play with a wide variety of colors in one sitting, this floral heart is a dream come true. It is a fantastic excuse to practice your precision with liquid lead or 3D paint while creating something that feels both romantic and timeless. I can easily see this hanging in a sunny kitchen window where the daylight can highlight those intricate little petals and the unique texture of the background glass.
Golden Sunburst Star Frame
This radiant piece features a brilliant sun centered within a sharp five-pointed star glass frame. The sun is rendered in a thick buttery yellow paint with swirling textures, while long tapered rays in shades of bright orange and lemon yellow stretch toward the star’s points. The background glass has a warm brownish amber tone with tiny dark speckles that give it a rustic, earthy look. A thin bronze or copper colored metal trim wraps around the entire star shape, providing a clean finished edge that perfectly complements the fiery, warm palette of the design.
I am completely smitten with how this project captures the energy of a summer afternoon in such a bold geometric way. If you are looking for a craft that feels like a literal burst of sunshine for your walls, this is the one for you. It is such a rewarding way to practice creating long, consistent lines with your paintbrush to get those tapering rays just right. Hanging this in a spot that gets direct light would be absolutely magical as the amber glass and yellow paint would combine to cast a warm, inviting glow across your entire room.
Abstract Pastel Triangle Pane
This striking triangular piece features a dreamy, deep teal glass base with a subtle frosted texture that looks like a misty morning sky. Across the surface, playful abstract shapes are rendered in thick, tactile paint in shades of bubblegum pink, soft lavender, mint green, and sunny yellow. The design consists of whimsical swirls and arching stripes that have a wonderful 3D quality, making them stand out prominently against the smooth glass. It is a fantastic example of a modern, geometric take on glass art that focuses on movement and a candy-coated color palette.
I am completely captivated by how this project uses simple lines and curves to create such a high-impact, artistic statement. If you love the idea of “drawing” with paint rather than worrying about perfect realism, this abstract style is a total blast to experiment with on a quiet afternoon. It is such a low-pressure way to get used to the flow of glass paints while creating something that looks like it belongs in a trendy boutique. You can really let your intuition lead the way as you pipe those thick, satisfying swirls across the glass.
Mermaid Scale Hexagon Tile
This magical piece features a mesmerizing pattern of overlapping scales on a clear hexagonal glass base. The scales are filled with a stunning aquatic palette of deep ocean blue, vibrant emerald green, and sunny orange accents that look like light reflecting off tropical water. Each scale is defined by a thick, raised blue outline that adds incredible texture and a tactile 3D effect across the entire surface. The translucent glass allows the colors to glow with a watery shimmer, while the hand-painted swirls within each scale give the impression of moving currents and hidden depths.
I am enchanted by how this pattern transforms a simple geometric shape into a piece of underwater treasure. If you are looking for a project that is repetitive in the most relaxing, meditative way possible, this mermaid-inspired design is exactly what you need. It is a brilliant way to play with color blending on a small scale since each little section is its own tiny canvas for your favorite sea-inspired shades. Displaying this near a lamp or a sunny window would create the most beautiful dappled light effects in your room that will make you feel like you are living in a seaside grotto.
Coastal Teal Owl Square
This adorable square glass pane features a wise little friend perched on a vibrant, swirly teal glass base. The owl itself is a masterclass in color layering, with feathers ranging from deep plum and magenta to bright turquoise and soft lavender. Unlike the pastel version, this owl sports a bold, dark teal “mask” around its large, shining blue eyes, giving it a slightly more mysterious and nocturnal feel. Each feather is meticulously outlined in thick black, creating a beautiful stained-glass effect that feels incredibly tactile.
I love how the horizontal grain of the teal glass makes the background look like a moving sea or a deep twilight sky. If you’re a fan of richer, more saturated colors, this is the perfect variation to try for your next project. It’s a great way to practice blending analogous colors—like blues, purples, and pinks—to create a cohesive and striking animal portrait. This piece would look absolutely stunning on a bookshelf or as a focal point in a gallery wall, bringing a bit of whimsical “owl-power” to your home.
Climbing Ivy Diamond Pane
This elegant diamond-shaped glass panel features a delicate vine of ivy that gracefully frames the outer edges. The leaves are rendered in a rich forest green with lighter lime accents that give them a realistic sense of depth and life. Nestled among the greenery are tiny three-dimensional flowers in bright pops of orange, hot pink, and sky blue, which look like little sugar candies resting on the glass. The background is a soft, frosted sage green that provides a calming, matte contrast to the glossy, raised textures of the hand-painted botanical design.
I am completely struck by how this piece manages to feel both sophisticated and wonderfully whimsical at the same time. If you are a plant lover who wants to bring some permanent greenery into your home without a watering schedule, this vine design is a total dream. It is such a fantastic project for practicing your linework as you swirl those long, elegant stems across the glass surface. You will have a total blast dotting those tiny colorful blossoms at the very end to watch the whole scene suddenly come to life.
Orchard Harvest Glass Wreath
This delicious circular plaque features a ring of juicy red apples and bright cherries dancing around a soft rose-tinted glass center. Each piece of fruit is rendered with thick, glossy paint that has a wonderful reflective quality and creates a realistic 3D effect. The apples are accented with crisp white highlights to give them a polished shine, while the deep green leaves provide a fresh garden contrast. The background glass has a subtle horizontal grain that looks like fine wood through a pink filter, which adds a lovely rustic touch to the overall design.
I am genuinely tickled by how this project manages to look good enough to eat. If you want to add a dash of farmhouse charm to your kitchen window, this fruit wreath is a total winner for your next craft afternoon. It is such a rewarding way to practice creating highlights and shadows with your paints since those little white streaks really make the cherries pop right off the glass. You will have a marvelous time arranging your little harvest and seeing how the sunlight makes each red fruit glow like a ruby.
Deep Sea Oval Coral Pane
This stunning oval glass piece feels like a private window into a hidden tropical lagoon. The base is a luscious deep teal glass with a horizontal grain that mimics the soft movement of underwater currents. Vibrant coral branches in punchy shades of salmon pink and bright orange curve elegantly along the edges, sporting a thick, glossy texture that makes them look wet to the touch. Playful turquoise bubbles and swirling water trails are dotted throughout the design, adding a sense of life and motion to the serene composition. It is a beautiful balance of bold, warm-toned accents against a moody, cool background that creates a truly high-end coastal look.
I am completely mesmerized by how this project uses negative space to make those neon corals really “pop” without overwhelming the eye. If you are looking for a DIY that feels sophisticated and artistic but doesn’t require filling in every single inch of the glass, this breezy layout is a fantastic choice. It is a great way to practice your “swooshing” technique with a paintbrush to get those graceful, tapering coral limbs just right. I can totally picture this hanging in a bathroom where the morning light can turn that teal glass into a glowing piece of oceanic magic.
Swirly Pastel Dream Clouds
This final piece is a total treat for the eyes, featuring a square violet glass pane that serves as a soft matte sky. In each corner, you will find clusters of whimsical clouds rendered in shades of bubblegum pink, sunny yellow, sky blue, and lavender. The texture here is truly the star of the show because the paint is applied in thick circular swirls that give the clouds a 3D frosting-like appearance. It is a wonderfully tactile design that feels modern and playful with its creamy pastel palette and smooth frosted finish.
I am completely over the moon for this project because it feels like painting with literal colorful clouds. If you are a fan of that popular “textured art” trend but want to try it on a unique surface like glass, this is such a fun way to get your hands dirty. You don’t have to worry about being perfectly precise because the beauty is all in those thick, messy swirls and the way the colors play together. It is the ultimate low-stress way to finish off our list, and I can just imagine how pretty it would look catching the light on a bedside table.
