How to square up my stained glass projects

by Roslyn
(USA)

There are actually multiple stained glass questions on this one...

Q's: How to square up my projects? How do I keep a straight piece straight while grinding? How can I make a pattern from a picture?

You asked several questions...

To keep your design square- it is good to put 2 pieces of wood- 1 horizontal and 1-vertical at the base of your work bench- It is good to attach these to your stained glass work bench.

Before you attach them- make sure they are level or square with a square (tool).

Another way to do it is to use a square (tool)- make sure it is secure to your bench.

Place your design against the left side of your design of the vertical piece of wood- and square it up at the bottom of your design with the horizontal piece of wood.

The square needs to be around the entire design- not necessary each piece.

When you grind - you should have marked the pattern piece and cut the piece on the outside of the mark. So when you grind, you will grind down to the line.

Each piece does not necessary need to be square or perfect. The copper foil and the solder take care of a lot of issues or problems.

Just be sure you are square on the out side area.
Be sure also to square up your design before you solder the seams.

Be sure to check out the how to grind and foil video course to ensure you master these parts of glass making.

To make a stained glass from a picture. It is best to scan the picture onto your computer.Or you can copy the picture on a large piece of paper. It would be good if you used a computer program such as Glasseye 2000.

Read the Dragonfly software review to see if this is the right program for you.

Once the pattern has been scanned or copied, you will need to visualize where the seam lines would be best placed. Once the lines are placed then you can begin to determine what colors, and texture of glass.

This is a simple explanation of how to make a stained glass from a picture.

Learn more about turning stained glass images into projects/patterns.

Be sure to leave your tips and comments to help out below...