I’ve always been in love with luminaries. They are very easy to create and the results are so visually stunning that I could stare at them for hours. I’m also all about color. I love a craft project that’s studded with several different colors from all over the rainbow.
In case you are wondering, I used a votive sized candle inside a glass votive holder. Then I placed that inside the luminary. I let the candle burn from beginning to end, until it burned out, and it was totally fine! 
Recently I was able to try my hand at using DecoArt’s glass stain paints. 
In case you missed it, I made this Beach Flag Suncatcher and it was incredibly fun and rewarding to make! Sure, I made a couple of mistakes, like leaving it to dry where my cat could step on it, and not really following the instructions for drying time… but all in all it turned out beautifully and I couldn’t wait to come up with another project to use these glass stains on. 
They come in a variety of colors, and when I made the flag I only used three. This time I used just about every color they offer! A few years ago my husband brought home a huge box full of these empty plastic Beanie Baby containers. Some guy at work had them and my hubby knew I could put them to good use somehow. I also made these kitchen utensil holders and this egg shell mosaic vase out of these containers, and I have many craft items stored in the rest. 
I am really, really pleased with how this came out! 
So let me show you what I did… 
Because the glass stains will run while wet, you need to work on a fairly flat surface. Therefore, doing this on a round jar is just not feasible. However, because you can use these glass stains on both glass and plastic, these containers were the perfect canvas. QUICK NOTE: This project takes a full 4 days to complete. The actual work you do on the project is not the time consuming part, it’s the drying time. The first step is the leading (outline) and that must dry for 6-8 hours. After you fill in the color, that must dry for 24 hours.
Multicolored Round Geometric Stained Glass Panel from GoodGriefGlass on Etsy – click photo to visit her shop.
I drew some inspiration from a gorgeous piece of stained glass art I found on Etsy. You really should visit her shop, her work is incredible! 
First I traced the container onto a piece of paper. Then I used a ruler to add horizontal lines at varying heights. 
Next I added in vertical lines and a couple of circles to create the design. 
I cut the design out so that it would fit inside the container, and lightly taped it inside to use as my pattern. 
I used the silver leading (black is also available) to draw lines, using my pattern as a guide. It’s important that all of the lines touch so that when you fill in the sections with color, it doesn’t escape and leak over to another square. 
I also made my lead lines a little thin on the first side, not giving them quite enough height as I should have. Therefore when I added the color they tumbled over the side, so for the remaining sides I made the leading a bit thicker. This must dry for 6-8 hours. If the room is humid, be sure to wait the full 8 hours. 
Now it’s time to fill in the sections with color – the fun part! When I started, I filled them a bit too full and ended up soaking some of the sections up with sponge and starting over. Again, this had to do with my thin lines on the first side. I got into a groove though :) 
I alternated colors so that no same color was side by side. Now the really hard part… the waiting! 24 hours. You must let it dry for 24 hours. 
Then simply repeat these steps for each side of the container! 
I loved working with these glass stain paints and will be brainstorming more projects for this beautiful product. In the meantime, if you would like to give them a try, Americana Glass Paints are available at Michaels, JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores, Pat Catan’s Craft Centers, A.C. Moore, Beverly’s, and other fine craft retailers. For more information on Americana Glass Paints visit http://www.decoart.com/glasspaint. 
In fact, if you do head out to the craft store, be sure to save your receipt so you can take advantage of this $5.00 rebate offer from DecoArt!
I am a DecoArt Core Blogger. I was compensated for this post, but have always loved DecoArt products! Therefore, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own. 
Be sure to check out all of these awesome projects to give you some inspiration for using DecoArt’s fabulous glass paints!
Here’s a short video showing what it looks like:
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Lauren A Murdock says
Hi Amanda, what do you mean by “silver leading” for the outline. Is it just the same paint in silver? I can’t find that term anywhere.
Amanda Formaro says
It’s actually called leading. Here’s an example https://amzn.to/3PyDBs5
Cassie says
I cannot find this brand’s glass stains anywhere right now. Do they still sell them? I see opaque osints, but not these translucent ones anymore or anywhere. I’m wanting to DIY some wedding accessories by coloring some glass gems with glass paint, but that may not be my option now.
Lynn says
I love the Faux Stained Glass Mosaic Luminary I was wondering if you have kits for anything you have made? I would love to give these as Easter prizes for my younger cousins at the Easter egg hunt this year.
Amanda Formaro says
I’m sorry, that’s not something I offer!
Kathy says
Love doing a large selection of crafts, it keeps my mind from going into 20 different directions, Thank you
Pat says
I love this luminary craft!
Noel says
Will this paint work for an outdoor light? My amber colored lights have faded after a few years of use,I would like to restain them. Can I mix colors to create an amber tint, will the color fade, and is it waterproof? Thank you
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Noel. I don’t think that this paint would hold up to the outdoor elements.
Jen Worthington says
I love this idea. Can you tell me how much paint was used so I know how much to order? I’m looking to do a 3″x3″x3″ cube vase. Thanks!
Amanda Formaro says
I used several colors so it’s hard to say how much I used from each one. I did not use more than one bottle each, that’s for sure. Probably a quarter to a half a bottle for each color :) Hope that helps!
Sharon Weiss says
I love the faux stained glass items you do. Im wondering if I can use other craft paints such as Apple Barrel, Folk Art or Delta Ceramcoat? They all say for wood, plaster, leather, bisque, paper mache & other craft surfaces. I have dozens of colors & shades of these. Also to help separate & keep the colors from running into each other what are your thoughts of running a bead of Elmers glue between then? (pencil the design on the glass then run a bead of glue, let dry then paint)?
Thanks
Amanda Formaro says
Well acrylic craft paint is not transparent, so the light won’t shine through the paint. And as for Elmer’s glue I would be afraid it wouldn’t hold up to the heat from the candle.
monica says
Hi Amanda
What a lovely idea! But wondering if you did anything to stop the painted side from smudging when you turn and paint on the other side?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi, Monica. Each side needs to dry completely before you turn and start the other side! It’s a pretty long process, but worth it in the end!
Sehreh says
Hi!
I am from IRAN.
I ma sehreh.
thanks for this.
By.
Julie Cutshaw says
love it!
Tom says
I just made this using the same paints. I must say that I think mine came out even prettier than yours, lol. I wish I could show a photo of mine. I also went to that Etsy seller’s shop who makes real stained glass stuff and I agree it’s beautiful and I even just bought one of her creations there.
Amanda Formaro says
Well good, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! :)
Joseph Godleski says
Okay so how much if I paid you Amanda to make two of those candle holders and ship them
Thanks Joseph r Godleski
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Joseph. I’m sorry, I don’t commission my projects, I just create tutorials to show people how to make them :)
Dawn M Jens says
This is beautiful – it never fails – I click on a craft not knowing it is one of yours and viola there you are – it has happened many times – love your stuff – thank you for sharing and caring
Amanda Formaro says
That’s so nice of you Dawn, thank you!!
Livia says
Hi Amanda,
I’m trying to paint a stained glass wine bottle , using the “lead” edging, etc. I would be using a string of lights inside the bottle. Would the Deco Art paints stand up to the heat and not peel off? I’m considering trying another brand but it seems like that particular brand would peel off with the heat.
Amanda Formaro says
They should! But if you are concerned, you can buy LED string lights too, and they don’t put off the heat that regular ones too. But I burn candles in mine all the time and they hold up just fine :)
Sylvia says
I love this. I would like to do a glass piece to hang over and cover a small window i my bathroom. It would never have any direct water, but there would be moisture in the air. Will moisture bother these paints after they’re dry?
Amanda Formaro says
It might. I don’t know for sure, but I made a beach flag that I kept in the bathroom for a while and there are bubbles in the paint. I don’t know if it happened because of the moisture in the bathroom or because I was new to using the product and didn’t do something correctly. If you like, go to decoart.com and ask them directly. They are the makers of the paint :)
Melissa Simon says
I just found a link to your site through the YAHOO! article about copyright and crafter’s rights. Love, love, love this luminary idea! It is awesome and I think I will be making my mom one for Mother’s Day. But I am really excited to find some containers and perhaps do some for Halloween. Halloween is my jam and I love décor I can keep out all year! So again, thank you!
Amanda Formaro says
I love Halloween crafting too Melissa! Glad you love the luminary, it was such a fun project and it has a permanent spot in my living room. :)
Anna Draper says
Love this! Just bought my first house and have a lovely backyard so am going to make something like this to hang from some trees. I’ve done a lot of faux stained glass with these “paints” and it is ADDICTING! Some hints – ‘leading’ can also be found pre-made in straight lines on sheets that have self stick tape in case you can’t wait for liquid leading to dry – I’m inpatient…. If bubbles appear in stain – the color or ‘glass’ – simply use a sewing pin or needle to pop them. Or if you need to either suck up mistakes or have a large amount of bubbles, use a syringe (no needle…), used Visine eye drops bottle, or other container to remove. I’ve also made designs on outside of wine glasses (some without ‘leading’) and washed them in a dishwasher several times without any problems. However, the paints are not meant to be in direct contact with food. Have fun, be creative!
Amanda Formaro says
I did not know you could buy the leading premade! That’s a time saver for sure! You’re right that it is addicting!
Drea says
I just looked and I was able to find the beanie baby cases cheaper on this website.. I just order 4. Thanks!
http://bcwsupplies.com/cat/display-cases/beanie-case/beanie-baby-box
Amanda Formaro says
Great find, thanks Drea!
Pat McIntire says
I love the look of these colorful luminaries. Where do you find the clear plastic or acrylic luminaries to paint? I’ve seen the paint in the stores, but not the luminaries. How much are they apiece? I’ve used the glass paint on fruit jars before, but due to the roundness of the corners of the jar, it is very difficult to do. I like your idea of the plastic luminaries.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Pat. These were recycled containers I had. They were cases that held Beanie Babies. However I did find some on Amazon! http://amzn.to/WLmJD0
Adriana Iannini says
Que bello vitral! Podrías por favor decirme cómo consigo la base rectangular? Es un material q reciclaste? Dónde lo conseguiste!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Adriana. Those containers are recycled, they were originally used to hold collectible beanie babies :)
Amanda Formaro says
Just adding a note here that I found some on Amazon http://amzn.to/WLmJD0
Bea Jay says
Plz help to buy those material (paint) you did a great work thank youuuuuu
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Bea. These paints can be found at Michaels, and I believe you can also purchase them directly through the DecoArt.com website :)
shirin says
Hi
Thanks a lot
You are very artistic
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Shirin :)
Inspire Me Heather says
I’ve always wanted to try stained glass, it looks so pretty – thanks!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Heather!
Elizabeth Simon says
Wow Amanda I really love your craft ideas. Thanks
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Elizabeth!
Lorie Folk says
I have a question :) Will I be able to complete this project with 1 oz. bottles of glass stain?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Lorie. The answer is most likely. I used the 2 oz bottles, but it’s been a while so I really can’t remember how much was left in each bottle. However, if you are going to use as many colors as I did then you shouldn’t have a problem running out :)
kim says
Hi Amanda
I like what you create. I just love the home decor section its the one I am checking out now, later I will check out the rest. I really love the faux stain glass luminary, I think I will try it soon. I am wondering if you know about this website http://www.decoart.com when you check out the site go to store, and they always, always have clearance paint for cheeeep! Thats where I go when I want some paint . Look they have glass stain on clearance too for . under the section of glass stain there are 4 colors $1.74 each, under glasstique there are 2 colors .62 each, and some of the paint isnt stain but you can use it on glass like ultra frost there are 6 colors for .40 each. Then under the section mediums several different mediums but I was looking for leading and there are two colors gold and pewter for .62. Quite a bargin hub? if you already know great, but I just wanted to make sure that you are aware of the deco art paint website, there are many more different paints and other things like no hole glass beads and glass bugle beads and glass round beads in 16 colors for .50 each!
Bye bye now!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Kim! Yes, I actually work pretty closely with DecoArt and use their products a lot. I’m glad you find some good deals there!
mahmuda amin says
i like ur glass paint.i wants to made.but colour and other things is not avelable hear.i lived in bangladesh.but ur product is very nice
Dorothy Barnett says
Lovely project, the tutorial is great. Your explanations and answers are clear and concise. If a person fears their talent is not up to par, one can use a coloring book or a Christmas card to trace the lines with the leading. Trace a photo to make a personal gift.
Not knowing how durable the stain glass paint is would make me fearful of scratches if used on glass doors.
Amanda Formaro says
I definitely wouldn’t use it on a door. This is for decorative purposes only :) and while the paint does hold up to the heat of the candle, I’m not sure how well it would hold up to the sun beating down on it every day.
Susan M. Anderson says
This is so beautiful. I don’t understand what the “leading” is. Can you please explain.
Thank you.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Susan :) In stain glass work, leading is the silver or black material that is used to create the outlines within which your colored glass will go. Same applies with this stain glass paint. The leading is the silver outlines that you see on the project. Hope that helps!
Charlotte says
Yes I’ve used glass paints, maybe they are not quality enough ones
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Charlotte. I’m sorry, what I meant was, did you use the glass stain paints that are specified in the tutorial? Or a different brand? If a different brand then the results will be different. The paints that I used area specifically formulated to look like stained glass, giving them that shiny smooth appearance.
Charlotte says
Hi I’ve tried this but my paint dries streaky/ patchy. Do you have any tips? Should I layer it
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Charlotte. Are you using the Glass Stain paints and follow the instructions in the post, or did you try something else?
santhi says
I am definitely going to try this. Your are so creative. Keep up the good work to inspire us.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Santhi! Thanks so much, I hope you enjoy the project!
angie says
I just love stained glass art and the way the lights or sun hits it or even candles. I was wondering I have these stained glass coloring books and how would I go about putting them on plastics or glass? I mean I haven’t colored them in yet and plus I have these little pots that you can get at WalMart even but would them work on my stained glass project?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Angie. I’m not familiar with the coloring books you are talking about?
TidyMom says
What a fun project Amanda!! — I would just put battery powered votives in the plastic luminaries!!
Thanks for linking up! I featured your post in my wrap up http://tidymom.net/2013/40-creative-projects/
Have a great rest of the weekend!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much for the feature Cheryl! I tried the LED lights and with the size of the luminary they just weren’t worthy. Not enough light! The candle itself does not make the plastic hot as I tested it for several hours. So they work great! :)
Bea Jay says
Thank you sooooooo much…!! Can I use it on a glass door ? Or I have to lay the glass on the floore/table first? Plz I really need help with this…….
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Bea! You would have to lay the surface down so that it can dry flat. It takes 6-8 hours for the leading to dry, and then another 24 hours for the glass stain to dry. So to answer your question, yes you could do it on a door, but would (obviously) need to have a temporary door to put in place while you are working on the project! :)
eljahb says
Hi Amanda!
I have never seen this before, and I love this idea! I know my daughter will love doing this project with me as well. Thank you for sharing. I post ways to facilitate memories on my Etsy fanpage. I posted this tutorial today for my fans. I invite you to look: http://www.facebook.com/eljahb I also invite you to stop by my shop: http://www.eljahb.etsy.com
This is a wonderful way to be creative and spend time with others!
blessings!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks for sharing eljahb!
Kym says
These are gorgeous! I’m so amazed how beautiful how beautiful the Luminary came out. And to be plastic at tat. Wow!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Kim! I hope to have the finished one photographed and posted by Tuesday (with all 4 sides done).
Lena says
Looks great!
mamadillo says
Is this square container glass or plastic? If it’s plastic, can you recommend a safe lighting source?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi mamadillo :) This particular container is plastic. I am traveling right now but when I return I will be testing this particular container with a votive candle that will be inside a glass votive holder. I will let you know how it goes :)
Rebecca Cooper says
Really neat! Just pinned. :)
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Rebecca!
Kristen says
You are so creative – I love how easy this is!
Amanda Padgett says
Wow!! What a beautiful craft and it seems fairly simple to make. This would be a fun craft for my kids and I. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
Cecilia @ Crearescout says
Very colorful and pretty… but too expensive for me to buy all the colors… :(
Cecilia
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
You did a nice job on this Amanda. Love all the colors!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much Renee!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
ahhhh it’s so cute!!!!!
Maria says
So pretty!