How to Make Lines and Curves in Stained Glass Projects

Stained glass decorations can transform an ordinary room and give it an elegant, European flare. With some practice, you can make your own stained glass artifacts. The first step is to learn how to make lines and curves on stained glass projects.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Sharpie
• Glass
• Safety glasses
• Running pliers
• Combination pliers
• Glass grinder

1. Make a pattern of the design you want by sketching it on paper with a black marker. Use carbon paper so that you have two additional copies; the pattern is your master copy. If you've never worked on stained glass before, start with a straight-line pattern such as squares, diamonds or rectangles.

2. Take one copy and cut along the lines you've sketched. Arrange the cut pieces of paper on the glass. Use a marker to outline each piece on the glass.

3. Place the glass on a flat surface and put on a pair of safety glasses to protect yourself from glass slivers. Holding the glass cutter the same way you would hold a pencil, lightly score the glass along the lines you drew.

4. Break the glass in a straight line by placing it on a table. Align the score line flush with the edge of the table and lightly push with a downward motion.

5. Score curves on stained glass by following steps 1 through 3, drawing curves instead of straight lines.

6. Use a pair of combination pliers to break a curve. Place the pliers right at the score line (curve) and lightly pull downward.

7. Arrange all the pieces over the master copy. Make sure they look and fit the way you want. Next, put on your safety glasses and sand all the pieces with a glass grinder.

Tips & Warnings

• There are stores that specialize in stained glass, but you can also buy it at any craft store like Hobby Lobby or Michael's.

Resources

• Buy stained glass