PAINTING GLASS FOR A HOBBY

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 188, 29 October 1927, Page 19 (Supplement)

PAINTING GLASS FOR A HOBBY

AN UP-TO-DATE HANDICRAFT There is no doubt about the popularity of painted glass. All articles of ; table appointment from wine glasses to finger bowls are being produced in this : pretty ware, to say nothing of powder | bowls, perfume bottles, and potpourri bowls. But the price is rather stiff. That is where the woman of just ordinary ability with a paint brush comes in, for with a little practice this painted : glass ware is not difficult to produce. The designs are copied, the transfer or ' picture being pasted underneath the glass. A prentice hand would be wise to try her skill first of all on a piece of fiat glass, till the necessary steadiness is gained, for it is a steady hand that is required rather than actual talent in wielding the brush. The ordinary artists’ colourman can supply special medium for use with ordinary oil paints or transparent colours, according to whether opaque or transparent decoration is designed, though perhaps the beginner would be better advised to buy a small complete glass painting outfit. It costs very little, and will ensure the right brushes being used. Careful Washing Having chosen the article to be decorated, a bonbon dish or a glass water jug, for instance, it must be well washed in warm soap3 r water, dried without touching with the fingers, using a fluffless cloth, and finally polished with a soft rubber and methylated spirit. Then it is ready to have the design pasted inside the glass. If it is a border, take care that where it joins the pattern will repeat itself accurately. Or, if one simple flower motif has been selected, it is a simple matter to arrange it to the best advantage. The design may be outlined or not, according to taste. If contrast is desired, it may be lined in with a dense black ink. A prettier and altogether lighter effect may be obtained by outlining in gold, a powder and a quick drying medium being used for the purpose. It is in this lining-in that the steady hand is required, otherwise the work will fee weak and wobbly in appearance. Further, the brush must be lightly charged, so that smudges do not occur.

Set Aside to Harden When the outline is complete the article must be set aside till it has dried hard, when the rest of the design may be filled in in natural colours. An examination of the painted glass ware in the shops will emphasise that the

bright pure tones are the most successful. Blush pink, sky blue, the mauve of the wood violet, and the scarlet of the poppy are the colours that show to advantage against the clear glass Before the colour is applied it should be tried out on a scrap of glass kept at hand for the purpose. Neither must the decorator be parted from the bottle of methylated spirit. If a mistake or a smudge is made, a dab immediately with a rag moistened with methylated will wipe it out. Plan the colours beforehand and do not go over the work twice, or its clear transparency will be lost in a thick effect. A coat of clear varnish is applied to the design when it is dry. and this gives permanence to the work.