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?
AnswerThe only way you can do it is to put the flowers between two pieces of glass, and use it as a piece in your design.
Here's how to do it:
Cut two pieces of glass the same size. Arrange the flowers on one piece of glass. If you need to, you can use very small dots of white glue to hold the flowers in place. If you use glue, make sure the glue is dry before proceeding to the next step. If the glue is still wet, mold will grow over time (been there, done that) :(
Put the second piece of glass over the one with flowers, tape the two pieces of glass together with scotch tape (this just makes it easier to handle the piece while soldering). Just wrap the scotch tape around the glass top to bottom and side to side.
Using a wide foil (I use 1/2"), wrap both pieces of glass together as though they are one piece of glass. Wrap the foil righ over the scotch tape. Cut the scotch tape at the foil line (what's left underneath the foil doesn't matter) and remove what's showing.
Burnish the foil well. Get it as tight to the glass as you possibly can.
Once the piece is foiled and burnished, it is ready to use as part of your pattern. If you don't want it sticking out on the front of your window, build the window upside down. Then the front will be flat and the flower piece will stick out on the back.
I used to do dried flowers between glass, and found this technique to be the best way to prevent moisture from getting in there. If any moisture gets in the flowers will get moldy, and believe me that is a very unappealing sight.
One other thing to note...dried flowers will fade over time and being in direct sunlight will make them fade in just a few weeks. If they are kept out of direct sunlight they will usually retain their color for several years or longer, depending on what type of flowers they are.