How to Make Suncatcher Mosaics

Create a sun catcher mosaic with a picture frame, adhesive and stained glass.

Part of the beauty of ancient churches, cathedrals and temples is the visually stunning stained glass and tile mosaics built into the windows, ceilings and floors. As the sun streams through the glass, it creates colorful lights that glow and dance as the sun moves across the sky. By using some stained glass, a picture frame and clear adhesive, you can create a sun catcher mosaic to enjoy these colorful effects at home.

Things You'll Need

• Glass-front picture frame
• Glass cleaner
• Microfiber cloth
• Construction paper
• Pencil
• Masking tape
• Stained glass
• Glass cutter
• Glass breaking pliers
• Clear, silicone adhesive
• Paper towel
• Clear coat sealant
• Frame hangers
• Ribbon
• Suction cup hook

Instructions

1. Remove the back from a glass-front picture frame. Make sure you can still use the frame closures to hold the glass in the frame even without the back.

2. Remove the glass from the frame and clean thoroughly with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Remove all dust and lint from the glass.

3. Place the glass on a piece of construction paper. Trace around the glass with a pencil before setting the glass aside.

4. Draw a mosaic design on the paper with pencil. Don't make the shapes too small or you may have trouble cutting the glass to fit.

5. Place the stained glass on the paper over the design. Tape the edges of the glass with masking tape to keep it from moving. Remove any smudges from the glass with the microfiber cloth.

6. Score the stained glass with a glass cutter according to the size and shape you need for the mosaic. Attach glass breaking pliers next to the score mark to break off the pieces. Apply pressure with the pliers slowly until the glass separates. Hold the glass away from your body and be very careful when handling it.

7. Apply clear, silicone adhesive to the back of the mosaic pieces and place them on the glass. Allow the glass to dry for at least 24 hours before proceeding.

8. Remove any excess adhesive from the glass pieces with paper towel. Apply a clear coat sealant to the mosaic. Allow the sealant to dry completely before proceeding.

9. Attach two small frame hangers (hooks) to the back of the frame. Thread a 16-inch-long piece of ribbon through the hooks. Tie the ends of the ribbon in a bow.

10. Insert the glass into the frame and bend the metal frame closures over the glass to hold it in place. Hang the sun-catcher in a window with a suction cup hook.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure of what colors you want to use in certain parts of the design, place the stained glass on the glass to test it out before applying the adhesive.

• Wear protective clothing, gloves and safety glasses when handling the glass. Use extreme caution when cutting the glass. Clean up glass shards immediately.

References

• Warner Stained Glass: Glass Cutting
• Warner Stained Glass: Breaking the Glass