With its origins rooted in the centuries-old art of colourful stained glass, clear-leaded glass windows were popularized by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in his window designs for homes he built in the early 1900s. Simple but elegant lead-lined windows create attractive curb appeal. And the refined style they project is not necessarily limited to exterior windows and doors; leaded glass can be installed wherever you want to make a design statement-interior doors, cabinets and even kitchen cupboards. We found the lead tape used for this project, Decra Led, at Outwater Plastics (www.outwater.com or 800-631-8375).
Designing a Pattern
The design used in this project was a combination of simple intersecting lines, but there is no reason to confine your design to straight lines. Historically, shapes of flowers and shields were common inspiration for leaded windows. To create a complex pattern, draw the outline on a piece of paper, tape it to the outside of the window and follow the design on the inside surface with the tape. To smooth sharp bends, nick the inside edge of the lead tape using a utility knife.
Precautions
If you're working with any lead-based product (such as Decra Led), keep this in mind: lead is poisonous if ingested, so proper precautions should be taken. Don't put your hands near your mouth while working with lead, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water once you're done.
Read more in Home Reno & Design and Indoor
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