Introduction: Clearly Susan Creates a Custom Design on Hand Painted Wine Glasses

By Clearly Susan
About: Memories Are Forever And So Is Glassware...Hand painted Glassware by Clearly Susan. We strive to provide quality service; create the best custom painted glassware possible. Tell us what you like, what you want…

Hand painted Wine Glasses Custom, Personalized For The Wine Connoisseur.

Why not give a gift of hand painted wine glasses to the wine connoisseur who knows all about how to select good wine, but most of all personalized to match the personality and interests of the receiver of your unique gift. Clearly Susan would like to share her ideas and the process that she goes through in order to create a one of a kind design.

You don't have to be a great artist just have the love and passion to create and those creative juices will start flowing before you know it. Start off with a small, simple design and then as you become more skilled you can move on to the more intricate designs. Let's take a look at the steps involved.

Step 1: It's All About the Glass or Is It?

Depending on the gift you will be giving you don't have to buy the most expensive glass in the shop.

  • If it is a special gift and you hand paint an intricate design then go for quality
  • If the design is fun and whimsical then you can find plenty of glasses at various stores reasonably priced
  • My favorite stores are TJ Maxx or Marshalls ( 6 to 8 glasses in a box of good Bohemian crystal) for $15.00 a box; Big Lots, Dollar Store, and Ole Time Pottery to name a few
  • Shape is important: Your receiver may drink white or red so choose the type of glass accordingly
  • If you want to go for the unusual then go for a tulip or large balloon

Step 2: It's Prep Time

You can buy glass cleaner to prep your glasses, but why pay $4 to $10 a bottle when you can use something you have in your cabinet? White vinegar and alcohol. Both work fine, but I find that alcohol works better in helping the glass paint adher to the glass better.

  • Once you have primed your glass with alcohol or white vinegar by brushing it on let dry for 30 minutes to an hour
  • Now the fun begins.....Take your design or stencil and place it inside the glass and center it. Then scotch tape all corners and in the middle to keep it secure
  • I use Craft Smart brushes that you can get at any craft store, preferably Michaels. They have a rubber grip and the detail set is 10/0, 5/0, 3/0, 0. The smaller in number like 0, 00, 000 the smaller and more delicate lines they create.

Step 3: Decisions, Decisions........

Which glass paint to use is a question I get asked alot, but it all depends on the effect you are going for. Let's break it down in categories if we can.

Paints

  1. For solid bright colors I use several different brands: Enamels (like Folk Art, Americana, or Martha Stewart) are water-based and especially geared toward glass painting. I prefer PermEnamel by Delta.
  2. With any of these paints you canI use a thinner and can make the paint as thick or thin as you want.
  3. Some people prefer acrylics, but be sure you get one that is geared toward glass painting as some do not adher to the glass as well.
  4. Glass Paints come in transparent (light will pass through), and opaque (light will not pass through), and frosted paints.
  5. I love Pebeo paints as they give a transparent, glass stain look and are wonderful for creating unique designs.
  6. But wait another method is glass paint markers which is a life saver for filling in smaller areas or outlining.

To Glaze Or To Bake

  1. Regardless of which paint you use there are those that you air dry and coat with a glass paint glaze or you bake in the oven
  2. Personally, when I bake the glasses sometimes the color doesn't come out like I like. That's just me.
  3. Either method is fine, but I use a gloss glaze (Folk Art, Americana, Decor Art and Delta over my designs. It's quick and easier and lasts just as well.
  4. If you glaze then the glass does have to cure for about 21 days, but you can still use them,
  5. To clean glazed glasses and even baked ones to give a sparkle to the glass is with white vinegar and a paper towel.

Step 4: It's Time to Create

Let your imagination run wild and don't be afraid to try new things. Start off small and get use to the feel of using glass paints as it is different than regular oil or water color painting. You have to use severl coats of paint to get the effect that you want.Mix colors and just go with it. Any questions or comments, please feel free to contribute.

Best of Luck and Happy Painting,

Susan Rehm

Clearly Susan

www.clearlysusan.com

support@clearlysusan.com 404 290 3238