How to Make a Stained Glass Ornament Kit
Stained glass ornaments are treasures for holiday and home decor. Give the gift of a stained glass ornament kit to anyone interested in learning the art of stained glass. Include the basic components for cutting, grinding and soldering the glass, along with an ornament pattern and stained glass panels to fit the design. Consider the skill level of the recipient and select patterns with a minimum amount of curves for beginners. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Stained glass
- Stained glass ornament pattern
- Grease pencil
- Glass cutter
- Grozing pliers
- Diamond file
- Safety glasses
- Copper tape
- Flux
- Solder
- Soldering iron
Instructions
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Place four to five different colored 4-inch squares of stained glass in the ornament kit. Select the colors of glass appropriate for the ornament. For example, an Easter egg ornament may use pastel shades while a Christmas tree ornament may use bright colors.
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Find and copy one or more stained glass ornament patterns to include in the ornament kit. Free stained glass patterns are available online, but you can also find patterns in stained glass magazines and at craft stores.
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Place a grease pencil, a glass cutter, grozing pliers and a diamond file into the ornament kit. Grease pencils are used to trace the pattern onto the glass, as well as to number the pieces; the marks are easily removed after the project is complete. A glass cutter scores the glass on the design line, and grozing pliers snap the pieces apart. Safety glasses are a necessity when cutting glass; make sure to include a pair in the kit. A diamond file is for smoothing the cut edges of the glass.
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Insert copper tape, flux, solder and a soldering iron into your stained glass ornament kit. Copper tape is used to wrap the perimeter of each piece of glass after cutting and filing smooth. The tape gives the solder something to hold onto. Flux is a chemical used in the soldering process. Solder holds the pieces of glass together in the ornament design; a soldering gun heats the metal so that it flows between the crevices of the stained glass pieces.
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Tips & Warnings
To make a kit for an accomplished stained glass artist, put together a selection of patterns and glass to make the designs. Accomplished artists will already have the necessary tools to make the ornaments.
