Level: Intermediate

• Accessible and Affordable: With DecoArt acrylic paints, you don’t need to be a glass artist to achieve stunning results. These paints mimic the vibrant, translucent effects of real stained glass without the cost or complexity.

• Customizable: Perfect for artists of all levels, this project allows you to mix and match designs to fit your aesthetic or decor.

This project takes inspiration from a psychedelic, 70's aesthetic, blending elements like mushrooms, rainbows, and celestial day and night skies to create an enchanted forest. The bold colors and groovy patterns will add a magical, retro charm to any space. Let's dive into this DIY craft that will transform an ordinary terrarium into a whimsical work of art!

What You’ll Need

• DecoArt Stained Glass Paints
• DecoArt Liquid Leading
• Glass terrarium
• Design template, can be found here
• Rubbing alcohol (for cleaning the glass)
• Optional: LED lights for added ambiance

Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Lay down a protective covering for your workspace. Clean the terrarium glass panels with rubbing alcohol to ensure the paint adheres properly.

Choose Your Design:

Use the enchanted forest template as your guide. Tape the printed designs inside the glass panels to trace over later.

Apply the Liquid Leading:

Trace the outlines of the templates using DecoArt Liquid Leading. This step mimics the look of soldered metal in traditional stained glass. Let it dry completely (8 hours)

Add Color:

Fill in the outlined sections with DecoArt Stained Glass Paints. Use a flooding technique to allow even distribution among segments outlined in leading. Pro tip: use a brush or small wooden stick to ensure paint touches all edges!

Allow the paint to cure as per the instructions on the bottle. Once dry, remove the design templates from inside the terrarium.

Assemble and Add Lights:

Assemble your terrarium and place LED lights inside to illuminate the design. The stained glass effect comes alive, casting a kaleidoscope of colors.

This project is more than just a craft—it's a statement piece. The vibrant rainbows, playful mushrooms, and serene celestial scenes bring a cozy, dreamy glow to any room, making it perfect for everything from a living room centerpiece to a calming bedroom accent. Plus, adding lights enhances the magical effect, turning your creation into an ambient nightlight.