How to Make Fused Glass Windchimes
Fused glass shapes can be used to make whimsical or themed wind chimes. When fusing the glass you can insert a small mandrel into the glass shape to create a hole to string it up with, or you can drill a hole later. Choose or create a larger fused glass piece for the top from which to hang the smaller pieces. Include beads, small pieces of wood or interesting stone along with the fused glass for variety in look and tone.
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Things You'll Need
- Fused glass pieces
- Safety glasses
- Drill with diamond bit (optional)
- Nylon string, wire or chain
- Jump rings
- 2 pairs of needle-nose pliers
- Scissors or wire cutters
Instructions
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1
Lay out the fused glass pieces in the pattern you want them to hang as a wind chime.
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2
Drill a hole in each piece of glass where it will hang. Use a small plastic tub with enough water to cover the glass to lubricate and cool the drill and glass during the drilling process. Drill the glass very slowly to avoid breaking it. Wear the safety glasses when drilling the glass.
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3
Drill two or four holes in opposite sides of the support piece to secure the chain for hanging the wind chime.
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4
Use the needle-nose pliers to grasp the jump ring on each side of the cut and twist the ends apart. Do not pull them directly away from each other as this weakens the metal.
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5
Place the jump rings in each hole drilled in the fused glass and cut lengths of nylon line, wire or chain to connect the pieces together.
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6
Knot the nylon line on each jump ring; create a loop in the wire and fit it onto the jump rings; or, slip the chain onto the jump rings.
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7
Twist the ends of the jump rings back together to secure the fused glass pieces together to form the wind chime.
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