How to Make Church Stained Glass Windows

Angel In Glass

Stained glass renderings of holy events lend their luminescent light to temples and cathedrals across the world. In their silent and darkened aisles, sunlight beaming through art has a take-your-breath-away quality that accompanies the awe and reverence of the inner sanctuary. While the works of ancient artisans dot the architectural landscape, contemporary artists and manufacturers still craft in the medium. Stained glass isn't just for churches; many fine works may well be on display at the house next door.

Things You'll Need

• Colored glass Pattern 100 W Weller solder iron Roll ofsSolder Carbide glass cutter Glass grinder Glass breaking pliers Metal ruler or straight edge Black sharpie 4 Pieces of wood (2 by 4) for vice grip Nails Hammer Black back copper foil Stained glass flux Paintbrush

Instructions

Glass Art

1. Set up a clean work area that will afford ample room for your tools, supplies, scraps and finished product. Make certain that it is well lit and has access to an electrical outlet.

2. Gather your supplies from the list above. Some general--but more likely hobby-specific--shops will have all the tools and glass that a beginner will need. For a glass specialty shop in your area, look at Store Finder.

3. Choose your pattern. You can design your own, buy one at your hobby shop or look online to free patterns for the craft. If you choose to draw your own pattern, be aware that what you can draw may not translate to what you can cut.

4. Practice scoring the glass by gripping your oil carbide glass cutter and running it along a metal ruler over the glass as you apply pressure. This is one of the most difficult steps because it takes awhile to feel comfortable with the scratch of knife on glass and the necessary force you must exert to create a score line that will allow the glass to snap cleanly.

5. Snap the glass with your hands at the scores. Initially you will merely be using large glass pieces to make small pieces that you will then use to trace your pattern and cut to the design.

6. Make a copy of your pattern and cut out its corresponding shapes. Place them on the glass and trace them with your marker.

7. Score around the individual pieces. Large pieces can be easily snapped by hand. Smaller pieces will require pliers.

8. Fit the finished pieces over your pattern. Create a vise grip for the piece by nailing blocks of wood around the project to hold the pieces firmly in place.

9. Remove the individual pieces and use the glass grinder to smooth out the edges and more perfectly fit the pieces to your pattern.

10. Wrap the copper foil around the individual glass pieces and trim as necessary. Fit all the pieces back into your grip and secure tightly.

11. Remove the pieces and apply flux with brush. Then, individually place them back into their patterned positions.

12. Use solder and solder iron to place drops of solder on connecting joints of the project.

13. Bead the drops and add more solder if necessary to adhere the pieces to one another.

14. Allow to dry.

15. Flip the pattern and do the same to the other side.

16. Remove blocks.

17. Finish by applying a thin coat of solder to perimeter of the window.

Tips & Warnings

• Working with art glass can be both rewarding and very frustrating--breakage is common--so you may want to consider taking a course in the art of stained glass at a local crafts and hobbies shop.

• If your finished window will be in an area accessible to children, choose a lead-free product rather than solder.

Resources

• Supplies
• Free Patterns for Stained Glass
• Stained Glass instruction