Caring For Stained Glass Panels
By Earl
Used in cathedrals to show glorious scenes of saints, and for animals and plants in other venues panels are beautiful works of art. Though complex looking, these windows are actually fairly simple, and with a little effort anyone can recreate the art.

The biggest concern when creating panels is of course safety. The art you are creating includes exposed glass edges, a hot soldering iron, chemicals, and power tools. If you keep safety in mind and maintain a well-organized workspace your hobby will be perfectly safe. As with most crafts you will need to acquire some tools and materials before you begin. You will need glass cutters to score the glass for breaking. As with most tools the higher quality cutter will cost more to purchase, but can make the difference between success and accidental breakage. Another glass specific tool you will need is a pair of combination breaker-grozer pliers. A glass grinder will be needed for making adjustments to glass edges after breaking. Mastering this tool can help your pieces fit together more precise, increasing your appearance quality. More material and tools will be introduced to you as we begin to construct a panel.

To get started grab the sheet of glass you will be working on with one hand holding the top edge and the other holding the bottom with the sheet in a vertical position. Never carry a sheet of glass in the horizontal position to avoid cracks and breakage! To place the glass on your workbench while vertical place the center of the sheet against the bench edge. Then roll the glass onto the table and slide completely onto the bench surface.

For your first project choose a novice pattern with a simple design and relatively short lines to score. You will need two copies of your pattern so trace the original pattern onto a sheet of standard paper and heavy pattern paper with a sheet of carbon. Assign numbers to each piece as a way of keeping track of your pieces as you create and build the project. Then use special glass pattern shears to cut your pattern out of the heavy paper.

Select one piece of your pattern and trace the shape onto your glass using a glass-marking pen. Do not forget to mark on the glass the number assigned to that piece of the pattern. Then you need to score the lines you traced onto the glass. Apply firm constant pressure with your glass-cutting tool and make one smooth cut along your line. After you score the line you will need to break the score. Some crafters opt to do this step by hand, while others use breaker-grozer pliers for the job. Either way apply a quick even pressure while doing the break to keep it as clean as possible. Continue to mark, score, and break until all the pieces of your project are created.
Starting in one corner of your project, next compare the glass piece you cut out with that piece in the uncut pattern. Mark any glass that crosses over the pattern lines and then use a grinder to remove the excess glass. Continue to do this to each piece until all pieces are the same as the pattern then place them within the assembly jig for the project.

For the foil wrapping step you need to ensure your hands and the glass are clean to ensure the tapes sticks correctly. Apply the foil wrap tape onto the glass edge with exactly the length of overhang on each side and work your way around the glass edge completely. Overlap the tape on the end about one-quarter inch then crimp the foil over the glass edges. Complete this step by burnishing the foil smooth and then place the glass piece back into the jig.

The final step of your panel project will be to solder all joints together. Slowly move the hot soldering iron over all the seams coating the foil in solder. Once the initial side is complete roll the project over and solder the seams from the other side. Once you have all the seams covered in solder you should clean your project with a soft rag and glass cleaner. After cleaning the panel is ready to be proudly displayed for all to enjoy. When others comment on the beauty of the panel you can smile and say you did it all yourself!

Creating panels is a very fun and rewarding hobby, which can also become a little extra income if you are so inclined. There is so much to learn with stained glass, please take the time to seek out more learning resources than just a small article. To learn techniques and skills to improve your skill look into local classes and workshops. Also speak with artisans in your area, most are more than willing to pass on pointers to a fellow glass worker.

   Blue Dichroic Glass Earrings
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/2524-Blue-Dichroic-Glass-Earrings"><img alt="Customfordee_2_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/6545/customfordee_2_medium.jpg" /></a><p>These fused glass earrings are made with sparkling sky blue Coatings by Sandberg dichroic glass and are capped with clear glass for depth. They measure 11 mm in diameter, and have sterling silver posts and butterfly nut closures.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/2524-Blue-Dichroic-Glass-Earrings">$12.00</a>
Pink Nautilus Dichroic Glass Pendant
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/2042-Pink-Nautilus-Dichroic-Glass-Pendant"><img alt="36x22pinknaut_2_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/5073/36x22pinknaut_2_medium.jpg" /></a><p>This fused glass nautilus pendant is made with pink Coatings by Sandberg dichroic glass on pink art glass. It measures 36 mm x 22 mm and is strung on an adjustible leather cord necklace with sterling silver lobster claw clasp.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/2042-Pink-Nautilus-Dichroic-Glass-Pendant">$38.00</a>
Cabochons - Retro Stripey Fused Glass Cab Lot
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/1365-Cabochons-Retro-Stripey-Fused-Glass-Cab-Lot"><img alt="5725279_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/3229/5725279_medium.jpg" /></a><p>This cab lot has 10 freeform 16-17 mm cabs with lime green, spring green and black stripes on a white art glass base.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/1365-Cabochons-Retro-Stripey-Fused-Glass-Cab-Lot">$13.00</a>
Green Ripple Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/1338-Green-Ripple-Dichroic-Fused-Glass-Pendant"><img alt="5873348_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/3137/5873348_medium.jpg" /></a><p>This dichroic pendant is designed with green-gold shift ripple textured Coatings by Sandberg dichroic glass that has blue accents, and is capped with clear glass for depth. It measures 36 mm x 22 mm, including the sterling silver-plated pendant bail.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/1338-Green-Ripple-Dichroic-Fused-Glass-Pendant">$24.00</a>
Purple Stripey Fused Glass Drop Pendant
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/1212-Purple-Stripey-Fused-Glass-Drop-Pendant"><img alt="5843668_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/2833/5843668_medium.jpg" /></a><p>My art glass drop pendants are fused in a special process that requires no fewer than three firings in the kiln to form, anneal, shape and fire polish the glass.</p> <p>This fused glass pendant has alternative stripes of purple art glasses. It measures 32 mm x 22 mm, including the sterling silver (stamped .925) pendant bail.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/1212-Purple-Stripey-Fused-Glass-Drop-Pendant">$25.00</a>
Pink and Yellow Dichroic Pendant
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/1160-Pink-and-Yellow-Dichroic-Pendant"><img alt="5713689_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/2713/5713689_medium.jpg" /></a><p>This pendant is designed with pink and yellow Coatings by Sandberg dichroic glass, spaced with fuchsia pink art glass, and is capped with clear glass for depth. It was fused and annealed for strength, shaped and then fire polished in my home studio. It measures 44 mm x 20 mm, including the sterling silver-plated pendant bail.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/1160-Pink-and-Yellow-Dichroic-Pendant">$25.00</a>
Dichroic Cab Grab Bag (10)
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/1081-Dichroic-Cab-Grab-Bag-10-"><img alt="Cabgrab_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/2505/cabgrab_medium.jpg" /></a><p>Grab bag contains ten (10) orphan cabs in an assortment of colors, measuring between 9 mm and 16 mm in length. Colors and sizes will be a fun surprise!</p> <p>If you need specific colors or a matched set, please send me a message to place a custom order.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/1081-Dichroic-Cab-Grab-Bag-10-">$10.00</a>
Tesselation Dichroic Glass Pendant
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/1015-Tesselation-Dichroic-Glass-Pendant"><img alt="5362618_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/2349/5362618_medium.jpg" /></a><p>This fused glass pendant is made with sparkling blue Savoy Studios &#8220;Tesselation&#8221; dichroic glass, and is capped with clear glass for depth. It measures 50 mm x 20 mm, including the sterling silver-plated pendant bail.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/1015-Tesselation-Dichroic-Glass-Pendant">$28.00</a>
Green Nautilus Dichroic Pendant
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/993-Green-Nautilus-Dichroic-Pendant"><img alt="5776828_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/2297/5776828_medium.jpg" /></a><p>This fused glass pendant is made with sparkling blue-green shift Savoy Studios &#8220;Nautilus&#8221; dichroic glass, and is capped with clear glass for depth. It measures 38 mm x 22 mm, including the sterling silver-plated pendant bail.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/993-Green-Nautilus-Dichroic-Pendant">$25.00</a>
Green Wave Dichroic Glass Pendant
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/895-Green-Wave-Dichroic-Glass-Pendant"><img alt="5336550_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/2057/5336550_medium.jpg" /></a><p>This fused glass pendant is made with sparkling green Savoy Studios &#8220;Wave&#8221; dichroic glass, and is capped with clear glass for depth. It measures 26 mm x 18 mm, including the sterling silver-plated pendant bail.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/895-Green-Wave-Dichroic-Glass-Pendant">$28.00</a>
Green Mat Poker Card Protector
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/878-Green-Mat-Poker-Card-Protector"><img alt="5478847_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/2013/5478847_medium.jpg" /></a><p>Protect your cards from being mucked by another player or the dealer with this flashy fused glass card protector. Card protectors (also called card guards, spinners or covers) are placed on top of the cards after they are dealt to prevent the dealer from thinking you have folded.</p> <p>This card protector is made with sparkling green-yellow shift Savoy Studios &#8216;Mat&#8217; dichroic glass, and is capped with clear glass for depth. It was kiln fused and annealed for strength and durability. It measures 1 5/8 inches x 1 1/2 inches.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/878-Green-Mat-Poker-Card-Protector">$28.00</a>
Mixed Lot of Fused Glass Cabs
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/837-Mixed-Lot-of-Fused-Glass-Cabs"><img alt="Mixedcablot_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/1917/mixedcablot_medium.jpg" /></a><p>Mixed lot of 10 fused glass cabochons. Cabs measure between 13 mm and 18 mm in length.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/837-Mixed-Lot-of-Fused-Glass-Cabs">$10.00</a>
Abstract Blue Fused Glass Earrings
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/787-Abstract-Blue-Fused-Glass-Earrings"><img alt="5677803_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/1777/5677803_medium.jpg" /></a><p>These fused glass dangle earrings are made with dichroic glass on turquoise blue art glass. They hang from Thai silver (.995) flower posts with four petals. The glass measures 30 mm x 10 mm.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/787-Abstract-Blue-Fused-Glass-Earrings">$22.00</a>
Blue-Green Oak Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/767-Blue-Green-Oak-Dichroic-Fused-Glass-Pendant"><img alt="5755069_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/1741/5755069_medium.jpg" /></a><p>This fused glass pendant is made with sparkling blue-green shift Savoy Studios &#8220;Oak&#8221; dichroic glass, and is capped with clear glass for depth. It measures 44 mm x 26 mm, including the sterling silver-plated pendant bail.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/767-Blue-Green-Oak-Dichroic-Fused-Glass-Pendant">$24.00</a>
Persia Dichroic Fused Glass Pendant
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/748-Persia-Dichroic-Fused-Glass-Pendant"><img alt="5359669_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/1689/5359669_medium.jpg" /></a><p>This fused glass pendant is made with sparkling green Savoy Studios &#8220;Persia&#8221; dichroic glass, and is capped with clear glass for depth. It measures 36 mm x 24 mm, including the sterling silver-plated pendant bail.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/748-Persia-Dichroic-Fused-Glass-Pendant">$28.00</a>
Focal Bead - Fused Glass Flower
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/672-Focal-Bead-Fused-Glass-Flower"><img alt="Swirlbead4_3_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/1485/swirlbead4_3_medium.jpg" /></a><p>This swirling fused glass flower bead has purple, green and blue hues with a hint of red. It measures 26 mm in diameter and has a 1.8 mm hole for stringing. Leather cord is for display purposes only.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/672-Focal-Bead-Fused-Glass-Flower">$20.00</a>
Red Spot Fused Glass Cabs (10)
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/650-Red-Spot-Fused-Glass-Cabs-10-"><img alt="15mmwhitered_4_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/1413/15mmwhitered_4_medium.jpg" /></a><p>Lot of ten (10) freeform fused glass cabochons to use in your jewelry designs. These cabs have a red and white base with red and black frit and red stringer. They measure approximately 15 mm in length.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/650-Red-Spot-Fused-Glass-Cabs-10-">$12.00</a>
Lot of Fused Glass Cabs (10)
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/554-Lot-of-Fused-Glass-Cabs-10-"><img alt="14-17mmwhitecabs_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/1165/14-17mmwhitecabs_medium.jpg" /></a><p>Lot of ten (10) freeform fused glass cabochons to use in your jewelry designs. These cabs have a white base with egyptian blue, black, light violet and white frit. They measure between 14 and 17 mm in length.</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/554-Lot-of-Fused-Glass-Cabs-10-">$12.00</a>
Lot of Fused Glass Cabochons (13)
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/395-Lot-of-Fused-Glass-Cabochons-13-"><img alt="Blobcabs_2_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/product/0000/0749/blobcabs_2_medium.jpg" /></a><p>Thirteen (13) freeform fused glass cabochons to use in your jewelry designs. These cabs have an olive base with white, woodland brown and black speckles. They measure between 14 and 17 mm in length (1/2 to 3/4 inch).</p><a href="http://www.mintd.com/products/show/395-Lot-of-Fused-Glass-Cabochons-13-">$15.00</a>
Organic Fused Glass
<a href="http://www.mintd.com/lookbooks/show/75-Organic-Fused-Glass"><img alt="Fusedglasscabs_medium" src="http://www.mintd.com/system/media/lookbook/0000/0121/fusedglasscabs_medium.jpg" /></a><p>Speckled fused glass cabochons. Use them in your jewelry designs, <span class="caps">PMC</span> and polymer clay creations. They also make beautiful ring or pin focals.</p> <p>Custom orders are welcome!</p>

Stained Glass Repair

Esthetic Accents Breaks New Ground: Architectural Stained Glass For A Flat World
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