How to Make Simple Stained Glass Suncatchers

Stained glass is a beautiful when the light hits it. When hanging in a window, stained glass can make a special addition to a home. Real stained glass pieces can be very expensive. Painted glass is a cheaper imitation, but it can't rival the beauty of the real thing. Making small suncatchers from stained glass can be a rewarding and money-saving project to make yourself. Here are some instructions to make simple stained glass suncatchers. It is helpful to have some basic knowledge of cutting glass and soldering, but not necessary.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small sheets of stained glass in various colors
• Hand-held glass cutter
• Glass crimper tool
• Lead channeled on both sides
• Lead channeled on one side and smooth on the other
• Pliers for cutting lead
• Solder and soldering iron
• Permanent marker
• Two small metal rings

1. Measure and draw a 3 inch square on a piece of paper. Cut out the square and use it as a pattern to draw four squares on your glass with permanent marker. Cut all the squares out of the same color, or use a different color for each one.

2. Use the glass cutter and crimper to cut out the squares. Make a score on the glass with the cutter on one side of the the square. Continue the score all the way to the edge of the glass piece. Use the crimper or your hands to break the glass along the score.

3. Cut a piece of lead with both sides channeled about 6 inches long. On a flat surface, slide two squares of glass into one side of the lead, and two squares into the other side.

4. Cut two short pieces of lead (channeled on both sides) to serve as a divider between the two squares on the top and bottom of the long piece of lead. Slide the lead between the squares of stained glass. You should have a cross pattern with the lead dividing all four squares.

5. Measure and cut four pieces of lead to go around the outside of the project. Wrap the lead around the outside of the suncatcher. Solder all of the lead joints together at the intersections.

6. Turn the suncatcher over and solder two metal rings to the back for hanging. Use fishing line to tie through the rings to hang.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang the suncatcher at an angle for a diamond shaped effect.
• Most of the supplies needed can be found at stained glass supply stores.
• If you've never cut glass before, practice first with some scrap pieces until you are able to score long straight lines that break easily.
• Always use protective goggles when cutting glass.
• Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after working with lead.