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!
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:
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 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.”
“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.”
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.”
“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.”
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 Silicone Rubber Auto/Marine Sealant, Clear)
Becky’s gorgeous garden shed sign
Becky’s project idea spreads from one to another!
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.
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View Comments
I just remodeled my kitchen and now have a double sink waiting for its' next assignment. I'm pretty sure it would make a cute planter but I'm having trouble visualizing how and where.
Any suggestions?
Hi Nancy, your old sink would make an amazing planter,... Make a wooden frame for it to raise it up a bit, at least 1 foot or more, off the ground and surround it with a ground cover or low planting of thyme or germander. Then plant more colorful perennials in the actual sink. Maybe with a few unique plates used as accents in the sink.
I love the looks of this and would like to try and make one. I've already collected several glass lids and dishes. What do you use as small space pieces to fill in gaps? Thanks.
I have made several windows and I use broken glass
clear marbles. Beautiful piece. I saw a similar one in an antique shop in Louisiana.
Hi Susan, Becky uses the flat 'gems,' sometimes called 'vase fillers' found at craft stores to fill in the spaces, either in clear or soft colors.
Becky, that is utterly gorgeous! I know it must have taken a long time to get up enough pieces, but that's a project I would like to try cuz I have the window. Superb! Lovely!
I love this, But I do have a question. With all the weight of this does the window glass support the weight.
Above, it says, Becky reinforced the corners with metal “L”brackets. She says it is a heavy piece but the reinforcements work.
Becky, your window is absolutely stunning !
I do not have a place to hang one where the light will shine through. I plan to make one and attach it to a shadowbox type frame and place colorchanging LED lights in it then mount on a wall