How to Make Stained Glass Wind Chimes

Creating beautiful stained glass wind chimes is a simple craft project that you can complete in less than an hour. No special skills are required, but you will need a few specific tools for cutting and drilling the stained glass. Get creative with your wind chimes by adding crystals, glass beads or seashells alongside your stained glass for an enchanting design in your back yard or garden.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper and Pen Stained Glass Grease Pencil Glass Cutter & Glass Oil Running Pliers Diamond File Copper Tape Masking Tape Drill with Glass Drill Bit Crystals Fishing Line Craft Ring

1. Determine the colors and shapes of the stained glass pieces you prefer for your wind chimes. Elongated strips measuring 2 inches wide by seven inches long make beautiful wind chimes, but you can alter the width and length or create different shapes like triangles or diamonds for your chimes. Create a paper template for each shape and size of your stained glass pieces.

2. Place your template on the glass and trace the outline with a grease pencil. You can purchase single sheets of stained glass at your local hobby supply store, or order packs of different colored glass online. You will need at least five pieces of glass for basic wind chimes, but you can hang many more in a tiered pattern if you prefer.

3. Score the outline of the glass pieces with a glass cutter. Pistol grip cutters have oil in the handle that feeds onto the glass as you cut. If you use another type of glass cutter, lubricate the surface before cutting to help prevent shards and to get a cleaner cut. After scoring the glass, place the running pliers on the edge and apply pressure to snap the glass at the score. File any rough edges with a diamond file.

4. Wrap the perimeter of the stained glass pieces with copper tape. Apply a small piece of masking tape where you plan to drill the hole for the hanging line. Drill the hole with a glass drill bit in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. The masking tape will help keep the glass from shattering, but you may also need to apply water to the area for lubrication.

5. Cut strands of fishing line, one for each piece of glass and crystal, into the desired lengths for your wind chimes. Make your chimes one length or alter the lengths to create a design with the glass and crystals. Thread the line through the hole in the glass and tie a double knot. Tie the other end of the line onto the craft ring. You can find metal craft rings at discount and hobby stores. Make a hanger for your wind chime by tying a strand of fishing line across the width of the craft ring.

Tips & Warnings

• Drift wood makes an interesting head for your stained glass wind chime in place of the craft ring. Replace the crystals with seashells for this beach themed chime.
• Handle cut glass carefully as there may be tiny shards on the edges that you cannot see.

Resources

• Spring Projects