How to Paint a Glass Vase to Look Like Mondrian Stained Glass
Have you ever looked at a boring glass vase and thought, This could be something fabulous? Me too! Whether it’s a florist vase that’s been sitting in the cabinet for a long time or a clear glass vase from the dollar store, there’s an easy way to give it new life. And today, I’m going to show you how to paint a glass vase inspired by the iconic, colorful style of Mondrian!
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Handcrafted Society is Back!
The Handcrafted Society is back for 2025! Designed by our host Wendy at WM Design House, this is a group of creatives who takes on a monthly project challenge with a specific medium or theme in mind. This month the medium is…Glass!
It feels great to be back in my craft room with new projects for 2025!
Be sure to read to the bottom of the post to see all of the amazing glass projects by my fellow Handcrafted Society friends!
Modrian at Home
I have always loved the work of Piet Mondrian! His bold black lines, vibrant blocks of primary solid color, and perfect balance of simplicity and energy have always fascinated me.
There’s something so timeless and striking about his style—it feels both structured and playful at the same time.
So, when I started thinking about ways to paint a glass vase, I couldn’t resist the idea of turning it into a little Mondrian-inspired masterpiece. Imagine a simple, everyday vase transformed into a piece of modern art—how fun is that?
This project is one of the easiest ways to transform glass into a stunning, modern work of art. I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to create clean lines, bold colors, and that signature stained-glass effect.
Let’s get started!
Materials You’ll Need
One of the best things about this project is that you don’t need anything fancy or expensive—just a few easy craft store materials and a little bit of patience! Here’s what you’ll need:
- A clear glass vase (Ordinary glass vases from the florist, dollar store finds, or glass jars work great!)
- Stained glass lead lines
- Black liquid lead
- Glass paint in Mondrian’s signature primary colors: red, blue, yellow, plus white
- A small paintbrush (Some people prefer a foam brush but I found that it didn’t cover as well.)
- A paint palette or a paper plate
- Painter’s tape (if you want super precise edges)
- A sealant (optional, for extra protection)
Now, let’s transform that boring glass vase into a work of art!
How to Paint a Mondrian Inspired Glass Vase
Create the Black Lead Lines
To start, grab some peel-and-stick lead lining—this is going to help create that classic stained-glass effect. Peel off a strip and carefully line up one piece along the side edge of your clear glass vase. Press it down firmly so it sticks.
Next, apply a strip along the bottom edge of the vase. Continue adding lead lining to the other side edges, making sure each strip aligns neatly with the corners. Once you’ve outlined the entire vase, you’ll have crisp black lead line corners—just like in traditional stained glass!
Design Your Geometric Shapes
Now for the fun part—creating the Mondrian-style pattern! Using additional pieces of lead lining, start forming geometric shapes on the flat sides of the vase.
Align one end of a strip with the outer edges and press it down to form squares and rectangles in different sizes.
Don’t worry about making each side identical—having a slightly different pattern on each face of the vase will make it even more interesting!
Seal the Lead Lines
Once your shapes are in place, it’s time to make them look like real stained-glass leaded seams. Grab your liquid leading and apply a small dot at every connection point where the lead lining strips meet. This helps secure the design and enhances the authentic stained-glass effect.
Be sure to also add liquid leading along the corners of the vase where the lead strips meet. Once everything is sealed, let it dry completely for a full day before moving on to painting.
Paint the Color Blocks
Now for the best part—adding color! Using glass paint in bright, bold shades, start filling in each geometric section inside the black outlines.
For a true Mondrian look, stick to primary colors like red, blue, and yellow, along with some white paint to make the other colors pop! (I went rogue and used the color green!)
Apply a light first coat to the glass surface to get an even base. Let it dry completely before adding a second coat for richer, more vibrant color.
If you like a more translucent, artsy effect, you can stop at one coat and let the brushstrokes show through. I loved the look of thin streaks in the paint because it reminded me of old stained glass!
Statement Home Decor
This colorful project does not go unnoticed! Set in front of a window and get the conversation going!
How to Style Your Painted Vase in Your Home
Now that you’ve created your masterpiece, let’s talk about how to showcase it in your home decor! Here are some great ways to style it:
- In front of a window: For a true stained-glass effect, place your vase in front of a window so the light illuminates the glass paint. The colors will glow beautifully, just like real stained glass!
- On a bookshelf: A few colorful vases mixed in with books and decorative objects can add a vibrant pop to your shelves.
- As a centerpiece: Fill your vase with fresh flowers and set it on your dining table or coffee table for an eye-catching centerpiece.
- On a console table: Pair it with other DIY projects, candles, or framed art for a curated look in your living room or entryway.
- Grouped with other painted vases: Try painting clear glass flower vases in different colors and styles for a chic, collected feel.
The Artist Within
Painting glass vases is such an easy way to transform glass into something special.
Whether you’re using a clear glass vase from a local thrift store or repurposing an ordinary glass vase from your cabinet, you can turn an ordinary glass vase into a true statement piece!
So, what do you think? Are you ready to take some clear glass vases and give them a new life?
Be sure to read on and see all of the creative glass projects by my Handcrafted friends!
Cheers!
A Little About Me
Hi! I’m missy. So happy to meet you!
“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness”
I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.
I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends. Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!
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These votives are so fun and festive, Missy. I can’t get over how they look so much like stained glass. I love you how can can easily customize the colors and make them for holiday tablescapes and special occasions too. It opens up so many possibilities! Hugs, CoCo
Amazing project, Missy!! LOVE the colored glass look…they look so pretty in your window!
These are fabulous, Missy! I didn’t know adhesive stained glass lead lines were such a thing, and now I have to create a stained glass project of my own! I love the colors you chose! So beautiful!
What cool lanterns! I always love your posts — I always learn something new, usually about design, but sometimes about music, or maybe even dogs. Love how these turned out.
Missy – Your project is simply amazing! And thank you for introducing me to projects I’ve never hear of and never used. I’m inspired!
Missy, this project is so fun! I love the bright bold colors and the stained glass look! I think I am going to try this with the lead lines! Thank you for sharing!