How charming are diamond-paned windows and how expensive! I knew I had to have them in the barn doors but I was not willing to pay the price for custom built windows. The size was very important, the windows had to be proportionate to the size of the doors. So after a little research, I decided to make them. First, I found two old windows that were very close to the size needed, I wanted them to be old because I love the wavy glass. Then, I sanded, primed and painted the frames and my husband and I built the bucks. Now the fun part, the leading. I found a product called Vitrail, an adhesive lead that comes in a roll and can be cut to any size, easy to find and order online. I was skeptical but it worked out and looked better than I thought it would. I used a chalk pencil and measured and marked my pattern, then just cut the strips, removed the adhesive and pressed with them on with a special little tool that came with the strips. I applied them to both sides of the window, easy! One that was finished I came back and painted on “solder joints” with a product called Gallery Glass, liquid leading, also easy to find online, very easy and very authentic looking! Then we just set the windows in the barn doors and stood back to admire our handiwork! Leaded glass windows that look like the real thing and under $60 dollars for both windows!
