Be Kind to Spiders Week 2025: Cobweb Stained Glass Tealights

I jumped at the idea of making mini cobweb stained glass windows in the form of tealights for today’s spinning simply craft. It is no secret that I love the cobweb windows of Winchester Mystery House. The leaded panes are equally beautiful, but there is something quite special about the colored ones. I can’t tell you what it is exactly, but I get the chills when I glimpse them on tours.

Gathering Supplies for Stained Glass Tealights

Initially, I wanted to work on my library windows to share this week, but it wasn’t going to happen. As such, my stained glass window idea had to shift into something smaller. Since I already had the plans and supplies for painting stained glass, I thought candle holders or vases could work.

Fortunately, I had already done my research on how to make stained glass from home. Based off my skill set, I went with PLAID’s Gallery Glass paints. These paints have been so easy to use. Not only that, it has been a huge bonus that a little paint goes a really really long way! I will admit that these paints can be a little pricy at $4 a bottle. However, if you purchase a paint kit, you’re looking at $12-$16 for six bottles. Comparatively, that will save you at least $10 when purchasing individually. These bundles usually include one bottle of the leading and five colors. In all honesty, you won’t need more than that for a project like this.

With paints already at my disposal, I just needed a glass container of some kind to paint on. I headed to the Dollar Tree to see if I could find vases or candleholders for my idea. I found these ideal rocks glass candleholders and got to drafting a template.

For the purpose of spinning simply, I have included the template I used on the candle holders. When printed to scale and cut out, they fit inside the rocks candleholders I shared. All I ask is that if you do try this craft, you will share your end results with me!

Painting Stained Glass Cobwebs

Now for the fun part! The trick to painting with Gallery Glass paints is to start with the leading, or the black lines. Gallery Glass does have metallic leading paints available now, but I had the black, so that is what I used. Roll (DO NOT SHAKE) the bottle before using, then apply the leading following the template guide. Meanwhile, be sure to keep the leading tip a bit away from the glass. The idea is to “pull” it across your glass. My technique in the video is an example of what not to do. Having the tip too close to the glass makes the lines come out thick and inconsistent. You will need to let the leading dry for at least 12 hours. For example, I let mine dry overnight before filling with color.

Filling the color is just like coloring. You can try different swirling motions for different textures for when the paint dries. I used their combing tool to blend colors together. In my opinion, you could easily use a toothpick if you don’t want to spend more money. The paints alone are an investment if you don’t plan to do other projects like this one.

Displaying the Cobweb Stained Glass Tealights

Lastly, once the paint has dried, you can drop a tealight in them and enjoy! My recommendation is to place it near a wall. Surprisingly, once lit, the candle flame will reflect whatever you painted on the backside onto the wall. I made my candleholders different color schemes on each side. Although, I would suggest keeping the colors close if not similar.

In truth, you will more than likely find me remarking that each new project I share was my favorite. This one in particular was very relaxing and therapeutic. Not to mention, watching the paint dry from an opaque paint into translucent colored glass was very zen.

Does this project feel like one you want to try your hand at? Please be sure to share with me if you decide to make your own cobweb stained glass tealights!