Grinder Chipping Glass  I have a number of grinder related questions.

First, I have a Inland Wizard IV grinder and am using standard grit bits. I've noticed that unless ...

unique shapes  i am wondering if it is possible, or if anyone has created a stained glass piece from random pieces of glass. is it possible in any way to construct something ...

zinc came  Does anyone sell 3/4" zinc H channel

Answer

Try Here

Drilling holes in stained glass  I have tried to drill holes in tumbled glass to make jewelry and have so far been unsuccessful. I've tried a diamond drill bit on a drill press but that ...

Markers  What markers can you use on stained glass? Sharpies?

Answer

Many people use Sharpies. Just make sur it is a permanent marker. It will clean off ...

Framing a LARGE foil Project  Hello, all

I have just been commissioned to build my first church window - not too large, thank God! It is an arch that will go over the church door,...

Weatherproof?  Can stained glass panels hang outside unprotected?

Answer

Yes. Put them in an area where they won't be subjected to strong wind (take them down ...

Gaps in pieces  Try as I might, I still end up with gaps between pieces, some get to be too much to fill with solder. What can I use to fill some of the gaps prior to ...

halloween dream  I am constructing a window ,copper foil method,which measures 40" high 28" across.It has a lot of detail,small pieces,what kind of reinforcement should ...

Framing a large round stained glass piece  I am making a large round piece, but don't know how to finish it. I have finished my rectangular pieces in zinc, which I like. Is there a bendable zinc ...

Cutting Drapery GLass  I need to use drapery glass in a restoration I'm considering taking on. Do you have any tips for cutting and soldering drapery glass? I do not own a ...

getting a good bead on a glass gem.  After foiling, when I try to get a bead around the gem, I have a very hard time, it gets all lumpy and ugly when I want a smooth good bead all around. And ...

glastar straight edge   Hello, has anybody successfully used the glastar straight edge? I cannot get it to keep rigid, it just moves in all directions so is useless for the job....

Pattern Question  This may be an odd question..but here goes..I have spent days and days looking for a pattern for a lamp that is right in front of me. My dad before he ...

creating bottom of unfinished wooden serving tray  I have done stained glass and some mosaics in many forms, but have never made a serving tray. Do you know of any free patterns? I especially need directions ...

Black spot on mirrors  I have been making mirrors for a good few years but every now and then black spot appears after a while on some not all of the mirrors. I have been using ...

is there carbon paper for glass?  I want to transfer a pattern to glass. Need some kind of carbon paper

Answer

I've never come across carbon paper that can be used on glass.

Lay ...

trying to find out about our stained glass  Hello we have a nice stained glass... from what we were told its from 1800 we know it came from germany out of a church but we are trying to find out ...

Grinder chipping the glass  I have a new grinder and a new diamond bit but when I try to smooth edges of the glass it is chipping. I have tried different pieces of glass. I have ...

CREATING STAINED GLASS NUMBERS  I have been attempting to make my first stained glass leaded transom and am having a terrible time trying to make the numbers! Since I am just beginning,...

smoothing glass edge  What is the best way to smooth the edge on a piece of glass, I need to round the edge a little and do not have a glass file, can you use wet and dry sand ...

Hawaii Turtle Pattern  Sue,
Thank you for your help in the past and for the great tutoring. I am looking for a pattern for a hawaii Turtle. This type of turtle is different ...

Signing the final work  I have made several stained glass panels for family and friends and each of them want me to sign the piece. I bought a dremel tool but it did not cut ...

hanging hardware  How many handy Hangers should I use on a horizontal panel measuring 55x15.
I was thinkg 4 but is 5 better?
This will hang in a recessed window over a ...

Cutting Circles  Trying to cut what I call an inner circle. It is a piece that goes around a small circle. I keep trying different ways but it keeps breaking. Your ...

Hanging outdoor panels  I just finished making 6 panels for my son-in-law, and each is 15"x45". He plans to hang them outside on his patio, and wants to chain them from rings ...

Pieces breaking after patina application?  I've cut the pieces, foiled them, fluxed them, soldered them, washed in warm water with Dawn dishwashing detergent to get the flux off...then I lay it ...

finger protection  I wear rubber gloves (made for stained glass), but my fingers are so sore and dry from grinding, soldering, etc that I may have to wait until they heal ...

Gryphon Twister grinder won't pump water  I have a new grinder that I purchased approx 3 months ago and everytime I turn off the grinder I have to literally siphon the hose (by sucking the water ...

Ceramic Tile Water Saw vs Glass Grinder  Has anyone successfully used a watersaw on stained glass instead of a typical glass grinder? Having read on glass grinders I understand that straight edges ...

Glass Won't Cut  I bought a pistol cutter today and I jumped right in to cut this beautiful piece of blue water glass and flipped it over to the wavy side and laid the ...

Jumbo Mess  I am working on a large stained glass picture with a lot of small pieces. How do I keep all of the pieces moving. As soon as I get them in place another ...

One handed work  Dear Sue, You may or may not remember me from about 2 or so years ago. My name is Ken & I started working with glass with the foil method. I have only ...

Simple wolf head pattern  I'm trying to find a simple wolf head pattern, any suggestions as to where I can find one? Free would be great too! Thank you.

Answer

Try Here ...

How do I Apply Wire Accents to Stained Glass   I would like to add some wire accents to some projects. Cat's wiskers,leaf veins... I can't find any info on how to do this. I'm betting I use copper ...

Mosaic's  Since I have many small pieces of glass from projects, I would like to do mosaics. I have purchased a glass nipper, but how do I smooth the edges of ...

looking for a small steel wool tool  In using steel wool to clean off the bad patina sections of a project, there are places I can't get to with a steel wool pad. Do you know of any type of ...

Copper Foil Lifting   I would like to know if copper foil can become old and not be suitable for glasswork? I bought some foil from our local craft shop that specialises in ...

stained glass windchimes  What is the best type of stained glass to use for wind chimes? I have just cut 6 pieces of opal glass but it doesn't seem to make very relaxing sounds ...

types of glass  What glass is easier to cut and which one is most brillant in color.

Answer



Most cathedral glasses, by any manufacturer, are easier to cut ...

where to purchase in small bulk delicate but sturdy chain  I would like to know what size to ask for when asking for chain to hang a small stained glass suncatcher? I want to buy it by the roll because I have ...

Cutting Zinc for framing  New to stained glass, and trying to finish my first project with a 1/2in. U-channel zinc frame. What kind of cutters do i need to cut the frame pieces ...

Glass Jig  Hi Sue. I haven't been able to figure out how to make a jig so that I can cut multiple pieces that HAVE to be exact. I have tried to just measure and ...

Question about Applique Method (Glass on Glass)  Hi Sue,

I am interested in trying to created an applique window by gluing glass on glass and then grouting. What type of glue would you recommend? I ...

cutting depression plates  Can you tell me the best way to cut depression plates? I have been using them in stained glass projects. Would like to use them in corners of a square ...

cleaning oil cutter?  I have a very old pencil type oil cutter (probably 30 yrs old) I never used it much because it didn't flow well.....which I now know was user error. I ...

cutter oil  What oil should I use in my glass cutter

Answer

You can get a special cutter oil from your stained glass supplier, or you can use sewing machine ...

How to convert a picture into a moisac pattern ?  I have a picture,and I would like to convert it into a mosaic picture, before making a Stained Glass mosaic of the same, how would you do it ?

Answer ...

Installation of my stained glass window  I want to place the foiled, zinc framed window I just finished over an existing window in my bathroom,they're exactly the same size...My main concern is ...

How do you identify different types of glass?  Is there a site that can show me what each glass does and what it looks like? I buy mine from Hobby Lobby and my inventory has numbers but I don't know ...

frozen grinder head  What to do if you cannot remove the grinder head?

Answer

I used to hate it when that happened, then I'd get mad at myself for not taking the head ...

Designing problem  I am designing a panel for a friend who just bought her own business and I cannot figure out how to place the lines radiating out from the letters so it ...

Window tilts in - how do I attach a panel?  I would like to make a panel(s) for the high windows in this stairway. The house is in Spain and the windows have a metal casement frame (aluminum I think)...

uneven spaces between glass pieces  I was wondering how this artist filled in the large areas between the glass pieces in this type of stained glass piece.

Answer
You hold a wet towel ...

Cutting Glass Bottles  Is it possible to cut a glass bottle with out breaking it? I'd like to put something inside then put it back together again using glue then tape and solder?...

Laticrete Premium Multi Master Adhesive vs Weldbond  I have been using Laticrete premium multi mastic adhesive on my mosaic pieces for awhile now with no problems. A new Mosaic store open in my area, the ...

broken glass pane in a leaded glass panel door  Hello I have a door that is roughly 50 yrs old, it has a broken pane in the middle of the door, the pane is etched glass and each pane is set in place ...

Ringstar running plier stores in India  Hi Guru's,
I am new to stained glass and am looking around for someone in India who sells Ringstar sunning pliers.

Thanks in advance.

Regards
...

Plugged Toyo Pistol Grip Cutter  The oil does not seem to be dispensing when I cut glass. I think it is plugged, but I don't seem to be able to unplug it. Any tips?
Thanks Kerstine
...

Is Glass Eye in $ format?  Hi,
I like the look of the Glass Eye professional program.
I emailed them a while ago with a question but haven't heard - doesn't seem surprising by ...

Waterproof Marking Pens for English Method   I want to try the English method - tracing patterns onto my glass instead of cutting out individual pattern pieces. I currently use the Sharpie markers ...

Painting Over Stained Glass Door Insert  I just had a new front door installed. There is a decorative stained glass insert that is more revealing than I like ( I can see very clearly outside,...

Antique Victorian Panel by Marick  Hi
I absolutely love the Antique Victorian Panel by Marick in the "Show of your work" section. I would like to do 2 panels for the windows on either ...

Stepping stone failure  After waiting 3 days I flipped my stepping stone out of the mold and was upset to see that the cement must of oozed out between the glass and the sticky ...

writing on glass  I don't have a problem, I was just wondering, what can I use to write on glass. I'm making xmas ornaments and would like to put my granddaughters names ...

Unable to Make a Break  I can make straight cuts all day long, but when it comes to a curve or anything other than a straight line I am unable to make it break right.


Answer ...

Pattern Resizing Program such as Rapid Resizer  Thanks for the opportunity to ask a question. As I'm sure you already know, the Mac platform is used by the vast majority of designers, and is generally ...

How to start doing stained-glass  I have always wanted to try my hand at doing stained-glass. But the class is very expensive, so I did not try. My friend who has passed away has left me ...

Cutting Out a Pattern  Hi Sue

I'm having trouble cutting out my paper patterns. I have foil shears and I cut inside my pattern. When I lay what I cut on the pattern I have ...

Stain glass window installation  My home has transom windows and I would like to make stained glass windows for them. I was advised it would be difficult to remove the window and insert ...

Shaping Copper Wire  I would like to know how you put copper wire in a pattern. I am new to stained glass and i am still learning about everything. I am learning everything ...

Garden Stakes  I want to make some garden stakes as gifts for my gardening friends. Will copper foil pieces hold up outdoors or should I use lead? And if I use lead,...

How Do I Hang Stained Glass With Zinc Border ?  What is the best product to use to attach to the zinc frame of a stained glass panel so that chain may be attached to it? I am looking for both strength,...

How to Hang a Large Free-Form Piece  This piece has offered me many hours of solitude of focus in a time when my folks were declining. I have found a buyer who wants this hanging from her ...

Is there a section on putting glass on mirrors?  Do you have a section on putting glass on mirrors? What materials do you use for bonding to the mirror and as "grout"?

I haven't seen anything on ...

Transfer Pattern Onto a Mirror  How do You transfer pattern onto mirror to lay pieces

Answer

To transfer the pattern onto mirror, you need to make pattern pieces then place them ...

Removing Glue From Glass  Hi Sue,
I am repairing a round stained glass panel that was framed. It was framed in a round wood frame with the glass held in place with a flexible wood ...

Pigments For Stained Glass  THE QUESTION IS WHAT KIND OF PIGMENTS I.E. PAINTS ARE USED FOR COLORING STAINED GLASS? ALSO WOULD APRECIATE INFO IN REGARD WHERE TO PURCHASE PIGMENTS PREFERABLY ...

Cutting oil  Can you use chainsaw "bar and chain" cutting oil in the Toyo and also in your grinder, or will it screw it up?

Answer

I asked my husband about ...

Making a Picture Frame  how do I actually construct the frame to hold the picture? I know what I want the stained glass front to look like but cannot figure out how to affix ...

Tempered Glass Reinforcement for Stained Glass Panel  I am new to stained glass, I just completed a 17" x 48" stained glass panel, I used Zinc came on the border, I have read that for support, I need to back ...

Glass Supplies 

After 25 years, I am getting back into stained glass. I can not find any supply stores in Dallas, TX beyond the craft store type.
I want to buy ...

Safety Precautions for women  Hi Sue,

What safety precautions should women use for lead and soldering concerning birth defects? Should women always use a mask? And if yes, what ...

Picture to Pattern Services  Can you tell me where I can send a picture and have it made into a stained glass pattern?

Thanks,

Answer
Hi Jo Ann,

Paned Expressions and ...

Removing Oxidation  I started to make a lamp about 4 years ago and only got as far as the flat soldering on the outside of the lamp and tacking the inside of the lamp. Unfortunately,...

4ft x 4ft Bathroom Window  My son has just bought a home with a huge 4 sq. ft. clear glass window. He asked me to put a stained glass window in. I have made oval ones and smaller ...

Textured Glass  When using textured glass, should the textured surface be on the front or back side of the project?

Answer

You can use which ever side looks best ...

Questions About Placing Rings on Sun-Catchers  Any sugestions on an easy way to place rings on sun-catchers? I'm talking about the ring to hold the sun-catcher not decorative rings. I prop my project ...

3 D flowers  Thank you for your tutorial on 3 D flowers! I was wondering if you've ever done a 3 D tulip? I saw one in a a glass shop once while I was on vacation ...

Glass Colors for Flesh  I'm having a very hard time finding a flesh colored glass (caucasian). I've looked over the Spectrum collection and the closest I can find is Cotton Candy ...

Tips For a One-Handed Glass Worker  I know this is long but please read. I am looking for tips or suggestions on working with stained glass with one hand. I lost my right arm in a motorcycle ...

Moving Wings Patterns  Have you seen a pattern for a Butterfly, Bird or dragons that have movable wings.

Answer

Yes, I have seen them, but not recently. They were available,...

Grinder Coolant  Hi Sue,
I read somewhere that one can use normal car antifreeze as an effective coolant in glass grinders. It greatly extends the life of diamond cutting ...

A Solution For Our Front Door.  What would you do? We just moved into a pretty Stone Tudor Cottage house (two story) in Pittsburgh, PA. The Front Door has a small window. While standing ...

Making Glass Box Hinges  I am making my first box. I was given a couple of brass rods to make the hinges from. I can see that one fits inside the other, but I don't know what ...

How To Draw a Pattern  I am a beginner in stained glass class, having attended for only 6 months. The teacher asked us to create a pattern for a stained glass house with 4 rooms!...

Drawing The Pattern On Glass Pieces  I like to do mosaics using stained glass and a diamond saw. How can I transfer a design onto the glass sheet in order to cut out my pieces? I cannot ...

What Do You Use To Make Hangers For Stained Glass?  What type of metal do you make a hanger out of?

Answer

I assume you are talking about the loops you solder on your finished suncatcher or hanging ...

Replacement Tips For Running Pliers  I ordered replacement tips for my metal running pliers. When they arrived they looked way too small. The company I ordered from told me they only come ...

Exterior Frames for Stained Glass  Sue,

I will be building sidelights for our front door. We live in a cold climate so I want either a double or triple thickness window. I thought having ...

Drilling Holes In Glass  I have been trying to drill holes using water, but I get almost through and the glass snaps. Can you give me any pointers? Thanks, Pat

Answer

There ...

Cleaning A Combination Of Came and Copper Foil  I made a panel with a copper foil soldered center design and lead came borders.

Is it ok to scrub the whole piece with full strength ammonia like ...

Glass Saws  Have you tried and do you recommend glass saws. It seems like a good idea to do small detailed work. They are expensive though.

Which saw do you ...

Equipping a Workshop  Hi Sue,

I find your website very helpful. I was wondering if you could give some pointers or recommend a resource for designing, and equipping a stained ...

Double Glazing  Hi Sue,

I can find very little advice on encapsulating a stained glass panel within a double glazed window unit.

In Europe its important to have ...

Stained Glass Software  I want to get a stained glass software package, but don't know which one. Glass Eye seems to be a good product but it is expensive and I don't know if ...

Zinc Cutting  Hi!

Hope all is well with you!

I am getting back to my stained glass after several years, and I have been told there is a more efficient way to cut ...

Inverse Triangle Cuts  I'm having a terrible hard time trying to cut an inverse triange shape that is part of a piece. (Think of this as a corner of the triangle which cuts ...

Trimming up pieces of glass to reduce grinding  Hi Sue,

I just discovered your awesome website tonight. WOW... You sure have a lot of very helpful information here!! Thank you for that!!

My question ...

What's the Matter With My Glass Cutter?  I haven't cut glass for about 10 years and am starting on a window. How often should the wheel of the cutter be replaced? I've made one window plus about ...

mirror tile keeps showing black spots  my mosaic mirror tile keeps geting black spots .the art work is beautifull but after some weeks the black spots
show up . why

Answer

It happens ...

Cutting mirrored glass  I have just made a panel using mirror and mirror back glasses. Is there a technique for reducing the chips that occur in the backing when grinding the ...

Grinder problems  Lately I am having problems with my grinder, or maybe type of glass. I am working on a small panel, however I have changed the water in the grinder twice ...

Cutting a Glass Christmas Ball  I am trying to cut around the diameter of a common Glass Christmas Ball. I am sure you know the kind. Available everywhere in various colors. . . red,...

mottled glass  Which side of mottled glass is the right side?

Answer

I don't know which mottled glass you are using, but some of it has a fairly smooth and shiny ...

Maximum panel size for a door  Hi,

I want to make or commission someone else to make a stained glass panel to go in a internal door.

I worry about the size however, its 99cm x ...

Glue & wear & tear  I have a book of mosaic shapes glued to clear glass. What would be the ideal glue for such a purpose? I've tried Weldbond, E 6000, & several without success....

glass mosaic  can I cut glass sheets and use them with grout to make a mosaic table top?

Answer

Yes you can. However, you do need to glue the glass down before ...

Creating the back for a stained glass photo frame  I've designed a stained glass photo frame but I don't know how to put and keep the photo in place or how to make the stand for at the back of the frame....

Glass on glass mosaic issue with glue  I use weldbond in my glass on glass mosaic projects. I used to use another white type glue but it went out of business. The issue I am having is this: No ...

Paint Pens  I am having problems with my paint pens. They work great, then all of a sudden, they won't write or they leak all over the place. Any suggestions. Thank ...

pattern cutting  when cutting patterns, do you cut the inside of the line or the outside?

Answer

Inside the line. If you cut outside the line the glass pieces will ...

Exposing a Tiffany window to the elements....  Hi, I am about to create 3 windows for a church. Two 3'x1.5' arches and one 6'X3' arch. Now the client does not want to install a plain glass on the outside ...

framing a rectangle with an arched top  I need to frame a rectangle with arch shaped top...I was planning to use zinc on the sides and bottom and lead for the arched top....is the correct? and ...

water prism tinning  Hi,
I have two questions about the water prism
1) I'd like my water prism to have a silver finish inside and out so I was wondering if it would it create ...

Mirrored Glass  How did you treat mirrored glass so that it does not
bleed?

Answer

Cover the edges and back of the mirror with mirror sealant. It's available ...

hanging corner accents  How do I fasten corner accents to window or door frame.

Answer
There are L shaped screws (one leg of the L is threaded, the other end is not threaded)...

Finding curved or bent glass  I am new to stained glass and it just dawned on me that some of the glass I see in some projects are curved and I realized I wanted to use it in my project ...

Fused Glass Garden Stake  I realize this is a stained glass site, but I saw somewhere that you once taught glass fusing(?). I need to come up with a plan for making about 25 small ...

clean a big project  How do I clean a big project after I finish soldering before patina.

Answer

Try washing it in the bathtub. Put a toewl in the bottom of the tub ...

Repair etched glass window on entry door with copper foil solder  I bought an old farmhouse 4 years ago thinking I could fix things and make it all great. The front door has antique hardware and an etched glass window ...

glass breaks curved, when scored straight  I have 4 colors of transparent colored glass for fusing. I cannot get a straight cut. After ruining 3 sheets trying to get one straight cut, I need help....

How to use Spectrum Silvercoats Glass  I just bought several pieces of Silvercoats glass to make Christmas ornaments and now think I might have made a mistake in my glass choice. How will ornaments ...

Sratches on mirrors  I have been using mirror from Ikea in my stained glass work. After soldering I wash them using a scouring pad and they are fine - but quite a few have ...

picture frame  What do you use in the back of the stained glass picture frame to hold the picture in?

Answer

Here's a tutorial I found showing you how to do it:...

stained glass installation in door  I've recently bought a house with all stained glass windows, I want these removing and putting into new internal doors, is this possible?

Answer

Yes,...

rebar  I'm using steel rebar on a piece 6'wide by 3' high, where do I need the most reinforcement and do I solder it to the zinc frame?

Answer

I would ...

wood framing  i am making a peice of stained glass and i want to make my own wood frame for it 1. were do i buy the wood for the frame 2 whats it called 3. can i buy ...

haqnging leaded glass with brass frame  I have a leaded glass picture with a brass frame I want to hang it from the ceiling in front of a window. How do I attach to brass frame.

Answer
Take ...

Reinforcement  I am working on a panel, 15 1/2 inches wide by 66 inches high. I've attached a copy of my design. Can you recommend where I should add reinforcement ...

Hanging back-to-back large mirrors to spin outdoors  I am looking for the best way to support the weight of 2 circular 1/8" thick 14" mirrors glued back to back. They will be hung outdoors from tree limbs ...

where to buy decorative metal feet for kaleidoscope  I'm looking to buy decorative small metal feet to put on the bottom of my kaleidoscope to lift up the front of it. Any ideas of where to buy it in Los ...

Which way round  Please could you tell me, I'm just making two windows either side of a front door. The front door is protected by a porch. When installing the glass window ...

Glass in Kitchen cabinets  Hi Sue, we are installing new cabinets in our kitchen. I got the store to not put a wood panel in the corner cabinet. I'm planning on designing something ...

Copper foil or lead came  I have a 21 x 36 in window in a garage entry door that I would like to make a stained glass piece to fit over the existing double pane window. The door ...

Cutting Ease Varies By The Color/Type of Glass?  I've been cutting LOTS of glass the last couple of days, and am starting to get better. My question is, I've been told that certain glass colors aren't ...

Stained glass keepsake boxes  I have just started stained glass. I had seen a box that had a wedding invitation in the lid of it. I am wondering the technique on how to put the invite ...

Working with Silver Coat glass  Never having worked with SC glass is ther a correct side to score on? Also do you have to seal the edges front and back or just the back and sides. This ...

stain glass  how do you get the pattern on the glass


Answer

I'm assuming you want to cut the pattern out of different pieces of stained glass and put it ...

problem using glastar straight guide  I have not been able to fix the straight guide to my Glastar super star II grinder. There are 2 screws provided and these will not hold the guide at right ...

incorporating glass rose to a mirror  Hi, i have just made a beautiful stained glass rose and would like to incorporate it to the side of an oval mirror. Firstly my husband and I have wasted ...

Reinforce ceiling panel  Hi Sue,

A friend asked me to make a 3 ft x 4 ft stained glass panel for his ceiling. I intend make a zinc frame and then incorporate it into a wood ...

Liquid or Paste Flux  What, if any, are the advantages of gel or paste flux over liquid flux? The paste flux I've found seems to be geared toward electronic applications. I ...

Great Dane patterns  do u have free Great Dane stained glass patterns?

Answer

If there are any, you will find the here under dogs.

attaching  Can you attach stained glass to regular glass? If so, what type of adhesive? I am wanting to make a box from a window. I want to cover the glass with ...

cutting inverse arcs in mosaic 2"X2" tiles that have grooves for scoring  I have a stained glass window in an arched window frame..
above that I want to continue with my kitchen tiling with blue 2"x2" squares but I have to cut ...

Using zinc and lead channels  I have never done a leaded panel, but am going to start. In a prarie style panel I have been requested to duplicate, the original is done with strictly ...

How do I attach zinc came to my project?  I have made a window hanging of stained glass. It is leaded and ready for zinc came, how do I attach it to the project? There is a channel and one person ...

mirror cutting  can a mirro be cut and if so how

Answer

You cut mirror just like you cut any other piece of glass. Cut it on the mirror side, not the back side,...

Back lighting for stained glass piece  I have a 36" x 28" American flag with a 24" wingspan eagle laying on top.almost Red and blue are waterglass and the white is almost opaque.
I need ...

grinding a straight line  does any one have a tip for keeping the edges of the glass straight and making sure they are not off?

Answer

Draw a line on the glass and grind ...

Need Help With Plating  Sue- have you ever done a panel using the Plating method?- I'm starting one and would welcome any tips you can give me. thanks

Answer

My plating ...

CARBORUNDEM STONE  Where can I buy one of these? Does a hardware store have them? Also glass nippers?

Answer

Hardware stores and places like the fishing and hunting ...

replacement stained glass  my front door has stained glass and i broke 3 small sections and crack 2 sections where can I buy the pieces to replace them thanks.

Answer
Take ...

Glass Mosaic pieces not sticking  I have made a couple of mosaic glass tables for outside and after winter the tiles have popped up and the grout has dried out and cracked. I use tile ...

Window Design Question  Hello,

I am constructing a window, with lead came, that has 2"x2" bevels in each corner. The window will be framed with 1/2" zinc channel. What is ...

Where is that tutorial?  The lady from South Africa wants to know about the white scrub pads. I remember reading about how and when to use these, but I forgot. Now, I cannot ...

Hanging a wood framed oval stained glass piece  Hi, I would like to know at what point on an oval wood frame do I put the chain hangers for my stained glass piece? I would like it to hang properly and ...

Harp or Spider  Hi I would like to know what is better to use on a 4 sided large lamp, a spider fitting or a harp. Thanks Jenny

Answer

You didn't say how large ...

using seashells in stained glass pattern  Hi Sue,

I want to use a nautilus shell in a stained glass pattern--how do I go about that? Do I need to grind and foil the shell (and will it even ...

Making my own mold for a lamp  I live in South Africa and over here there are very few glass suppliers and they are extremely expensive. How can I make my own moulds? Is there is somekind ...

Foil or lead for replacement window?  I will be making a window using clear, patterned glass and bevels. It will be used as a replacement for a regular glass window in a Victorian house The ...

What is the best way to reinforce a 36" round Medallion  I found this beautiful medallion that I want to make. It'll be 36 x 36 round. I will be making it with the copper foil method and wanted to know the ...

Zinc Came black spots  After soldering zinc came black spots appeared before I could wash off the flux. It only did it in a few places.

I have scrubbed with a powder, buffed ...

Curve cuts are hard to do  How do I cut curved glass and get the correct brake?

Answer

To cut the curve, your glass cutter must be held perpendicular to the glass all the ...

Round Project  I am going to attempt a 10 inch round design to place in a half round wrought Iron holder. I am now asking myself a few questions. How do you make a Jig ...

Finishing the Water Prism  Did I miss it? How to you finish the top where the chain comes out? Do you solder it? I would think refilling it would leave water marks, even with distilled ...

Repair  I recently took time to put together and abstract panel out of scrap glass. After getting done and holding it up to the sun I discovered two pieces broken ...

adjustable zinc came  What is adjustable zinc came? How is it adjusted? Do you press something in the groove to spread it? It would seem to be difficult to obtain a uniform ...

Grinding leaves markings  I am making small glass tiles for jewlery. After cutting I grind edges so they snag or cut since they are left fairly raw on ring. My grinding leaves ...

Shining edges of cut glass after grinding  I would like to glue some pieces of cut glass to a bird house I painted. I am going to run the pieces gently against the grinder to get rid of sharp edges ...

Curved Glass  Hi Sue,
I recently saw a little stained glass sailboat.The glass for the sails and boat were curved.How do you get curved glass?
Thanks,
Sam

Answer<...

How do you protect mirror backing?  When using pieces of mirror in foiled projects, I would like to know haw to protect the mirror backing - it seems to become damaged around the edges from ...

glass stained after soldering and applying patina  After soldering and applying patina the glass has an iridescent look to it that cannot be removed. mostly happens to red glass. I clean immediatly after ...

finish the edges  after cutting the glass do I need to sand or smooth the edges?

Answer

It's not necessary unless you have rough edges that need to be smoothed off ...

creating picture frames  I read somewhere that you can attach your stained glass frame to a purchased frame. can you do this with plastic frames? I want to create several 4X6 frames ...

making glass stain  I am having trouble finding glass stain at local craft stores for a school project. How do I make glass stain? I have read ideas for using clear glue ...

Cutting narrow strips  Hi - wow - great site! I do fused glass, but refer often to stained glass info, and I love your site. My problem is being able to score and break very ...

Wash or don't wash the window?  I have just finished soldering my window. Based on your instructions I should putty before using patina. Should I wash the window and when??
Thanks,...

Hanging a Suncatcher  I have a 8x10 sun catcher and I'm not sure how to incorporate wire for hanging. Does it go between the foil or on top?

You should find everything you ...

Attach stained glass piece to glass base  I am working on a pattern that calls for use of a glass base (3 1/2" X 5"). How do I attach the top piece (angel with a rainbow-3D) to the glass rectangle?...

Thickness of glass for the right came  I am looking at glass as well as lead or zinc came. The glass I am looking for does not say the thickness. Does glass come with a standard thickness for ...

Solder Border onto Zinc  Hello,

I was wondering if you could help me with a problem. I am making tealight lanterns where three sides are composed of glass with copper foil ...

Carbon paper for pattern making  I would like to try making my pattern pieces with a more sturdy cardboard like material as you have suggested. I am having trouble finding the carbon paper,...

patterns not lining up properly, gaps between cut pieces.  I'm new to this after cutting my glass patterns, some pieces just don't line up properly even after some grinding. I have some gaps between curved pieces....

Replacing Broken Rebar  The original rebar broke off my leaded 3/4 glass door. I'm inquiring where to get new rebar and how to install it. Epoxy or resoilder?

Answer

You ...

Grinding bevels  Is it always necessary to grind the edges of a bevel before putting copper foil on it?

Answer

In my opinion, grinding glass (including bevels)...

Dishes  Hi Sue
Its me again. This time I would like to know what you think of making little dishes that would be used possibly for holding food. I am wanting ...

hanging stained glass windows  I need some tips on hanging stained glass. They will be hanging in windows that, especially in the summer and fall, are opened and closed. I want to be ...

Strenthening Glass with Wire  I am trying to learn how to put copper wire into a piece of stained glass so I can strengthen it also wrapping it on the outside. Is there a video that ...

Fusing stained glass  I want to make some pendants and am wondering if I can use some stained glass I have for them. It would require using a kiln.

Answer

You can use ...

cutting glass  I have ruined more glass trying to score.
When I score the glass will break in paces where I have not scored.what am I doing wrong Lucy

Answer ...

patterns  I am new to this. Tomorrow night is my class and I need a pattern that has either 4 or 5 sides. I do not know what this means.

Answer

I'm sorry,...

Pricing Stained Glass Projects  Is there a formula for pricing stained glass pieces?

Answer

Pricing has so many variables that it's difficult to give a one size fits all formula....

Mirrored glass  Is there a certain way to cut mirrored glass?

Answer

Cut on the mirrored surface, not the back side.

If you received my last ezine, the techniques ...

Garden stakes  I have been trying to figure out how to make my own stained glass garden stakes. I can do the glass part but don't know how to attach it to a metal stake ...

How to sign work?  What is the best way for stained glass artist to sign their work? Thanks for all the great information on this website! Bless

Answer

You can get ...

Little window  I am making a small 6 1/2x11" window for my daughter. It is going to be put into a very old door that has 9 little windows. She wants the centre in stained ...

stained glass tabletop  I have a well made wooden table with a cut out square in the center that used to hold glass that set in the opening. I would like to make a stained glass ...

Which way should bevels face in old window?  hi..I recently restored an old window...forgot which side face out!!! It's got bevels, the rule is that bevels face out? Right? thanks.

Answer
They ...

Overlay  I'm working on an abstract panel and it has a solder joint that continues through a glass circle (1/3 through the glass). How do i continue the solder ...

Grinding Angles on a Lamp Shade  I am attempting my first lamp shade which is a hexagon shape. Should I try and grind angles on the edge of the glass between panels to reduce the gap ...

Using pressed flowers in the stained glass  I would like to make a stained glass pattern using pressed flowers from my grandma's funeral. I want the flowers IN the glass. Is there a way to do this?...

Brass Came  Brass is nontoxic I understand. Been surfing in glass companys here in Portland Or. I stumbled on someone who sells brass came. Have you used it, is ...

Cutting Glass - Any rule of thumb how to space pieces?  I am curious is there a guideline how much surplus should be allowed to make cutting glass pieces easier? I try to be frugal by minimizing the margins ...

A Name in Stained Glass  Hi
Im wanting to do a stained glass pattern using someones name. Ya know like, Jones, Est 2009. Have no Idea where to begin looking for patterns, lettering ...

foil  Is foil strong enough to support a 18 inx 24 in project?

Answer
Yes, it will support very large projects, but remember to reinforce any hinge lines ...

Trouble cutting old stained glass  I have have glass that is at least 30 years old. It has been stored outside in all kinds of weather. I am having trouble breaking it. It will not follow ...

Grinding glass down to pattern piece size  I am working on my first foil piece (I am taking a class 1 night a week)and cut my pieces a little larger, so I have to grind down A LOT. I don't have ...

REPLACING CRACKED GLASS  I Have a stained glass window in my front door, two of the panels got cracked .I have managed to obtain the exact pieces of glass that need replacing, but ...

adding glass marbles or other glass stones  How do you add marbles or glass stones to a project?

Answer

You can add marbles and stones to any project by wrapping foil around the edge of stones ...

Stained Glass in the Garden  I use the copper foil method and would like to make some projects to place in my garden. Should I be weatherizing my pieces.

Answer

I've made ...

add a background  I have found many patterns that are just one object, i.e. teddy bear, clown, flower, how do I go about adding a background to this? Thanks for any help....

Twisted wire  How do you twist the wire? Do you use copper wire?
Thanks, Kathy

Answer

You'll find your answer here: How to Twist Wire It's about half way ...

Stepping Stone problem  I have already purchased a 12 inch cement round stepping stone. I want to glue the pieces on and then grout the top. How do I transfer my pattern onto ...

Installing a side light panel  I am making a side light panel 6" x 62". It is being installed over the existing side light. The framing material is a plastic over metal. What suggestions ...

What is Rebar and How is it Used?  What is rebar? I know they use it in building houses, but is there a different kind for glass? And where do you get it? I looked thru every question ...

wrought iron stakes/ inserts for stained glass  I want to make stained glass or fused glass tiles but cannot find the garden stakes with inserts or stands for glass art pieces. I would like to buy wholesale....

twisted wire   Do you have to tin the twisted wire before you solder to edge of suncatcher?

Answer

No...once the wire is twisted, tinning it will make it stiff ...

cleaning an old water prism  Hi,
I have an old water prism, about 20 years old. It has never leaked. It had some stains on the inside. I tried cleaning it and I thnk it has only ...

overlay  Do you have a tutorial re: overlaying? Thank you

Emily

Answer

Issue #7 of my ezine was "All About Overlay". If you sign up for the ezine, you ...

integration of rebar into the frame  I have made a 22'x 34" leaded and copper foiled piece. I have framed it in zinc and I plan to construct a wood frame for it. I think it probably would ...

Support For an Oval Zink Encased Panel  I have completed a copper foil panel, I have attached the center foiled area to a larger (20 X 12?) ovel piece of Kokomo glass. The oval glass I have surrounded ...

Cement for Lead Came  Which cement do you recommend inland or tiger?

Answer

I'm not familiar with either brand because I don't buy commercially made putty. I make my ...

Zine Came is Oxidized and Won't Hold Solder  When I first purchase zinc, it solders fine. But after it oxidzes, I can scrub it with soap and a wire brush and steel wool, but most of the solder still ...

Pattern   Hello Sue,

Wonderful site~ I bought your box making pdf book and it's very helpful. Thank you The pattern your washing with the vegtables on it- Is ...

Shiny Finished Lead Came  what do i have to do to keep the lead came bright and shiny,,if i want it that way,,i cant seem to find a good solution,,any help would be gratefully received....

Numbers  I am interested in doing an address piece and am having difficulty finding a pattern to use for numbers. Any suggestions as to a pattern or stencil that ...

Material to make top of fish head in mosaics.  I am doing "Nemo" in stained glass mosaics - photo attached. I am stumped as to what to use for his "curls". That piece running down the top of his head....

How to Use Inland Strip and Circle Cutter   Is there anywhere to see a video of how to use this tool. I've checked a lot of different places but can't find how to use it. I'm new to stained glass ...

Soldering Questions  Ask questions about solder, soldering, soldering irons, and flux.

Can't Fnd a Clear Beveled Pinecone   I can not find a clear beveled pinecone for a door panel . Do they even make them? And if so where.I can't even find a good pattern book for pinecones....

Mosiac Tiles  Can you tell me the difference, if there is one, to glass and mosiac tiles stained glass? Is the tile still glass and just pre cut into 1/2" pieces or ...

Pricing Stained Glass   How do you go about pricing a stained glass item?

Answer

A pretty simple formula that isn't perfectly accurate, but will work, is to charge the ...

Nose job  I saw the dog pencil holder that you made using a picture and then making the design. How did you do the nose and the two nostrils. It looks like there ...

Large sidelight  I will be starting a large sidelight (20x80), and will be using the leading process. How do I go about reinforcing this? Should I use rebar? I have done ...

No Daze Glaze  Sue,

Have you tried this product or know of anyone who has? I really don't like to putty my lead projects and this appears to be an alternative. However,...

Lamp Making Questions  Ask questions about constructing your lampshade

Cutting Circles  Each time I use my small circle cutter the circles break down the center. I score the circle, then make 4 scores away from the circle to release. When ...

Scrap Glass and Wind Chimes   Hi Sue,

Is it feasible (as in technically possible) to use stained glass (especially remnants) to make windchimes, OR is there "glass" other than what ...

Wrought Iron FIireplace Screen  I have been doing pic stained glass windows for about 2 years and I was interested in doing the stained glass in the wrought iron fireplace screen. Wanted ...

What is the trick to cutting miror?  I've been enjoying stained glass about 3 years, I just resently made a piece that I wanted to put mirror into and it does'nt break along the score line....

Reinforcement Bar  Can I solder the wires back on to a reinforcement bar on a door whilst door still hanging.

Answer
Hi Peta,

I'm assuming the wires are already ...

Forming wire loops/scrolls for decorative edging?  I see some beautiful almost lacy wire decoration on the outside edges of sun catchers. How is the wire bent so symmetrically?

I want so much to add ...

Whiting vs. Plaster of Paris  Hi Sue,
I have never been able to find "whiting". Is it the same as Plaster of Paris? I have been using the latter for cleaning excess grout off the ...

Cutting Two Curves in One Place  I am having problems with cutting two curves in one piece of glass. One is really a very deep curve and the other is not as deep inside. But i can get ...

tigertail and copper foil overlay  Hi Sue,

Was reading through some of your info for hanging suncatchers and was wondering what tiger tail is?

Also, do you know of any info on overlaying....

Drilling a Hole in Stained Glass  Please tell me the proper way to drill a hole in a piece of stained glass.

Thank you for your assistance.

Mary

Answer

The easiest way is ...

Foiling Bevels and Leaking Oil Cutter  Hi... Yes that just remined me that my cutter is leaking, I have just been dipping in oil before cutting...also am I suppose to or have to gind prect bevels ...

Cutting Inside Square Corners  I am a newbie and am probably trying something that can't be done without an electric saw. Is there a way to cut glass to have an inside square corner ...

Salmon Mosaic  If anyone has a salmon mosaic pattern, I would appreciate seeing it. I have entered myself into an exhibit for a Salmon Festival and am looking for ideas....

Stylized Orchid Pattern  HI Sue,
I love the pattern of the large multi-colored flower that is on your opening page. How can I get that pattern?
Thanks for your help.
Regards,...

Framing a Circle Piece  I am looking for the proper framing material for a 22 inch dia piece done with copper foil. So far the only thing I have come up with is hobby came. Is ...

Hanging my project with wire or chain.  While perusing the section on edge beading, I notice you mention using "tiger tail" wire to hang smaller projects. What is this wire and how is it attached ...

Repairing broken glass in copper foil project framed in zinc.  I have only been making stained glass items for about 2 years and am not an expert. A friend brought me her broken stained glass piece and asked about ...

Large Piece of Glass for Copper Foil  I am making a 33" x 24" glass panel with a Sigma Chi cross in the middle. The cross is approx. 22" x 15". The corners of the cross where the crossbars ...

Making a custom shaped came window  Thank you very much for this wonderful website, I've found it very helpful indeed. I would like to make a came leaded window for the larger central window ...

Framing  How do you measure and what type of wood frame is suitable for stained galss panels?
Thanks

Answer

You can buy stock oak framing for stained glass ...

Forgot to Add Came Before Patina  I made a picture frame and patinaed my piece, but forgot about attaching the caming on the back to make the slot to put the picture in. My question is ...

3 d Flowers  I have made one flower and had some trouble with the construction. My question is about the angle on the straight side of the poppy. Is it on an angle ...

Glass Cutter Problems  Both my pencil & pistol cutters' cutting tip does not stay in stable position as I score; they angle off to a side, even on straight cuts with a guide....

Cutter is not allowing the wheel to be oiled  My cutter is often dry. I've taken the metal portion off of the oil cylindar, and noticed the plunger action is working, the oil is coming out, but when ...

Bad cuts  I'm working on my second stained glass project. My first was very bad. I thought I had learned a lot but it seems my second is going in the same direction....

Staedtler F318 Marker  Having a hard time finding that exact marker. Where do you order from or what other info can you give me to help. I have found several ebay auctions ...

Brass rods or tubes   I am having trouble finding a place to buy brass rods or brass tubing to make those cute little flowers you have the pattern for. Any help? I live in ...

Copper foil in a sheltered external situation  I am planning to make a small stained glass panel as a feature for an external terrace. I want to make it a mixture of lead work with some copper foil ...

Reinforcement of Door Panel  Hi,

Im also drawing up a new panel, 1170 high 600mm wide (3.8ft x 2 ft) of a couple of birds of paradise with green leaves.

It's to be installed ...

How to Cut Circles  I have seen many different methods for cutting a circle, but I have never seen a real evaluation of the various tools and methods.

Is someone brave ...

patterns  harley davidson patterns for stain glass ever see any

Hi Joann,

Look under the Transportation section of the Pattern Search on this web site. There'...

Bronze Came  I am seeking a source for bronze came. I don't know if it exists. I want to hide the seam between two mirrors glued back to back which is suspended in ...

Brass & Glass Display Case Repair  I have a brass & glass hex shaped wall hung display case for small dolls, cars etc. The case is about 17.5 inches tall and about 12 inches wide. It has ...

Best Way to Begin Constructing a Window ?  30x43 interior window panel. Center has a Heron. Plan on 1 inch beveled frame. Some people say start in the middle and work out. I plan to copper foil ...

Oil Cutter Dried Out  I haven't done any glass cutting for awhile and my oil was completely dried up. I put plenty of oil in my pistol cutter but it isn't coming out by the ...

Window Efficiency  I've got a 70 year old home that has the original leaded stained glass windows...They look great and really add to the character of the house, however ...

Leaking Oil Cutter  Hi,

I'm a brand new novice and I have received an order of various tools and supplies which I am trying out.

One of my tools is a Gryphon Cushion ...

Adding On To An Existing Piece of Stained Glass  I have a finished piece of stained glass that is 20x27 and I want to enlarge it to fit an exising window. It is finished with a welded metal strip around ...

Why is Glass Cracking  Hello
I have a problem with my glass peices once in a while they will crack. I have only started doing glass work. Can you tell me what or why, is going ...

Building a Jig  I am making a framed piece to hang in front of a window. It will be 28" x 34". Do I make my jig the exact size of the pattern? Or, should I buy/assemble ...

Coolant for Grinders  I have an Inland grinder with a water reservoir and a sponge that sucks up the water and is held in the grinder so that it comes in contact with the grinder ...

Cutting The Pattern  I've been working with stained glass for about 2 years and am still trying to perfect each aspect of it. After all this time I am still not certain about ...

Ways to Frame Foiled Pieces  My stained glass pieces are starting to look petty good until it comes to the framing. I have been using zinc and soldering them at the corners this looks ...

Trying to Cut Glass  After I score the glass and use running pliers it breaks away from the score line. Why does this happen and how can I keep it from happening again.

Answer ...

Stained Glass Box Hinges  I am a beginner and I don't understand how you make the hinges for the boxes. I have read about the tubes-but what are they? Hollow so a wire can fit ...

Colors of Glass  I am a newborn to stained glass. I believe it is the most beautiful artwork around. So, I have decided to try my hand at it.

I viewed the slide show ...

Putting Patterns on Glass  Hi,

I am really into the recycle business of painting on bottles and making them into lamps. But having a problem trying to draw the pattern on the ...

Designing  Hi Sue,
My name is Ami, I was wanting to do a stain glass window in my living room that will incorporate all of my family initials in an abstact way....

Mirror Flux  Hello, I learned stained glass 25 years ago. We used a product called Mirror Flux and had no problem with the silvering of the mirror going dark. I ...

Questions About Starting Out In Stained Glass Work  Hello,

Thank you, for explaing so clearly. I live in Chennai,India. My relatives live in Paris,Detroit and Malaysia. Kindly mail me where can I get ...

water stains  How do I remove water stains?

Answer

Hi Matt,

I need to know where the water stains are before I can give you an answer. Are they on the glass,...

Disappearing Lines  I am new to stain glass. When I draw my lines on the glass with a permanent marker, and I have to do some grinding, the lines come off. What is a better ...

Redoing Old Church Windows  I wonder if it is better to use lead came to redo the window, or use the foil method. I am used to the foil method. The piece is 30"x 32" and was originally ...

Cutting a Thick Glass Tile  Would either the pistol grip or pencil glass cutters "cut" through a tile that is 1/8 inch thick? I'm tiling the backsplash in my kitchen with 1x1 glass ...

Cleaning Old Glass When Restoring a Panel  Hello Sue,
I am doing quite a bit of restoring door and window panels. de-construcing is straightforward but cleaning the old glass before a re-build ...

Water Prism Questions  Do you lay wire on the seams between the trianges and also between the joins of the top and bottom or just between the top and bottom pieces.

I also ...

How to Make Letters
On A Stain Glass Piece  I am attempting my first project where I have made my own pattern from a picture that I found in a newspaper. I have made progress with the picture itself,...

Changing The Color of Solder In A Window  We just purchased a house that has stained glass in the entryway. My inquiry is about changing the solder color if possible. I'd like to paint or melt ...

When to Use Rebar?  Hi Sue,
When is a panel so large that rebar must be used to stablilize it? And is there a difference for leaded and copper foil panels?
Thanks,
Ann
...

Paper Patterns Falling Off Glass When They Get Wet  I have tried several different brands of spray glue to glue paper patterns to the glass. When I grind them & they get wet they tend to fall off of the ...

Hanging Stained Glass Window Corners  Is there an easy way to hang stained glass window corners so they hang flush with the window?
Thanks cindy

Hi Cindy,

My experience with window ...

Stylized Gum Flowers...How to Add Flowers  How do you think I could add some of the gum flowers to this panel. This window is along side a door, and is quite long. I love this pattern but think ...

Stained Glass Hinged Box Lid Problem  My students are having trouble with the copper foil coming off as they finish their hinges. Any suggestions? I remind them to clean glass well, burnish ...

Pricing Stained Glass  Pricing my pieces has always been a guessing game. Is there a formula that can be used? I don't usually keep track of the time I spend on a piece as I'...

Reinforcing Small Window In Cabinet Door  I've read your comments on the large window reinforcement, and that reinforcement should be done on cabinets or doors that will be shut. My question is....

How To Install a Panel Over An Existing Window  I read in your tutorial you can not only install a window to replace an existing window, but you also said you could attach it over a window. I just wondered ...

Fused Glass  Are you aware of a similar question and answer for fused glass. I am having a problem in that area.

Thank you, Lori Mecca

Answer

Hi Lori,

My ...

Eagle Bevel Custer--how would you??  I have 2 different clear eagle bevel clusters. My question is...when looking at the eagles they are both flying the same way. If you were doing a stained ...