Making your own stained glass art can be very rewarding. It can also be fairly easy once you learn the right techniques. If you have a piece of art in mind that you want to make and you have never created stained glass art work before, it is probably best that you do not start with that piece. Usually it takes a few times to get the hang of cutting glass and soldering neatly and it is easiest on simple, stress free projects. Start with something with lots of basic lines and large pieces and don’t forget to take your time. Other People Are ReadingHow to Make Stained Glass With Beach GlassHow to Make Doors From Stained Glass WindowsPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedSoldering ironSolderCopper tapeTextured GlassGlass cutterGlass pliersFluxContainerPaint brushWet spongePatternBlack makerGrinder (optional)Show MoreInstructions 1Prepare your pattern and be sure that you have it the way you like. Carefully cut out all of the pieces from the pattern and reassemble to make sure it still fits together the way you like it.2Trace your pattern. You will need to trace the various pieces on the various colors of glass you will be using. Trace near the edges to save glass. If possible, place pieces with the same colors near each other for ease of cutting and to save glass.3Cut your textured glass. Usually you want to cut on the smooth side. To use a glass cutter, you must begin at one edge and make one continuous score in the glass to another edge. There can be no skips in your score or the break will not happen the way you like. Make sure to check that your line reaches the edge on both sides beginning and end. Use your glass pliers to gently grasp the cut piece. It should be easily removed from the larger piece. If not, set the glass down on your working surface and tap gently with the pliers along the cut to help to release it.4Assemble your cut pieces. Be sure they fit together the way that you like and cut and/or grind any pieces that do not fit together properly. Apply your copper tape. Center the tape on the edge of each piece and run it all the way along, flattening the excess edges to the front and the back of the glass. This will create a metal line on the edge front and on the back so the solder can stick.5Arrange all of your coppered pieces or textured glass and flip them over to the back. Begin on the back so that you can get the hang of it. Apply flux liberally with a paint brush to all the copper. Prepare it for soldering and plug in the iron.6Apply the solder to the hot iron. Observe how it liquefies and becomes drops. Apply the liquid to the copper in smooth strokes. Cover all of the copper in solder. It will take time to learn to make smooth, uniform lines between the glass. What’s important is that all the copper and empty space be filled and covered.7Solder around the edges, being careful not to damage your working surface. You can even lift your piece up if necessary since the solder on the back has secured all of the pieces in place. Flip your creation over. Solder the front then you’re done.

If you are teaching a ninth-grade class about history or art, you might decide to introduce your students to the artistry involved in stained glass windows. Some of the greatest works of art in the world, particularly in Europe, are stained glass windows. One way to do this is to have the class create their own faux stained glass window. Other People Are ReadingStained Glass Projects for the 5th GradeCleaning Glass for Stained Glass PatternsPrint this article Choosing a DesignThe first thing your kids have to come up with is design. While they might be tempted to try to create a reproduction of an elaborate window from an ancient European church, you should discourage them from attempting anything too difficult. Instead, they should create a simple, smaller design with fewer pieces, perhaps based on an illustration.Organizing and PlanningThey need to decide who will do what in the project. As the instructor, you can assign these tasks, or you can assign a project leader to make these decisions. For example, one or two kids might do the drawing based on the image chosen, while others might assemble the parts. A third group could put them in place.Making the DesignTo actually make the design, the students will use colored markers to draw sections of the overall design onto standard sized sheets of paper. They will need to make sure the edges of each sheet match so the seam will not be obvious. Then the students will use a scanner to scan these sheets onto a computer. They then print these sheets on to transparent sheets of the type used for overhead projections. They should trim away any excess border.PlacementThe students should now assemble the work. They should tape the sections of the image onto the inside of a window in the classroom, preferably on one that faces the sun during the day. As the sun comes through, the result is amazingly like the real thing.

Crafting stained glass requires a few special tools, such as a glass cutter and grinder, a special pattern and a safe work area. The tools required differ slightly depending on if you are making the project with copper foil or lead came. Copper foil is useful for patterns with many small, curvy lines, while lead came can be used in patterns with less detail and straighter lines. Copper foil is also commonly used to craft three-dimensional projects, and is usually the technique taught to beginning stained glass students. Other People Are ReadingHow to Cut Stained GlassPainting Stained Glass TechniquesPrint this articleThings You’ll NeedThree copies of the patternScissorsTapeClean rags or paper towelsGlass cleanerMarkerSafety glassesStained glassGlass cutterGlass cutter oilGlass pliersGlass grinderCopper foilBurnisherUtility knifeFluxFlux brushSolderSoldering ironRheostat — temperature control for the soldering ironCarnauba wax or stained glass polishing compoundShow MoreInstructions 1Prepare the patterns by cutting one into pieces, tape one to the work surface, and use the other as a reference for color and piece placement.2Clean each piece of stained glass with the clean rags and glass cleaner. Handle the pieces carefully because the edges are sharp, and set them on the flat work surface to clean them safely.3Organize the pattern pieces by color, then lay them out on the piece of glass of the appropriate color to determine the best way to cut them out.4Trace around each piece with the marker.5Dip the glass cutter in cutting oil and run it along the first line of the glass piece you wish to cut out. Cut one line, then break it apart using the glass pliers, before moving on to the next cut.6Grind the edges of each piece with the glass grinder to smooth the edges for safer handling, and to shape it to more closely match the pattern. The pieces won’t fit tightly together as you lay them out on the pattern, because a little space is needed for the copper foil.7Clean each piece and lay it on the pattern. Mark it with the piece number or letter if required.8Wrap the copper foil around all edges of each piece of glass, overlapping the ends by about 1/4 inch. Cut each piece from the roll with scissors. Line the foil up so that it folds evenly around the edge on both sides of the glass. Use the utility knife to trim the copper foil edges, if required.9Rub the burnisher along all sides of the copper foil to smooth it firmly down onto the glass. Smooth it down on the edge first, then along both sides, and set it back on the pattern.10Plug in the soldering iron and turn it on so it heats up to the proper temperature as indicated by the manufacturer’s instructions.11Brush a thin layer of flux along the copper foil seams.12Touch the solder to the soldering iron to start it melting, and drip a bit of solder on each copper foil seam to connect the glass pieces firmly together.13Melt a thin layer of solder along all the copper foil seams. This is called tinning and prepares the seams to take the finishing bead of solder.14Draw a thin bead of melted solder along each seam so it leaves a slightly rounded line of solder. Repeat steps 13 and 14 on the other side.15Clean both sides to remove the flux and marker, then apply the carnauba wax or stained glass finishing compound and polish it to a shine.

Stained glass often makes for good group art projects because many different people can contribute to a final piece of art. This can be incorporated into a secondary school art curriculum by having a number of students add unique styles and perspectives to a stained glass project. The finished stained glass project can be displayed in the school or in the community. Other People Are ReadingMiddle School Stained Glass ActivitiesStained Glass Crafts for KidsPrint this article Stained Glass Graffiti Art ProjectThe style of art that is often expressed by graffiti spray paint can be incorporated into a secondary school art project. This is a good opportunity to have students express art reflecting their community, since graffiti art is generally found out in the community. Students can design stained glass panels with boxy or bubbly words to express a community movement or current event that is relevant to them.Stained Glass Window ProjectOne of the most common mediums for stained glass work is windows. Secondary schools can incorporate stained glass art on their hallway, classroom and building windows to create a more colorful and artistic atmosphere in the school. Classes within the secondary school can each take one or several windows in the school to design and work on so that contributions come from all the grade levels in the school.Stained Glass Mural ProjectLarge-scale stained glass murals can be created by secondary school students to represent themes from their class or experiences from the secondary school age group. The murals can be hung in hallways or on classroom walls, and can include individual contributions from each person in a secondary school grade level or from each person within the entire school. Murals can be about the size of a billboard, roughly 30 feet by 15 feet, so there is plenty of room to add themes from the experiences of life and school that students can contribute.Stained Glass Preservation ProjectA lot of older stained glass pieces need to be cleaned, refurbished and restored in order to ensure longer preservation. This a a project that secondary school students can work on if they want to work with stained glass but they do not want to design their own stained glass. The preservation of stained glass will include cleaning the glass, replacing broken pieces and filling in thinning caulking areas around the perimeter and the horizontal joints of a glass piece.

If molten metal makes you nervous, you’re not alone. Soldering is a skill that gives nearly all stained glass artisans grief at one time or another. Beginners who have never soldered anything have the most trouble, but even a plumber who solders pipe all day needs to learn the tricks of this trade. With lead came, if the lead is cut cleanly and fitted properly, soldering usually presents no special problems. Working with copper foil is another matter entirely. Other People Are ReadingHow to Clean the Soldering Iron on Stained GlassTips for Weller Stained Glass Soldering IronsPrint this article Get ReadyIf you are in pursuit of a clean, smooth bead of solder on a copper foil seam, preparation is key. As you arrange the pattern in your squaring frame, check each piece of glass to make sure the foil is properly burnished. Don’t wait until the solder starts flowing to notice a corner that didn’t stick. Position the pieces carefully. If they’re too loose, you’ll get sags and low spots. Seams that are too tight will make your finished artwork weak. When you’re happy with the way everything looks, plug in your soldering iron. While it heats, decide where you want to start soldering, as well as where you want to stop.Easy on the FluxUse the type of soldering flux you prefer, and use enough to make sure the solder flows properly. But be careful; too much solder causes spatter and lumps. Great results can be obtained using liquid flux in a spray bottle that delivers a fine mist. Spray the whole piece lightly before you start, and again if a seam dries out before you get there. The spray works well on trouble spots, too.Use Enough HeatHeat is critical to forming a solder bead that stands tall, smooth and clean. When your iron isn’t hot enough, you can’t keep the solder in a liquid state long enough to move along the seam properly. If you have to stop every inch or so because the iron won’t melt the solder, you need more heat. Use a higher wattage iron or adjust your temperature control.Work FastSpeed is another secret to professional-looking stained glass soldering. Since you’re using plenty of heat, you don’t want to linger in one spot too long because you might loosen the foil or crack the glass. Start by unrolling enough solder to fill the seam you’re working on. Holding the solder in one hand, touch the tip of the iron to the end of the solder and start moving along the seam. Move quickly, but keep an eye on the solder bead to make sure it stands tall and doesn’t flatten out. By the same token, don’t feed in so much solder that the seam develops bulges. When you get to the end of the seam, if the bead isn’t smooth enough, apply more heat along its entire length to keep the solder liquid until it smooths out. Again, don’t linger too long.Nobody’s PerfectIntersections where seams cross are often trouble spots. With practice, you can reheat the solder in those locations and smooth things out. A spritz of flux from your spray bottle will help. You can run the seams again the same way, trying for those elusive perfect solder beads. Be aware, however, that there is a limit to how many times you should try for perfection. If you break a piece, or the copper foil pulls away from the glass, you’ll be learning how to do repair work. Learn to accept slight imperfections instead. Remember that patina and polish can do wonders for a piece of stained glass.Lather, Rinse, RepeatWhen you’re satisfied with your solder work, it’s time to clean the finished piece. Use a cleaner that removes and neutralizes the type of flux you used. Rinse well, then repeat. Any flux residue that remains on the solder will cause oxidation, which can interfere with your patina and tarnish those pretty seams.

Old stained glass windows require a gentle cleaning approach, as harsh chemicals and oversaturation can ruin their fragile paint and glass. Regular, careful maintenance can prolong the life of stained glass as it ages but before you start cleaning them consider the delicate nature of the task. Clean your stained glass windows with as little liquid as possible and repeat the process every two to four weeks to prevent excess dirt building up. Does this Spark an idea?Other People Are ReadingHow Do I Remove Stains From a Glass Shower?How Do I Remove Water Stains From Glass Windows?Print this articleThings You’ll NeedDust ragSoft clothDistilled waterNon-ammonia glass cleanerPaper towelsWhite calcium carbonateShow MoreInstructions 1Dust the window lightly to remove surface dirt and dust. Use a rag, feather duster or other non-abrasive dusting device and cover the entire surface of your window inside and out, making sure to reach between the fine crevices.2Dampen a clean, non-abrasive cloth with distilled water and wipe the entire surface of your stained glass window to eliminate remaining microscopic dust particles.3Mist the cleaner onto a soft cloth and wipe the surface, to avoid over-saturating your window by spraying the cleaner on directly. Use a non-ammonia based glass cleaner. Ammonia-based cleaners such as Windex (and acidic products like vinegar) can damage the stained glass and ruin the paint.4Dry your window thoroughly with paper towels or a soft cloth. Stained Glass Ltd., a stained glass design, repair and restoration company, recommends coating a soft cloth with white calcium carbonate, known commercially as “whiting,” to prevent streaking when drying your stained glass.

Stained glass has been around for centuries. One of oldest known is from St. Paul’s Monastery in Jarrow, England, dating back to A.D. 686. The creation of stained glass has changed a lot since then, and you can make your own stained glass crafts out of different items, rather than glass. Tissue paper, crayons or wax make wonderfully easy medium with which to create these projects. Other People Are ReadingCleaning Glass for Stained Glass PatternsUse a Glass Cutter for Stained-Glass ProjectsPrint this article Tissue PaperScraps of tissue paper make wonderful stained glass projects. You can use whatever colors you like to create your look. You may want to use traditional holiday colors during the winter, and pastel colors during the spring. Lay a piece of clear contact paper on a table with the sticky side up. Stick bits and pieces of tissue paper on top, creating your design. Lay another sheet of clear contact paper on top, sandwiching the tissue paper in between. Cut the contact paper into any shape you wish, at this point, or leave it in its original shape. You can do a test run of the design first by cutting and piecing the tissue paper shapes together on a table top and then transferring the design to the contact paper.Wax Paper and CrayonsTear off a piece of waxed paper and lay it, waxy side up, on an ironing board. Shave some crayons in the colors you desire and arrange them on the waxed paper. Lay another piece of waxed paper on top, wax side down, and iron on low setting until the waxy crayon shavings melt and stick to each other.Cut out a shape from a piece of construction paper, such as a leaf, candy cane or cross. Do this on two pieces of paper.Cut out holes in the construction paper design. Lay the waxed paper in between and glue all three layers together. Make sure that the colored wax shows through the shape in the paper.Coffee FiltersColor on a coffee filter with washable markers. If the markers are not washable the project will not be successful. Make sure to leave plenty of white space on the coffee filter. Lightly spray the filter and marker with water from a spray bottle. The markers will run, creating a colorful stained glass effect.You can finish this craft either by covering it front and back with clear contact paper or by cutting a shape out of construction paper, using two pieces of paper, cut out holes in the construction paper design, sandwich the coffee filter in between and glue together. Trim the filter to match the construction paper shape.Stained Glass JarThis craft is wonderful to give as a gift, and is cute enough to set anywhere around the house. Clean out an empty glass jar. You can use whatever size you like, from a small baby food jar to a large spaghetti sauce jar. Cover the entire outside with white glue. Stick tissue paper pieces all over the jar, completely covering the glue. You can put a few layers on if you wish, or stick with one layer. Brush another layer of white glue over the top of the tissue paper. Smooth any bumpy pieces flat with your fingers. Allow the glue to dry completely and put a small candle in the jar. The jar will look like stained glass as the light shines through.

From beautiful beads formed over 4,000 years ago to bright windows communicating Biblical messages for illiterate masses, stained glass is now a hobby with a brilliant past. Other People Are ReadingWhere to Find Stained Glass SuppliesHow to Create a Stained Glass WindowPrint this article DefinitionAs a term, stained glass refers to the craft of transforming pieces of colored glass into designs.HistoryEgyptian beads form the earliest known evidence of stained glass. Romans crafted non-transparent glass windows in the first century AD, and the Augsburg Cathedral in Bavara, Germany, is home to Europe’s oldest stained glass window.Tools and MaterialsCrafting stained glass is not an inexpensive hobby. You’ll need a pattern, a good pair of glass cutters, breaker/grozier pliers, a glass grinder, copper foil, lead, a soldering iron and a big workspace.ProcessTo create a stained glass design, follow these steps:1. Pick a pattern.2. Cut pattern into pieces, number and trace onto glass.3. Score each piece of glass and break out pieces.4. Grind and foil pieces.5. Solder pieces together.6. Clean and finish.ResourcesTo buy supplies and tools, visit the Stained Glass Association of America (www.stainedglass.org) and find a studio near you or buy online at www.glasscrafters.biz. For how-to articles and other online resources for beginners, visit www.stainedglassers.com. Your community college or community center may offer classes for beginners. Or, to find a stained glass class near you, visit www.aisg.on.ca/classes/

You can create a custom lamp shade in an afternoon using some simple stamping supplies. Choose any rubber stamp or basic pattern of shapes and any color of ink that will match your decor. Give a basic paper lampshade the look of stained glass using decorative stamps and embossing techniques. Layering clear embossing powder gives your chosen image the appearance and rigidity of glass. Other People Are ReadingHow to Attach a Vase Cap to a Stained Glass ShadeHow to Assemble a Panel Stained Glass Lamp ShadePrint this articleThings You’ll NeedPaper lamp shadeRubber stampsStamp ink colorFlat rubber stamp padEmbossing ink padEmbossing ink pen (optional)Clear embossing powderBlack or metallic embossing powder (optional)Embossing gunShow MoreInstructions 1Stamp the lampshade with desired stamps or shapes, in colors of your choice. For a stained-glass effect, it is best to cover the entire lampshade with color of some kind. For example, if you choose a repeating object such as a dragonfly as your primary stamp, be sure to fill the areas between dragonflies with a coordinating color or set of colors by using an ink pen. You can also choose to use a black ink pen to outline objects or shapes to create the look of grout lines. Allow the ink to dry.2Use a flat rubber stamp with clear embossing ink to stamp over one area of the pattern you have created. Immediately put clear embossing powder over the fresh ink and gently shake off the excess. Repeat until you have covered approximately one quarter of the lampshade with embossing powder.3Prepare a plate or container with a pile of clear embossing powder. You will be dipping a quarter of the lampshade, so be sure that it is large enough to allow you to roll the lampshade in it.4Use the embossing gun to heat the embossing powder. Once it has melted, immediately dip that side of the lampshade into the prepared plate of clear powder. Use the embossing gun on it once again, and re-dip the shade while it is still warm. Repeat this process until you have approximately six to seven layers of embossing powder on this side of the shade.5Repeat Steps 2 through 4 until the entire shade is covered in six to seven layers of clear embossing powder.6If desired, enhance your painted grout lines or add new ones using an embossing pen and black or metallic embossing powder. Be sure that your clear layers are dry and cool before beginning this step. Simply draw the lines as you desire, and pour a layer of black embossing powder over them. Gently shake off the excess and heat with an embossing gun. This will give the look of slightly raised grout around your pattern.

Finding a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift can be a challenge, even for the most thoughtful mind. You may have someone on your Christmas list who loves stained glass but already has windows full of sun catchers. Stained glass is not just used for windows and sun catchers, however. Unique stained glass gifts range from inexpensive everyday items to high-end works of art. Other People Are ReadingGift Ideas for Guys Who Stain GlassChristmas Gifts for Husbands: Wine GlassesPrint this article OrnamentPick out a stained glass ornament to hang on the Christmas tree. Consider a stained glass ball, star, cross or the first letter of the recipient’s name.JewelryGive her an eye-catching piece of jewelry. Stained glass pendants make a dazzling addition to a simple chain necklace.Jewelry BoxConsider a jewelry box for the recipient who needs a place to keep her jewelry collection. Choose a wooden jewelry box with a stained glass window on the lid or a box crafted entirely from stained glass.CoastersThink practical but attractive with stained glass coasters that protect against ring stains while adding to a home’s distinct decor. Order or make a set of coasters to coordinate with the color scheme of the recipient’s home.CrossSurprise that spiritual someone with a hand-crafted cross. These stained glass religious symbols will remind the receiver of the Christmas story all year long as the cross hangs in his home.LampLight up a room with an elegant stained glass lamp. Choose from a plethora of pane designs including floral motifs, geometric shapes, serene scenes, or rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia.Wall ArtAdd to an artistic home with the gift of wall art. Costs for stained glass wall art can run into the hundreds and thousands of dollars depending on the size. Buy directly from the artist for a customized piece.