Most of us can agree that stained glass is absolutely stunning. But it’s possible that the only times you ever encounter it are when visiting a gorgeous cathedral while traveling. If you’re a fan of this type of artwork, though, you’re in for a treat, pandas.
We took a trip to the Stained Glass subreddit and gathered some of their most creative and inspiring posts below. These pics prove that a skilled artist can make absolutely anything out of stained glass, and they probably already have! Enjoy scrolling through, and be sure to upvote the pics that make you want to fill your home with similar pieces.
#1
Solder time!
Image source: milu6ka
#2
Recent flower panels.
Image source: Wisemanwindows
#3
My front door. A tribute to a little grey cat who will now live with us forever.
Image source: You_Are_All_Diseased
Stained glass is something that many of us love to admire when we encounter it but that most of us see very rarely. It’s also probably a style of artwork that you know very little about, so if you’re interested in finding out about the history of stained glass, we’ve got you covered. According to The Stained Glass Association of America, this style of artwork has actually been around for over a thousand years.
One of the earliest known examples of multicolored pieces of glass being used in a window was discovered at St. Paul’s Monastery in Jarrow, England, which was founded in 686 AD. Experts also believe that Arabian stained glass windows appeared during the second half of the 13th century.
#4
3D Koi Pond Lamp.
Image source: M1ch00l
#5
please be proud of me lol.
Image source: dr-pulaski
#6
Finished a gift to my oldest brother, based on a photo of himself.
Image source: ArrowStride
Stained glass was never purely a Christian art form, but it is present in many Christian churches and cathedrals today. The style of this artwork has transformed over time. During the Romanesque period, the most predominant colors used were red and blue, and much of the artwork depicted well-known saints or stories from the Bible.
During the Gothic era, however, it was more common for stained glass to feature “symbolism based on bestiaries” or “unnatural history.” And depending on the location of the church, there may have been reds and blues or whites, yellows, and greens used in the artwork.
#7
This biggie baddie is finally done.
Image source: Master-Protection-29
#8
Bee stained glass.
Image source: Tall-Cranberry-9747
#9
Finally finished my Hobbit hole after fifteen months. “The Shire at Dawn”. I can’t believe it’s done.
Image source: RecycleYourCats
Once the Renaissance period began, stained glass started to look very different. One major difference was that stained glass started appearing in secular buildings as well. And the subjects featured in stained glass artwork were often dressed in period clothing, depicting historical scenes, allegorical themes, and figures representing abstract ideas. It also became more common for artists to ship their pieces across large distances, meaning that stained glass started popping up in more and more locations across Europe.
#10
Just finished my largest piece yet, I’m calling it “The Lyre” and I’m so happy with it!
Image source: smartestguyintown
#11
Installed citrus slices.
Image source: Aduialion
#12
My Mum’s hitting her stride in her 70s – “Nosferatu,” her own design.
Image source: towers_of_ilium
Today, stained glass can be used for much more than just church windows. As you can see from this list, there are plenty of creative artists out there who are pushing the boundaries of what can be made with stained glass. And if you’re interested in taking up this hobby yourself, Different Glass has some advice for beginners.
First, they note that this can be a great craft to take up if you’re looking for a creative outlet or a new technical challenge. It’ll provide you with the joy of creating something new, but it can also be an incredibly calming and healing hobby.
#13
An incredible stained glass “little library” in my city.
Image source: MonsteraUnderTheBed
#14
My first post, I’m really proud of this project.
Image source: coltycody
#15
Cat Being Abducted by UFO.
Image source: Kristenmarie2112
Before getting started on your stained glass journey, you’ll need to acquire the appropriate tools. These include safety glasses, safety gloves, a glass cutter, breaking pliers, a glass grinder, copper foil or lead came, tallow flux, and a soldering iron. You’ll also need to choose the type of glass that you want to work with, but as a beginner, it’s wise to choose something straightforward and cost-effective, Different Glass notes. And of course, safety should always be your top priority.
#16
My stained glass Owl!
Image source: Aggravating_Ocelot_8
#17
The Magician’s Assistant.
Image source: amyintheaetherart
#18
Made it a goal to “use the good glass” this year.
Image source: JustPeachyGlass
The process of creating a beautiful stained glass piece begins with conceptualizing exactly what you want. Then, once you have a clear vision, you can get to glass cutting. After each piece is cut, it needs to be cleaned, and then foiled or leaded. Finally, you’ve reached the soldering stage. And then, you can add the finishing touches to your piece. These might include framing elements or additional details.
#19
Can you tell what this is supposed to be?
Image source: smartestguyintown
#20
Heron.
Image source: milu6ka
#21
My Boss Immortalized Cheddar in Stained Glass.
Image source: Reginald_Bear
As far as what you can expect when you dive into the world of stained glass creation, Different Glass notes that there will be a steep learning curve. Because this hobby combines both artistic and technical skills, you can’t expect to be an expert on day one. But that means you’ll feel even more accomplished once you start crafting incredible pieces!
There’s also quite a bit of an investment and time commitment needed, especially in the beginning. It will all be worth it, though, when you have a new community and the rewards that come along with your new skills and passion.
#22
The last of 2025.
Image source: revjonchapman
#23
Rainbow Cat is Finished!
Image source: nigh-tempest
#24
wizard of oz commission i finished recently!
Image source: south-of-eden
Are you enjoying these gorgeous examples of stained glass creations, pandas? Keep upvoting the ones that you find most stunning, and let us know in the comments below if you’d be interested in placing any of them in your own home. Then, if you’re looking for another article from Bored Panda featuring incredible creations from artists, we recommend checking out this list next!
#25
My first ever collection!
Image source: nobanshees
#26
I bought this at an estate sale last weekend for $3. I like it more and more every time I look at it!
Image source: HiShamrockDragon
#27
Stained Glass Based on Tattoo.
Image source: OREayda
#28
My grandma used to do quilting and my grandpa did stained glass. After they both passed I inherited his tools and made this from one of her quilting patterns.
Image source: SolipsisticLunatic
#29
Finished my first piece!
Image source: jeremymarshall92
#30
2025 if it were a feeling.
Image source: spinktor
#31
This was for my family’s “handmade only” Christmas exchange. It was so fun to make!
Image source: Mygrubbs
#32
Take a look, it’s in a book…
Image source: Community_Creations
#33
Lily Siren.
Image source: amyintheaetherart
#34
Front Door Project.
Image source: groovesgoes
#35
My very regal, very mature, latest creation.
Image source: SpinachFlavored
#36
I made a bunch of decorative bookends.
Image source: samanamana
#37
finally done after doodling this pattern a year ago.
Image source: south-of-eden
#38
Made this lamp shades for a local pizza joint.
Image source: p_batess
#39
The wife started using my offcuts for her own art.
Image source: Roadkyll
#40
Progress photos from my Bag End window.
Image source: RecycleYourCats
#41
Reporting back with a finished project! Any name suggestions?
Image source: figureatthegate
#42
did okay at first market!
Image source: Vegetable-Arm-1421
#43
I made 94 stained glass flowers for table decorations / wedding favors for my wedding!
Image source: NewsFromYourBed
#44
The second stained glass piece I’ve created this year — what do you think?
Image source: NaSKLI
#45
My friend made this for our wedding present.
Image source: Mr_BigglesworthIII
#46
Leaded address transom finished & installed last week for a friend.
Image source: pinegroveglass
#47
Finished up this guy today.
Image source: kazoo3179
#48
i commissioned my first stained glass pieces and it’s like a dream come true.
Image source: SnooShortcuts4094
#49
We commissioned a custom piece from a local artist.
Image source: past_due_06063
#50
Finished my Storm Trooper Lamp!
Image source: MrTuxedoWilliams
#51
My mom just finished her cats.
Image source: KlixRT
#52
80+ hours later! OP.
Image source: revjonchapman
#53
Finished book ends with mushrooms.
Image source: jelly_unicorn_
#54
summer flowers.
Image source: Careful-Engine7521
#55
glass folding fans.
Image source: jessinbk
#56
Using some of the glass I’ve been hoarding.
Image source: Saya-Lux
#57
Found her in a thrift store and made her an integral part of my accent wall!
Image source: NeverAgainHomeschool
#58
I made a glass neck tie!
Image source: afranke_art
#59
Wet Floor Sign.
Image source: Strawbear
#60
A very ambitious but rewarding first piece.
Image source: LilSebasteion
#61
The first stained glass work I created this year, do you like it?
Image source: NaSKLI
#62
Giving Tree stained glass i finished up today.
Image source: kazoo3179
#63
my friend started to make stained glass)) what do you think, as I think very delicate and beautiful.
Image source: mojoartglass
#64
Work in progress, just finished cutting.
Image source: RecycleYourCats
#65
Sunburst.
Image source: lillybegonia91
#66
Found this fun piece at a thrift store:.
Image source: OtherAccount5252
#67
Beauty and the Beast finally finished!
Image source: Fun-Perspective-9420
#68
Watcher in the woods.
Image source: lilyliver3d
#69
I would like to share my sister’s stainedglass art to you all.
Image source: yakichou
#70
my first piece!
Image source: atalkyokra
#71
I could not wait to share!
Image source: artezymus
#72
Well time to finish it.
Image source: DarkNekomata
#73
My Mom’s dogs, how do you like them?
Image source: KlixRT
#74
GUYS HE MADE A LIGHT BOX.
Image source: Fun-Perspective-9420
#75
Got this beauty from a garage sale for 40$.
Image source: PermianExtinction
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