Stained Glass • Fusing • Mosaics • Jewelry Supplies |
We have received feedback requesting step-by-step instructions on creating with the Studio One Pre-Cut Kits. So during our Facebook Live Roy and Daisy walk you through the process. Pre-Cut Kits https //www.delphiglass.com/stained-glass-supplies/pre-cut-kits/
1. Make sure that your pieces are clean and dry. Cut a piece of clear contact paper, remove the backing and lay it sticky-side-up over the pattern. 2. This is a perfect way to hold cut glass, globs, jewels, or marbles in place for tack soldering. As you can see in the photo, you can even move the sheet around and, if you are careful, you shouldn’t disturb the glass at all. 3. Tack solder the pieces to each other as you normally would. Then, remove the contact paper and finish soldering the front before turning the project over and soldering the back. Reprinted with permission from Stained Glass News. All rights reserved.
Take a tour of our stained glass section in our Lansing creativity showroom.
I have some questions about Lead-Free Solder. Does it tarnish over time? Can you use patina on it? Does it flow like regular solder? Is it better than regular solder? We are sure that you arent the only one with these questions. Lets start with the question of whether or not its better than regular solder. Since the harm from lead is caused by ingestion, any project that will come in contact with food or food containers should be made with lead-free solder. In addition, anything that is handled, like jewelry or kaleidoscopes, should be made with lead-free solder. Hands have a terrible habit of making it into the mouth before they get washed. So, yes it is better than regular solder in these situations. As far as working with solder, you should be diligent about cleaning your hands after touching any solder. Dont eat, drink, smoke, or do anything
Roy and Daisy will walk you through the process of fun ways to incorporate fabric and paper into your stained glass project. Supplies used https //www.delphiglass.com/search/FBLive071724
I want to make some copper foil and lead projects for use outside. How do I protect them from the elements? If you construct your project using the lead technique, there isnt anything else you need to do. The cementing process weatherproofs the project. If you use the copper foil technique, you will want to make sure that there is something to prevent the copper foil from pulling away from the outer edges of the project when it gets wet. This can be accomplished by using a rigid metal channel (zinc, copper or brass) or by soldering a reinforcing wire around the perimeter of the piece. Another thing you should consider is using mosaic techniques. Either the direct or indirect methods are great for outdoor projects. Your supplier will have information on these techniques if you are unfamiliar with them. Whatever technique you choose to employ, it is best to
Learn from Roy and Daisy how to create a zinc frame to round and oval panels. Plus, see how to add Handy Hangers to them.
How can I tell if a piece of glass is cracked? Did you ever notice the workers in your local glass shop tapping on a sheet of glass before they move it? They do that to see if it has any cracks. Cracked glass has a very different sound when tapped than intact glass does. This will be the best way to tell if your glass is broken. However, you should try it out on some other sheets before you try it on a piece that you think may be broken. Once you have heard a cracked piece, you will know what it sounds like. Hold the sheet from the top edge with one hand. Hold it out and away from your feet, just in case. Gently tap the sheet with one of your knuckles. A solid sheet of glass with no cracks will have a solid, clear ringing sound.
Hear from our stained glass expert Roy why he loves the Studio Pro Smoke Absorber. Were sure it will be your favorite too.
I am about to set up my new workshop. I was just wondering what you think are the most important things to include? Since every situation is different, we cant give you specific answers, but here are some things that you should give some thought to. We think that the two most important things in a workshop are safety and comfort. You obviously want everything in your workshop to be as safe as possible. Ideally, you will want to have proper ventilation, plenty of lighting, safe storage areas for glass and chemicals (do you have children?), grounded electrical connections, no extension cords, safe disposal for glass and supplies (trash cans as opposed to plastic bags), and easy to clean surfaces (no carpet on the floor). Comfort is the next most important consideration. The height of your work surface is very important. If you arent comfortable, you wont be able to
In this Facebook live video we are talking about creating a stained glass mirror. Roy and Val walk you through of process of cutting your mirror, sealing it, creating the boarder and assembly. Shop supplies shown in this video. https //www.delphiglass.com/search/FBLive031324
Can you please tell me the correct way to mitre the lead for diamonds? Diamonds can be tricky. This diagram shows the way we would go about cutting the lead for a diamond. We find the easiest way to decide where to mitre the lead is by drawing lines on the diamond connecting the opposite points. Then, put a piece of lead on the glass and extend that line onto the lead. Now remove the lead and cut it where you marked. Replace it on the glass, lining it up where it belongs and mark the other end of that piece of lead. Cut it, replace it, and continue until all of the pieces of lead are cut. Reprinted with permission from Stained Glass News. All rights reserved.
Reinforcement is necessary on larger windows. As a rule of thumb, a window more than three square feet should be reinforced. Either reinforcing bar or rod may be used for support. Be sure to consider this when designing the window so that the reinforcement does not intrude or compromise the design of the finished work. In either case the reinforcement is soldered to the back of the panel in one of two ways. The bar should be pre-tinned before use. You will solder the bar in several places at intersecting lines on the window. Rough the areas to be soldered on the bar with steel wool. Apply flux and coat the areas with solder. Doing this will make soldering the bar to the window much easier. Place the bar on edge and solder to the window in the predetermined areas. When using rod, a length of pre-tinned wire is first
In this video we are talking about copper foil overlay for stained glass. Roy and Daisy walk you through of process with tips and tricks along with a how-to demo.
In my reading I keep seeing mentions of tinning. What is it, and how do I do it? Tinning is the term used to describe the action of putting a thin coat of solder over something else, for instance copper foil, a brass vase cap, or a soldering iron tip. One reason may be to protect the metal from the air, which is usually in reference to a soldering iron tip. The other purpose may be to color the metal underneath, which we’ll address here. You may have seen it suggested that you tin all exposed copper foil on the surface of a panel before running a solder bead. (You will need to apply flux before tinning and again before running the bead.) Some people feel that this allows them to run the final bead more easily because all of the foil edges are already covered. Other people prefer to
Want to create your own custom stained glass box? Roy and Val show you how to construct, assemble and work with the tubes and rods. Stained Glass Boxes book https //rb.gy/v3xntt Box Supplies https //tinyurl.com/2p9npf8a
I really enjoy stained glass, but after I work on a project for a while, I get stiff and sore. What am I doing wrong? We all enjoy stained glass and most of us find it to be a relaxing hobby. But did you ever finish a project, step back to look at it and realize that your back hurt, or your hands feel tight, or you have a splitting headache? Did you know that many of these symptoms can be avoided by applying a few simple rules of ergonomics. You most likely have heard the word, but did you know that it’s just a fancy way of saying, “fit the task to the person?” There are many ways to accomplish just that, and you’d be surprised how simple it really is. Most people are so intent on what they are doing (enjoying our favorite hobby. ) that they don’t
Learn about lead came basics. Roy and Daisy will walk you through of process as well as show a few demos.
When I found Cindy Jenkins book Making Glass Beads back in 1998, I was immediately hooked on the idea of making glass beads. Id never seen handmade glass beads nor had I ever seen anyone make one. I was absolutely fascinated and I still am. Back then, the information was tough to find, but its much more popular now. I hope the following information will ease you into the fun world of making your own glass beads. Glass beadmaking is probably one of the easiest mediums to get started in when it comes to the tools and equipment you will need. Lets start by looking at the basic equipment Torch A good beginning torch is the Hot Head Torch which was made specifically for beadmaking. It burns hot and clean and runs off of a small MAPP gas tank (see description below). Work Surface Find an old table or desk.
Roy and Val will show you how to cut it and use it for both fusing and stained glass.
Heres how to safely connect your torch to the work table. 1. Collect the hardware. Youll need an L-bracket, one or two large adjustable hose clamps (big enough to fit around the Map gas tank) and a C-clamp (if you dont want to screw into your work surface). 2. Attach the L bracket. Screw the bracket directly into the table on the surface. If you prefer not to screw directly into the table, you can use a C-clamp to secure the bracket. Make sure it is tight enough to keep the bracket from slipping. 3. Secure the tank with hose clamps. Place both large adjustable hose clamps behind the vertical leg of the L-bracket before screwing the L-bracket to the table front. Place the MAPP gas into the hose clamps and turn the screws until the clamps are snug around the MAPP gas cylinder. Using two clamps will prevent the
Dive into using patinas on stained glass projects. Roy and Val will show you how to use each as well and tips and tricks.
Did you know that you can sandwich fabric (or paper) between glass just like you do with pressed flowers? It sure opens up a lot of possibilities for creating one-of-a-kind projects. Heres how 1 Cut two pieces of thin clear glass (ideally, single strength or thinner) to match your pattern piece. Dull the edges of each piece, if necessary, with a fine grinder bit or scythe stone. 2 Carefully clean the surfaces of these pieces that will be on the inside of the sandwich. Once you have sandwiched the fabric inside the glass, you wont be able to clean the glass again. 3 Cut a piece of fabric to match the glass pieces you cut. 4 To create your sandwich, place the fabric on the bottom piece of glass (clean side up). Add the top piece of glass (clean side down). Now hold your sandwich together with a couple of
Roy, Daisy and Val show you how we created our spinners as well as assembling plus tips and tricks.
When cutting out a pattern, where do you cut? With the proper scissors, is it on the line or left or right of the line? If, by proper scissors, you mean the three-bladed pattern shears, you want to cut by placing the center blade of the shears right on pattern line. The two outside blades will then cut the pattern on either side of the center blade. This removes a small strip of paper between each of the pattern pieces. You need to make sure youre using the right shears for the method of construction youve decided to use. Foil shears allow for two thicknesses of copper foil. Lead shears have a thicker center blade which allows for the heart of lead came. If you are using regular scissors (that dont have the extra blade) you will need to cut twice, once on each side of the line, for your
We love the light ring on this soldering iron. Order yours https //www.delphiglass.com/soldering-supplies/soldering-irons-tips/weller-80-watt-soldering-iron-with-led-halo-ring
I may be the only person this happens to, but why does the foil sticky-back goop squish out onto the glass when I solder? Nice description. The sticky-back goop is the adhesive that holds the copper foil to the glass. The reason that it squishes out is because it is melting from getting too hot. This is a common problem for people just learning to solder. It takes practice to lay a nice bead of solder. Beginners usually need to go back over the bead several times to make it neat. In this case, the entire area that you are soldering is getting heated up which may be causing the adhesive to melt. Try letting the area cool down before you fix up the solder bead. If you are lucky enough to lay a perfect bead of solder on the first try (good for you. ), the melting problem may
In this Facebook Live Roy and Val are sharing fun garden art ideas for stained glass, fusing and mosaics.
My panels always grow, even though I use pattern shears. Should the pieces, once cut and ground, fit in the white part of the pattern leaving the black lines to represent lead or foil? That is exactly where the pieces should fit. But as you have found out, sometimes thats easier said than done. Lets take a look at all the places your pieces can grow 1) Making a copy of your pattern for cutting out pattern pieces. First, determine if the line width on your pattern is appropriate for copper foil or lead. When tracing the pattern, try a few different felt pens until you find one that is the appropriate width for the technique you are using. The wrong width pen may cause the pattern pieces to be either too big, or too small. A good way to determine the appropriate width is to make some test cuts
Exclusively at Delphi Glass. Follow the link for more details https /3J3sWma Project by artists Tim and Alice Biza. Pattern by Katz Creations in Stained Glass. Music Denim Musician EnjoyMusic Site https //enjoymusic.ai
Does using a wider foil on my project make it stronger? Your project may be a little bit stronger with a wider foil since a wider solder line will tend to keep a seam from bending or flexing more than a narrower one. However, its not enough of a difference to be a major consideration in choosing a foil width for your project. The more likely reasons for choosing one foil width over another are as a design feature. You may want wider or narrower solder lines in certain areas of your project. to account for thicker or thinner glass. Youll need to choose an appropriate width of foil to have your solder line remain a consistent width. If you think strength or structure is a problem, some reinforcing other than just a wider foil is going to be necessary. For minor reinforcing, ask your supplier for a reinforcing strip.
During our Facebook Live Roy and Val show you fun Valentine's day project ideas. Download our free heart stained glass panel https //www.delphiglass.com/stained-glass-patterns/window-panels/free-stained-glass-heart-pattern
The grinding head on my grinder is frozen on the motor shaft. How do I remove it? You may find that you can move the grinder head down, but not up and off, the shaft. This is due to the shaft becoming larger for one of two reasons. First, glass, dust and debris accumulate on the shaft. This coating builds up and makes the shaft larger. The second possibility is a nick or scar on the shaft, causing the same thing. In either case, push the bit down to get it out of the way. Then, using a fine steel wool, gently polish the motor shaft (with the motor running) for about a minute. The bit will usually then just lift right off. If this attempt does not work, you can apply an anti-seize liquid or spray (such as WD-40) onto the grinding head and motor shaft. Wait 10 or
Do you have a favorite color of glass or is that like picking a favorite kid? #Youghiogheny #YoughioghenyGlass #Glass #StainedGlass #GlassArt #FusibleGlass #BeCreative
After I finish soldering, there are little splatters of solder stuck all over my panel. How do I clean these up? Doesnt it look just terrible. You wonder if it will ever get clean. But dont worry, it really isnt as bad as it looks. Any of the splatters that are not connected to a solder seam can usually be removed with your fingernail (after the solder has cooled. ) or a soft stick, like a craft stick (top left). Be careful not to use anything sharp that could scratch the glass. This includes most steel wool (except 0000). Most scrubbing pads for dishes will work, but you should try them on a piece of scrap glass. You dont want to scratch your project now. Any splatters that are connected to a solder seam will need to be refluxed and melted off. Trying to lift it off with your soldering
Jeff, we are always excited about new products. Anything you can share? #Kokomo #KokomoGlass #TiffanyGlass #TiffanyStudio #Glass #StainedGlass #GlassArt #BeCreative
Thanks to a wide assortment of patterns, molds and instruction, its easy for hobbyists to make Tiffany style lampshades. We should mention right away that when we refer to Tiffany Style Lamps, were talking about lamps that are made on a mold (or form the terms are interchangeable). If a mold isnt needed, the lamp would be considered a Flat Panel Lamp. Making Tiffany style lamps is actually quite similar to making stained glass windows. The main difference is that after youve cut and foiled the pieces for your lamp, you solder them together on a mold, instead of on a flat surface. This is what gives the lamp its rounded shape. Most of the pieces in a Tiffany lamp need to be quite small to conform to the rounded mold. Thats why this type of shade, by its nature, has a considerable number of pieces. Most popular designs
The past few years have been challenging for Kokomo, are you starting to find a new normal or are you still working though those challenges? #Kokomo #KokomoGlass #TiffanyGlass #TiffanyStudio #Glass #StainedGlass #GlassArt #BeCreative
My time is limited and I can only work in 2-4 hour intervals. Are there any preventative steps that I should take to assure that my work will be in good shape when I return? Many hobbyists find themselves in the same position, and this is a very good question. We cant cover every possible scenario, but hopefully we can help. Obviously, there are areas where it wont make any difference if you get interrupted. For instance, pattern prep, glass cutting, fitting, and grinding. However, if you do find that you need to stop in the middle of applying copper foil, youll need to think about how long it will be until you can resume the job. If it will only be a few days, there isnt anything special that youll need to do. But if it will be longer than that (or you live in a particularly humid area),
Jeff from Kokomo shares is he has a favorite glass. #Kokomo #KokomoGlass #TiffanyGlass #TiffanyStudio #Glass #StainedGlass #GlassArt #BeCreative
Can I use two pieces of mirror back to back in a window so it will look nice from both sides? Yes, you can. Like any pieces of mirror you use in a panel, youll want to use a sealant of some kind (ask your supplier for a recommendation) on the edges and back side of each piece before placing them back to back. The sealant is used to help prevent black rot a discoloring of the mirror caused when something nasty, most likely the flux, gets between the mirrored surface and the glass itself. The sealant is applied after youve cut and ground each piece of mirror to its final shape. Once the mirrors are cut and sealed, hold them back to back and wrap a wide foil (probably 3/8 if youre using 1/8 thick mirror) around the edge of both pieces together. You now have a piece thats
Hear the best part of the days at Kokomo Glass. #Kokomo #KokomoGlass #TiffanyGlass #TiffanyStudio #Glass #StainedGlass #GlassArt #BeCreative
Jane Nichols of Munfordville completed a 40 hour stained glass Flying Butterfly Mobile workshop and created a colorful, large stained glass flying butterfly mobile to hang in her home. Jane completed this project in less than 40 hours and she says, This was the most gratifying and fun thing I have done in a long time and Carl Correll is an excellent instructor. Though Jane had never cut a piece of glass before and had never been in any stained glass course she chose an Intermediate project and came through with flying colors. Speaking of colors, Jane says, Choosing the colors was the hardest thing I had to do. Avalon Stained Glass School Creativity Center says, Well done, Jane, and we are choosing you to be our Student of the month for October.
Hear the rich history of Kokomo Glass. Best know for their work with Louis Comfort Tiffany. #Kokomo #KokomoGlass #TiffanyGlass #TiffanyStudio #Glass #StainedGlass #GlassArt #BeCreative
I saw a free stained glass pattern in the Delphi newsletter that I just loved. I knew if I made it into a stained glass panel, I wouldnt be able to eat off of it. So I set out to create a fused glass platter instead. My husband and I decided to cut all the pattern pieces by hand (thinking about it later, I would have used my Delphi Taurus 3 glass saw). We sandwiched all the fusible pieces between two sheets of transparent 96 COE glass. In the end, I didnt have the heart to slump it into its mold. I made a channel on each side with fiber paper foam and transparent glass, to hang it with.(I have learned to double the channels for the wire loop.) There were some bubbles due to our handcutting and gaps, so the second fusing got rid of some of those. During
Roy and Val demonstrate how to use the Creators Handy Foiler in our Facebook live.
Delphis 40th Year Anniversary is quickly approaching, which will be commemorated with the release of the 2012 Annual Catalog.Our constant commitment to making art glass accessible to everyone by providing the largest selection of supplies and art glass has truly made us innovators. One of the ways we stay on the cutting edge is to bring tools and products that enable the process of creating to become enjoyable and rewarding for everyone. This month we are featuring two of our vendors whose products support the mission of Delphi and embody innovation. We recently caught up with the President of Creators Stained Glass, Inc. and Inventor of the Cutters Mate, CirclePro and Strip Pro, Ray Nicholas. He told us the story of what sparked his creation of these tools.He began creating stained glass in 1992.His services become so in demand that by 1996 he had developed the Cutters Mate to
Roy and Val demonstrate how to use the Creators Universal Crimper Burnisher in our Facebook live.
Heres our list of 5 Favorite New Items from the November 2012 edition of Stained Glass News. 1. Realistic Leaf Casting Molds from Colour de Verre We always flip for the latest new molds from Colour de Verre, and these premium leaf molds are fantastic. They allow you to make gallery quality, detailed glass art pieces. You can create with Kiwi, Rain Forest, and Aralia leaf molds. Check out the molds and free project sheets posted on our website. You wont believe what you can create. Kiwi Mold Rain Forest Mold Aralia Mold FREE Kiwi Project Sheet FREE Rain Forest Project Sheet FREE Aralia Project Sheet 2. Our Favorite New Glass is Making us Twizzle. CBS Dichroics newest pattern, Twizzle, features a fun zig-zag
Heres our list of 5 Favorite New Items from the February 2013 edition of Stained Glass News. 1. Snowflake Casting Molds from Colour de Verre With the new premium mold from Colour de Verre you can make incredibly detailed, beautiful snowflakes. There are so many ways you can use these snowflakes. Hang them on their own (they are light) or incorporate them into projects. Were excited about how creative you can get making the snowflakes depending on the size of frit and firing temperature. LOVE them with dichroic. Check out the mold and free project sheets posted on our website. You wont believe the gallery quality of the pieces you can create. 2. Barefoot Tools are Back and Better Than Ever. Powder Vibe Electric Mandrel Spinner The Bearfoot Tools line has some of our customers favorite tool; and