| Instructional Page |
| Click on any thumbnail for detail; use back button to return to thumbnails page |
| 1) Brainstorm for ideas by drawing simple patterns on paper. After deciding on an idea, draw two copies of a pattern to scale: |
| 2) Choose glass: |
| 5) All four sides of blue 'frame' have been cut to size. |
| 4) Carefully measure, then cut to your scale: |
| 3) Glass Cutters and Nippers: |
| 6) Use glass grinder to smooth any jagged or uneven edges. |
| How to create a stained glass item |
| 7) Clean glass pieces very well to ensure your copper foil will adhere properly. I find that first cleaning with dish soap and water, then rinsing in a rubbing alcohol will work best. Choose a width of copper foil to suit your project, then carefully burnish it onto all edges: |
| 8) Supplies to finish assembly: Cutter, Solder, Flux, Soldering Iron, cleaning solution: |
| 9) Arrange pieces using a straight-edge or 90 degree angle. Use brush to apply flux. Using heated soldering iron, carefully melt solder on all copper-foiled edges. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated space and use protective eye gear and a breathing mask too. Carefully clean your piece to remove all flux. Choose how you would like to hang or display your finished work. In this case I chose to solder a very small silver ring, then threaded a pretty ribbon through it as a hanger for my ornament. |
| It's extremely important that you always protect your eyes and lungs while working with glass and solder! Wear protective gear and always work in a well-ventilated area! Don't allow children or pets in your work area. |