Painting on glass is currently one of the most popular forms of art for gift-giving and home decorating. The technique of painting on glass is centuries old and seems to have developed soon after the appearance of sheet glass.

Because of its popularity, there are a variety of glass painting products and books available. With the recent development of new specialty paints, the glass painting process has been enhanced, and finished items are more durable. New paints, when dried properly, will withstand a great number of washings in the dishwasher and remain as beautiful as when first painted.

Paint a few every year and add them to your tree. Write the date somewhere on the ornament, and someday you’ll have fun recalling the time you had painting them.

I used acrylic paints when painting mine, but will have to admit that I cheated a bit. I found these neat fine point markers that will write on any surface, and used them for some of the fine detail work.

Development of specific paints has allowed us to transform glass items that would more than likely be trashed into beautiful, useable, decorative art pieces. Glass surfaces are readily available at very reasonable prices ( if not free) making this hobby very affordable for anyone. Large pickle jars and other bottles we find in our kitchen cupboards can be decorated with paint and made very attractive. We can find used items at thrift stores and yard sales, not to mention new items at the local dollar store.