Stained Glass Decor – Winding Staircase Niche

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Stained glass decor totally transforms the awkward niche in the corner of our winding staircase. Since Canadian winters are way too long, I found a way to enjoy my pond all year long – by making one in glass. After installing it in the corner of our winding staircase, it became in indoor oasis! Today, I’m showing you some of the details on how I did it so you can add some ‘curb appeal’ to your winding staircase too!

I love the vibrant colour of glass. Stained glass is a hobby that adds so much personality to a space, so I couldn’t wait to put my skills to work when I bought my current house!

Transformation of the Stairs

The mosaic artwork was only a small part of the transformation of our staircase. The blond wood and worn carpet were both stripped. A dark stain and sealer on the wood is already a huge improvement. Check out our staircase makeover to see how that looks!

The following picture shows the before. As you’ll see below, the new carpet runner looks amazing!

Step 1: ‘Curb Appeal’ with Stained Glass DIY

Now for the curb appeal! That little piece of real estate in the corner of a winding staircase is the perfect spot to add a stained glass mosaic ‘pond’; it will add interest and colour to an otherwise boring spot. As you can see below, the corner is still quite bland.

Stained Glass Decor Supplies

* [If you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered (disclosure): Clicking on the affiliate links below means we may receive a commission. But don’t worry, you don’t pay a cent more and it helps us make more unique DIYs to share with you! Thanks for helping to support our blog!]

Here are the supplies you’ll need for this project:

Step 2: Paper Template

Start by making a template of the corner platform by using brown paper. Weigh it down and trace the shape (my turtle ‘weight’ is foreshadowing what’s to come in the glass version!). You may have to tape a few pieces together to get the full size.
It’s advisable to remove your quarter round first before you trace the pattern! If you can remove it without breaking, you can re-use it once the mosaic is in. Otherwise, you will need to replace it to give your mosaic piece a finished look.

If you have carpeting on the platform to begin with, when you remove it you may find that you will need to fill it in with plywood, as was the case with my situation. If you don’t need to build it up, then make sure when you add glass on top of the base that it doesn’t extend above the trim. You don’t want to do this technique if it’s going to result in sharp edges that are higher than the trim!

I use the paper template to cut 1/4″ plywood as a base for the mosaic.

Step 3: Stained Glass Decor Design

Once you have your paper template, you can draw your design. Be sure to develop a colour code. Mark each colour with a letter; also be sure to number each piece.

At this point, you can use carbon paper to trace your design onto the plywood backer. Or trace directly onto the surface of the wood that’s already there if you don’t need a backer board. Tape the template down securely with painters tape so it doesn’t shift. Then transfer ALL lines and letters/numbers; you can peak under the paper as you go so you don’t miss anything.

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic

Double check that it’s complete. Then set it aside again for later so you can add the cut mosaic pieces directly onto the backer. I pre-drill holes into the plywood where I planned some circles in the design so I can screw the plywood onto the base and secure it. To hide the screws, just cover those spaces with glass gems.

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic

Step 4: Photocopy Pattern and Cut

Take your artwork to a large format printer and have them print off at least two copies.

Use a special pair of stained glass pattern shears to cut out the pieces from one of copies. The shears will remove a small sliver of paper between each piece leaving you with enough of a gap to add grout if you wish. I used a shear that’s 20% thinner than most others that are typically used because I wanted a smaller gap and the option of not having to grout the piece.

The intact copy of the template is the new master template to arrange the glass pieces on.

When the paper pieces are cut out from the template, sort them by colour so you can cut like colours all at once. Apply rubber cement to like paper pattern pieces, then lay them on the sheets of glass selected for the each element. Rubber cement allows you to lift and re-position the paper if necessary so you can plan your cuts and economize the glass.

Step 5: Cut Your Stained Glass Decor Pieces

Use a glass cutter to score the glass and cut each piece. When you score the glass, there’s no need to apply excessive pressure. A steady firm score is all you need and you should hear a gentle ‘hiss’ as the cutter passes over the glass. I use a pistol grip cutter; it gives me more control and is much more comfortable to use than a regular straight cutter.

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic
Here’s an example of both styles of glass cutters. They both have oil reservoirs which automatically dispense lubricant to the glass surface; a real convenience on large pieces like this mosaic.

I also wear rubber coated gloves on occasion to prevent glass cuts. The specialize gloves shown for stained glass work are a tight fit and are still flexible so allow a good range of dexterity (unlike other gloves).

You can use running or ring star pliers to help you break out each piece of glass you score (watch the video below to learn more about these tools!).

How to Cut Glass

If you are a beginner and want to learn how to cut glass, there are many courses at community centres and night schools; I suggest you check one out. They are generally reasonably priced and a lot of fun! I took a stained glass course at a studio in Toronto called ‘ Glasstronomy Studios’ where I learned how to cut glass. I’ll always consider myself a student in the art of stained glass.

In an exclusive to Birdz of a Feather, Glasstronomy Studios has graciously provided their Tech Talk Tuesday video that provides great instruction on the basics of cutting glass. The video reviews the different styles of glass cutters and tools used in the art of stained and fused glass. It’s like participating in your own personal glass course in the comfort of your own home! If stained glass interests you, be sure to subscribe to their YouTube channel too.

Step 6: Grind the Pieces

Once the pieces are cut, use a glass grinder to take off any bits of glass outside of the cutting line on the paper. A glass grinder is a water cooled piece of equipment with a diamond wheel that can shape the edges of the glass more precisely to each piece. It best to run every piece briefly along the wheel just so they are not sharp and can be handled when it comes time to glue them to the backer.

The video at the following link shows the features of a similar glass grinder to the one that I used for this project (we don’t have an affiliation with Glastar, I just think they make a stellar grinder).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03JMwdF0PF8

The gadget pictured below on the grinder helps to hold the smaller pieces of glass without getting your fingers in the way of the grinding wheel.

Place the finished pieces on the master template to check for sizing. Continue cutting your other pieces of glass and fitting them onto the master template. Adjust any pieces using the grinder if you find that they still need to be finessed.

Step 7: Glue to the Backer Board

Now you should be ready to glue your pieces down onto the wood. I use pre-made tile mastic right out of the tub and literally just spread it onto the bottom of each piece of glass in an even coat. Then I stick it down to the wood.

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic
I also glue on fused glass for the eyes on the frog and turtle.
Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic

Dry Time

Let the whole thing dry at least 24 hours before you transfer the stained glass decor mosaic to the staircase for installation. In Step 9, further below, you can see where there are circular gaps in the design. This is where I will hide the screws; they’ll be covered with glass gems later once the mosaic is installed.

In the meantime, you can pour out a bunch of glass gems  to sort through them and check to see which ones best fit the gaps. Set aside the ones that work best.

Here, I’m testing the fit of one of the glass gems.

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic

In addition, I found some nice pieces of abalone shell to add to the middle of the lily pads; I could have left them as-is but I liked the extra sparkle they brought.

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic

Step 8: Transfer Onto Cardbord to Transport

Transfer the mosaic to the staircase in a piece of cardboard.  I find that folding the cardboard and sandwiching the glass in between is the easiest way to carry an awkwardly shaped mosaic like this and prevent it from getting damaged on the way:

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic

To attach the mosaic to the corner platform of the staircase, I used the pre-drilled holes I made earlier.

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic

You can screw the plywood to the platform right through these holes:

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic

Once all the screws are installed, you can add in the finishing touches: the glass gems and abalone. Here’s how the mosaic looks with them in place to cover up the screw holes:

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic

You can also replace the quarter round trim that was removed previously around the perimeter of the walls.

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic

Step 9: Before and After Stained Glass Decor

These pictures show a comparison of the before and after. The vibrance of the glass mosaic makes me smile every time I pass by; the pictures really don’t do it justice!

Before

It’s a welcome change to the dreary little spot it was before and will definitely tide me over until summer when I can enjoy my real pond again.

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic

After

Step 10: Grout Stained Glass Decor

If you wish, you can grout the glass mosaic just like any glass tile. I use a non-sanded grout that you have to mix with water. I mix it up in small batches and then apply it with a cheap kitchen spatula from the dollar store to help me maneuver into the corners (a regular grout float would be too awkward and messy)!

Once the grout is applied you wipe it off the surface just as you would for any other tiling project. Let the grout dry 24 hours and then remove the haze with a soft cloth and buff the glass to a shine.

For now, I chose not to grout my mosaic just yet, but when I do, I won’t be grouting around the glass gems. The reason for that is so we’ll be able to remove the mosaic again if we ever move; just in case I don’t want to leave it behind.

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic

Free Koi Pattern to Try

This simple Koi pattern is by glass Artist Laura Heathcote for Spectrum Glass in 1999. It’s available as a free download (for personal use only) but I’ve included it here for you in case you’d like to give it a try: Koi_Spectrum Pattern_Birdz of a Feather.

If you’re intimidated to try a real stained glass piece, I hope to experiment with faux stained glass and bring you an easier project soon!

In the meantime, there are so many mediums to create mosaics using upcycled materials. For instance, this cool mosaic can craft project you can try or this paint chip art!

Pin Stained Glass Decor

If you enjoyed seeing how this stained glass decor transformed our staircase, please pin!

Stained glass decor transforms the corner niche of a winding staircase. With winters so long, I can enjoy my pond all year long by making one in glass! Learn how to create a mosaic ‘pond’ in that little used corner of your staircase | Birdz of a Feather | stained glass | stained glass ideas | stained glass art | mosaic ideas | stained glass crafts | stained glass designs | stained glass mosaic how to make | stained glass mosaic diy | mosaic patterns | stained glass diy projects | stained glass diy | how to stained glass diy | stained glass | mosaic ideas DIY | mosaic art | stained glass patterns | birdzofafeather.ca | #mosaic #DIYMojo #CraftMojo #stainedglassmosaic

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