How to Use Telescope Slides to Create Picture Frames

Solder glass slides together into an original picture frame.

Glass picture frames combine vintage style with modern lines to create truly original accents for your photos and art. If you love these stylish frames but cannot afford them, do not worry. You can make these frames at home with art supplies and glass telescope slides. You can get these small, rectangular slides from science and art supply stores. Also, check with local college science labs to take advantage of surplus supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Glass cleaner
• Soft cloths
• Glass paint
• Paintbrushes
• Copper foil tape
• Wooden popsicle stick
• Flux
• Lead-free solder ribbon
• Heat stylus

Instructions

1. Clean each glass slide with sprits of glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Set them on a flat, clean work surface to dry for 10 minutes.

2. Paint each slide with glass paint and a small paintbrush. Paint each slide a solid color for a blocked effect, or create different designs. Stick to simple geometric designs, like polka dots and stripes, so your frame does not look busy.

3. Wrap the edges of each slide in copper foil tape. Center the tape vertically on the sides of the slide and fold the excess around the edges of each slide. Wrap the foil around the slides twice, if necessary.

4. Brush the edges of the foil on each slide with flux. Flux allows solder to flow along the copper foil and adhere better.

5. Arrange your slides the way you want them to create your frame. Choose a color pattern and arrange the pieces randomly. Rearrange them until you find a design you like.

6. Press the edges of the slides firmly together. Place the tip of your solder ribbon against the seam between two slides. Touch the tip of your heat stylus to the ribbon. Move the two together along the seams between the slides. Solder the inside and outside edges of the frame.

References

• Craft Bits: Altered Art Glass Slide Jewelry
• Art of Stained Glass: How to Solder Glass
• Art E-Zine: Collaged Slide Pendants