Monday, June 8, 2009

Window Quilt Project

*Welcome new readers from OnePrettyThing and World of Mod Podge!!! Soooooo happy to have you! :)
Ta-Da! Here is the cheerful outcome of my window project. I learned as I went along, making some mistakes along the way, but for the most part, I am HAPPY with how they turned out.
Remember these crusty old windows and my post about giving them new life?
Step 1: Scraping off and cleaning up. I first gave the windows a vigorous brushing with my broom. Then I used my spatula to remove excess paint. I left as much paint on as possible, only scraping off that which was literally already falling off. I did not use a sander because I knew it would take everything off!
After using my broom and spatula, I thoroughly cleaned both sides of the glass with a window cleaner.
Step 2: Choosing and cutting your paper. I chose many pieces of high quality scrapbook paper (it's thick) that were different patterns and colors, and yet would coordinate with each other and the colors in my house. I placed them all on a table and began playing with how they looked together - changing their places, taking some away, etc.
After playing around with different combinations, favorite patterns begin to emerge.
Cut your papers the size of your window panes and get ready to paint on your goo.
Step 3: Mod Podge Mania. First let me say I tried my Diamond Glaze which is extremely clear and I use for small projects... and I nearly ruined a piece of paper. Keep the Diamond Glaze for small projects! Good 'ol Mod Podge is the BOMB. Brush a generous, even amount on the decorative side of your paper - because it needs to soak in a bit (remember, the paper is thick) - and then carefully place it on the glass pane.
Working from the middle to the edges, use your FINGERS to smooth out air bubbles. I know the pic shows me using a credit card, but this ended up spreading too much Mod Podge around. Your fingers will be enough to smooth out air bubbles - you can even hear the little "snap" the bubbles make.
No worries! When you turn your window over it may look like this at first! The Mod Podge will dry clear and the cloudiness will go away, so stop having a heart attack - it will look just fine :)
YIPPEE!!!




~ Other Ideas ~

The possibilities are endless! Here are just a few!
*put 2 windows vertically to make a headboard
*print out black & white versions of family or vacation photos to put in panes
*put monograms, initials, or even words on the pieces of paper before Mod Podging
*use favorite fabric remnants instead of paper

... and if you're wondering what I'm going to do with the third window... well, it's going to be a mosaic! That's my summer project - my first attempt at a mosaic, and something I've always wanted to try.

15 comments:

  1. Love it Megan! You inspire me to get creative! :)

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  2. OMG! I love this! You did such a great job and what a great idea!!

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  3. Very creative!!!!

    I wish that I had a photo...but here is an idea that was somewhat similar.
    The project I did was for a special event but could be done with family photos.
    I printed photos (faces of friends) on vellum paper. I attached these photos onto my windows. In the spaces between the pics, I uses torn pieces of tissue paper.
    The result was a stained glass window effect...only with the faces of people I love...so cool when the light shines through it.
    What if...my windows were a headboard and somehow lights were mounted behind or your patchwork idea with printed vellum of some type...
    thanks for your post!

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  4. You clever girl! They look fantastic! What a great idea. I never would've thought of it. Maybe I'll even try it myself. Wish you were here to help me pick papes.

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  5. such a great idea, megan! they look fresh and new.

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  6. I was going to say the headboard should be your choice, but then I continued reading and they all sound wonderful! If you want to just get rid of them, I'll take them :)

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  7. SO cute! I actually have an old window pane just like yours sitting in my house. I have been pondering over what to do with them. Between your ideas and my new cricut I think I have the mystery solved. Thanks for sharing your great ideas!!! Your creativity has always inspired me.

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  8. this is way cute.. I think my cuz just did this with pics of the family over the fire place. She saw it at one of her friends houses and wanted to do it too

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  9. Hi, I popped over from Mod Podge Rocks to see your fabulous tutorial! What a fun idea! Gotta love the podge!

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  10. I found your post through Mod Podge Rocks. I have one of these big windows at home that I salvaged from the curb...and NOW I finally know what I'm going to do with it. Thanks!!!

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  11. Hi again to all the newbies that took time to say hi and post! It pleases me that this project has been such a hit! :)

    And YES Laura, you can use fabric w/ Mod Podge! Go to Amy's site http://www.modpodgerocks.blogspot.com and she has some great advice on how to do it perfectly so you have no problems w/ fraying, etc. Good luck - I would love to see the end results!

    Meg :)

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  12. Now I want some old windows!!!! This is AWESOME!! I love it! :o)

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  13. What a super cute project and tutorial! I love how your windows turned out. I surfed over from another blog (Mod Podge Rocks) and I'm so glad I did! :)

    ♥ xtine
    http://www.stuffbyxtine.com

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  14. i love this and would love to try it with fabric since i'm a quilter.....awesome...

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  15. Cool! This is a sample work of a person who’s very creative. Heheh. This is a good one. Instead of disposing of your old windows, why not make one of these? You can choose to make a colorful display like this, or you can make them as your frame for your pictures. What do you think?

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