Stained Glass Easter Suncatchers

Spring has sprung .. Time to do a little seasonal project to welcome the season.  Here I've made 3 suncatchers for Easter .. Two eggs and a carrot.  My dear hubby keeps questioning my decision to add a carrot to the mix, but I just though it fit.  Here goes ..

This is how all stained glass projects begin, with a Manila folder and carbon paper to create the patterns from which to cut the glass.  Here I've traced a carrot and egg onto the folder.

 

I traced a second egg a bit smaller than the first and added a couple of designs.

Here are the carrot patterns and the glass partially cut out.

When I cut the stripes on the eggs, I use stained glass pattern shears.  These leave a small channel between the blades so that there is room for the copper foil which will come later.

Now each of the suncatchers has been cut and is ready for grinding and foiling.

After the glass is cut, each piece gets the edges ground in the electric grinder.

 
 Then I press on 7/32" adhesive copper foil to the edges of each piece.

After the foil is on and hand-pressed to the edges and sides, I burnish it using a "fid" or flat plastic wand.

Now each suncatcher has been foiled and is pinned in place on the Homasote.  This is my cushiony work surface which is made from soundproofing material.  It has "give" to cut glass and it readily absorbs any chemical spills.

Here I'm applying liquid flux which is a catalyst which enables the solder to flow freely over the copper foil.

All three have now been soldered.  To strengthen each one, I added a wire reinforcement around the outer edge.  This is particularly important for the area where the greenery meets the carrot.  This is considered a "hinge" and is highly susceptible to separation.  The wrap-around wire will go a long way to preventing that through the years.  It will also strengthen the sides where the stripes on the eggs are located.

Here I'm wrapping 20 gauge wire around a metal brush and leaving about 3/4" for "legs".  These will become the hanging hooks.

I soldered the hooks along the lead lines, for invisibility and strength. Following the soldering process, each piece gets sprayed and washed thoroughly with a chemical neutralizer.

Next comes the black patina.  This is a blue chemical which turns the solder black instantly. Another cleaning follows.  Then the patina is allowed to dry and stained glass finishing compound is applied.  This is a light wax which protects the patina and gives a nice shine to the glass.

 And here they are!  For hanging on a window, I recommend Command Brand 1/2 lb hooks which are made specifically for glass.  They are more secure and reliable than the suction cup variety.
Happy Easter!

For more information on my other projects, please click here to visit my website.

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Stained Glass 1970's Lamp Repair

This post covers the repair of my 74th lamp!  This one is a sturdy 1970's vintage model which sustained damage to the crown and to one piece along the side.  Here's how I went about repairing it ..

Shown here are several glass "petals" which had detached from the crown. Also, there is a small hole in one of the pieces along the top row.  I've placed a piece of matching glass on the lamp.

To begin the repair, I'm removing all the old foil and solder which is along the connection line for the petals.

Now I've added new copper foil along the borders.

Here are the petals, which the owner fortunately had on hand. I tugged off the old solder and foil and gave them a thorough cleaning.

Here are the petals with new copper foil, as well as the rectangular piece, traced and ready to cut.

Using a piece of matching glass, I cut a new rectangular piece to replace the one with a hole in it.  Here I'm grinding the edges on my electric grinder.

Here it is, in place in the lamp, with new foil around the border.

After I've secured that one in place, I support each of the petals with tape and cardboard, and soldered each one back in its position along the upper ridge as shown.

After the petals are soldered, I clean them off thoroughly, then apply black patina.

Here's an aerial view of the repaired petals.

And here's a view of the lamp, fully repaired and ready to go back to its owner. Thank you Howard for making the long drive up to drop off and pick up your lamp.  I appreciate it!

For more information on my other projects, please click here to visit my website.

If you're on FaceBook, please click here to "like" my BoehmStained Glass Studio page to keep up with all the latest projects.  Thank you!

Birds posted to "Fans of Chantal's Stained Glass Patterns" Face Book page

Happy to have my Blue Jays featured on the FaceBook page of one of my favorite stained glass pattern designers, Chantal Pare!  I've created several windows and panels using Ms. Pare's designs.

Ms. Pare is a very creative lady with numerous websites featuring her stained glass patterns, most of which she offers free of charge.  Her designs are a tremendous resource for stained glass artists at any level.  Included in her collection are flowers, animals, birds, abstracts, and just about anything you can imagine.  You just have to do some digging to come up with some amazing ideas.  This page has some of the links .. More can be found by Googling her name. Enjoy!

http://chantalstainedglass.50megs.com/1stainedglasspatternlist.html.  

For more information on my other projects, please click here to visit my website.

If you're on FaceBook, please click here to "like" my BoehmStained Glass Studio page to keep up with all the latest projects.  Thank you!