Alternative to using an engraving pen to sign stained glass

by Nancy Ritz
(Illinois)

Q: Is there an alternative to using an engraving pen to sign your work?

My hands aren't steady enough to engrave. I thought about it and purchased some tiny antique brass letters to use my initials because the size is small enough.

I was wondering if I could put flux on the back of the letter and use a bead of solder to affix them to the glass?

Or foil 2 or 3 of the small tiles together and then solder directly on the glass? What alternatives are there on the glass itself and not on any frame?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

(BTW, I've been missing C.S.G.!-my husband was diagnosed w cancer and is in remission now thanks to many prayers.

It took a lot of physical and emotional strength to get through eased by our faith and answered prayers!)

He's alive and well, but the time off from work put us back financially. We're grateful to being able to catch up little by little so the phone doesn't ring it sings in our ears. We are grateful for every blessing and every prayer!
Blessings to all-Nancy Ritz

A: Nancy, sorry to hear about your husband. Glad to hear he's doing ok. We will certainly wish you nothing but the best during this time.

You asked about brass letters to use as your initials on the stained glass pieces.
I understand that your hands are not steady but there are a couple things I might be able to recommend.

1. You could scratch your initials on a piece of the glass- such as etching. This requires a tool and with your hands not being so steady I am not sure this is the best option, but I thought I would recommend.

2. You could use a permanent marker such as gold to apply your initials and the year.

3. You talked about small brass letters- I would love to see these- this seems like a good choice for you but do not solder them to the glass or you may break the glass:

You could attach to the glass with a small amount of glue. Or you could solder them to one of the seams with a dab of solder but be sure to keep it on the seams. Since you have done all of this work you don't want the glass to break.

Perhaps there's a tool with a specialty grip that would make this easy? I did some searching, but didn't come up with anything - if I do I'll re-answer.

If you can help Nancy out, leave your answer/comment below!!!

Continuation of Nancy's comments...

I found metal letter tiles and wondered how to permanently affix them to the glass. I'd use only 2 tiles.

The pkg said metal glue but not sure if that would be permanent and if it means it would be permanent on glass.

This is a visual of the letters and not my art. They're thinner than the dime.

Do you think I can use the letters? or should I look for another way to sign my work?

Thanks for your concern;hubby is doing well thanks to many prayers.

And thanks in advance for your answer.-NR-