Make a creative window with old crystal, glassware lids and plates

Becky Norris, a long time member of Flea Market Gardening, is a great one for conjuring up intricate, beautiful and very unusual projects. For every idea she comes up with, she adds a large dose of her own imagination. For this crystalline window project, she collected glass lids and flat glass pieces for years before she had enough to complete her window scheme. What a woman!

Luscious Lids: Designs With Recycled Glass

Here are the steps Becky took in her own words and if you’d like to see more of Becky projects, see the links below:

Step one: Save glass pieces

Becky says, “I finished my lid window project today and hubby helped hang it in the garden room window. I have saved glass lids and unique glass pieces for a while in order to cover this antique window with them. They created a stained glass type of design for the window.”

Becky’s recycled glass lidded window

Step two: Choose a window

Becky says, “I started with a window that I already had. I painted it pink and reinforced the corners with metal “L”brackets. I then placed all the clear glass lids, bowls and plates in a pleasing pattern Once I knew where I wanted then to go I glued them all to the window, starting at the top edge. I used Dap auto and marine silicone which stays very clear and makes a very strong bond.”

Step three: Arrange and glue

“I glued the flat inside piece of all the glass to the back of the window. The different heights of the glass pieces stick out the back side of the window, and the part inside to you is the smooth glass. I have always adored old glass pieces with their artistic designs. This way I can just sit and study each piece for its own artistic features.”

Flat craft gems fill in the spaces

 Step four: Adjust and enjoy!

Becky says, “I left all the pieces intact except for the butter dishes close to the top.  They were each too long for the space I had for them, so I cut about an inch off the end of each one with a wet tile saw. If folks don’t have a saw they might have to ask a tile layer if they could cut the pieces for them, but most windows I have seen are made with no cut pieces. I was just determined I was going to get some of those glass designs into my piece.

“I also used the piece I cut off of one of the dishes for the two upper corner pieces. It was a very simple process to do. If you use a window that is free hanging, I’m sure which side of the window you would want the back side of the dishes on.  This window really looks pretty from either side.”

Becky’s brilliant window reflecting the garden

The reverse side is 3D!

“The back of the window is all sorts of heights of the glass items. I turned the smooth side of the window toward the room where I hung it.  All of the assorted lids, bowls, cups etc are on the back side and they look just fine from outside the room. It is a heavy piece but hopefully the reinforcements on the frame will keep it all together.  I get so much enjoyment from this piece.”

The three dimensional side against the cottage window

The domed side of the window

Recycled Glass Inspiration

Tip: You have to be very careful not to slide the lids as you glue, as it will make a mess if it slides and smears the glue.

Dap auto and marine silicone , in clear

 (Dap Silicone Rubber Auto/Marine Sealant, Clear)

More from Becky:

Becky’s gorgeous garden shed sign

Becky’s big patio project

Full view of the glass lidded window

Brilliant!

Update:

Becky’s project idea spreads from one to another!

Ellie Choate was inspired by Becky’s window…

Ellie Choate saw Becky’s idea and says, ” Yep, made my own. I have another old window in the wings waiting for some free time.”  We love how ideas circulate from one to another.