Great d.i.y. privacy window: Let a kaleidoscope of light and color in—keep curious eyes out

For years, as much as I wanted to open the blinds to my sliding glass door and let the beauty of morning light fill the room, I didn't. And I didn't, because -I might not be decent! - and there was straight view, from the alley, right to the table where I was having my coffee. The trash men rode high enough to see right over the fence, into my room. Sooo those blinds remained closed.

This morning when I flung the blinds wide open, I examined my solution and realized that ten years later it has proven to be one of my better projects - it still looks great, in fact the colors have faded a little on the leaves making them even prettier. For years, this window treatment has continued to give me both privacy and all the glory of the garden colors of my backyard.

The project was quick and easy too. I went off to my fave craft store, purchased faux stained glass paint, created leaves and vines. Then on the lower half only, I filled in the clear gaps with frosted clear - just took my fingers and rubbed it straight on in a back and forth overlapping pattern.When dry, it created the effect of frosted crackled glass, beautiful in itself, and also kept anyone from seeing anything but a blur within the room. The upper clear part lets all of the light inside and altogether, the effect is much like a kaleidoscope of color that changes with the seasons and weather - reflecting into the room and creating patterns of color on my walls and surfaces. Enchanting! It's easier to clean than just plain glass doors too - I love it.

Want to create your own window? I used Gallery Glass WIndow Color available from PlaidOnline and at most craft stores. It's a full product line with patterns and even instructional magazines for know-how and great ideas. I only needed a green, crystal clear and leading for my project; however the line offers wonderful colors if you need more. You are sure to find lots more ideas at Plaid Online too. It's a neat craft supply resource.

Thanks for peeking in. View all "Shabby Projects", by Devonia by clicking here -and scrolling down, including the one about French Finishes shown in the photo above..

About the author Keep up with Devonia's personal blog by clicking here.

Devonia is an artist, designer whose art and paintings
are available under the eBay id - many*shades*of*shabby

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Posted by luvshuckleberry Thu Jul 24, 2008 7:01am PDT

Your door is beautiful. Letting in light is my most desirable project. I've lived in an early 1950's rock home for 12 years and although I love the grounds on which it sets the house itself is dark and gloomy. I spend most of my time outside just to get some natural light. I've considered tearing down and bringing in a more modern structure, but would much rather renovate. Any ideas about the pros and cons of cost?

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Posted by Many Shades of Shabby by Devonia Thu Jul 24, 2008 8:31am PDT

Luvshuckleberry: Ahhh, thank you so much. This project was done ten years ago and was not expensive even then - when the stained glass paints were new and not apt to be marked down. In the daytime, this gives you lots of light, through windows you might otherwise need to keep draped, but allows you privacy. You might try it on one window? Good luck and again, thank you for your comment and for peeking in.
Devonia

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Posted by joshsmom Thu Jul 24, 2008 4:34pm PDT

That stained glass project is just beautiful. I love stained glass.

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Posted by Many Shades of Shabby by Devonia Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:00pm PDT

Joshmom: Thank you, I've enjoyed it immensely. Though it is faux stained glass, it is almost impossible to "tell" the difference. You might try it on a window in your own home. The supplies are available at most all craft stores and have simple, easy-to-follow directions. A great weekend project!

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Posted by joshsmom Fri Jul 25, 2008 7:04pm PDT

I just remembered something, I was in a workshop for mothers and we did a similar project. We used those cheap glass vases that florists buy in bulk, you know the smooth ones (but in different shapes). They are usually 4 for a dollar depending on how cheap stuff is in your area.
We used the black stained glas paint to draw flowers or designs. Then filled in the clear spaces with color. The effect was really pretty.

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Posted by Many Shades of Shabby by Devonia Fri Jul 25, 2008 7:40pm PDT

Yes! joshsmom! That's the product! This has lasted a loooong time and still looks terrific and serves its purpose. And it was CHEEP, Cheep, cheep! Glad you remembered!
Devonia

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Posted by Bellisima Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:52pm PDT

So lovely, so very soothing. Excellent tip for frosted glass.
The other pics are quite nice.

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Posted by Many Shades of Shabby by Devonia Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:04pm PDT

Thank you Bellisima, appreciate it.
Devonia

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Posted by renea22us Sat Aug 2, 2008 11:00pm PDT

do you have any ideas for something like this but less permanent? It is georgous!!!!

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Posted by Many Shades of Shabby by Devonia Tue Aug 5, 2008 11:01am PDT

Renea: Actually, it's not permanent unless you choose to just leave it. You might remove it with a spray of water and a razor blade if it was something you needed to be temporary - such as the glass doors to an apartment. Thanks! Devonia

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