Old Windows, New Obsession
I have a new obsession. It's old windows. I have so many ideas that I want to try. It started where all good ideas come from. Pinterest. We remodeled our house and replaced all the windows, so I had all the window sashes. We originally planned to incorporate them into the "curb appeal" of the remodel. As I was combing through Pinterest to find ideas, I came across this window project. I figured I would give it a whirl and make a house warming gift for our clients.
When I was ready to work with the pictures, I went back to Pinterest for ideas on how to adhere them to the window in such a way that the picture stayed and you can still see through the window. I read a blog about transferring photo to glass. The writer said to use photo transfer medium; logical, but I didn't have any. I used modge podge because that is what I had. It worked well. The only downfall is they will not be able to change the pictures. It was a little cloudy, and I think that some of the ink came off when I was scrapping excess modge podge and bubbles from the photo. I am not sure if it was the modge podge or the printer I used? Regardless, the window turned out better than I had hoped, and the clients loved it.
The second window I made was a little different. I am going to use it to show you how I did it (mostly because I remembered to take pictures of the process). I had drew all the designs for the Latch's window. For the Hills, I wanted to be a little more precise with the logo; I also added chicken wire. Without further adieu...
Find a window
I have seen old windows on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, in flea markets, reclaims from old house remodels, antique shops. I got mine from our remodel and I recently acquired more from a friend who flips houses.
Clean It Up
My windows were gross. Most old wood windows are gross unless they are given proper maintenance (mine were not). I found these little wire brushes in the paint section of Home Depot. They worked great for scrubbing off the flaky paint, dirt, and old glazing. I like using the little thing on the back for tight corners.
Draw or Trace your design
I used photoshop to print the exact size logo I needed for this pane. I hand drew the first window that I did, but I wanted to make sure that I got the detail and font right on this logo. I placed the pane on top of the paper then used a dry erase marker to trace the logo. I did the same thing to the other three panes.
Paint
I used an oil paint marker for this part. Flip the pane of glass over and trace over your design. I placed the pane back into the frame so I did not wipe off the dry erase marker from the other side as I worked. Once you are happy with your painting, you can wipe off the dry erase.
Secure Pane in Frame
When all panes are decorated as desired, you will need to secure them in place so they don't fall out. I did this with painters caulk because that is what I had. There is probably a better way to do this that is a little less messy, but sometimes you just have to work with what you have.
Attach Accessories
I decided to add chicken wire to this project. It is going to a farmhouse so it will make a good addition. I also like it because if you just add some wooden clothes pins, not only does it add to the country feel, it could also serve to hold pictures or messages. Is there anything better than looking cute and having a purpose? The chicken wire was attached with a staples and I trimmed the excess wire (Don't want anyone getting cut). I considered making this a shelf but I don't have all the things I would need to make it look nice so, maybe on the next project.
I am so happy with how this came together. It took me about 2 days. It probably would have taken only one if I had worked on it constantly. I have 4 kids, and they all have somewhere to be basically all the time. Most projects take me a lot longer because I have to do them when I have the time. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this Make It Monday. Let me know what you think. What projects have you done with windows?
