instructions on making table lanterns stained glass

Q:I am trying to make a 3 panel triangle table lantern and am not sure how to display, can you give an idea?

Also the pattern said to do 2 sides alike and the third one design to place a bulb in it. Not sure how to do this. Thanks

A: It sounds like you are taking on a great design. Without seeing the pattern here are a few suggestions that I can offer.

Is your 3 panel open at the top or enclosed like a triangle?

If you are doing the triangle look- and the pattern suggests doing the 3rd panel so that you can change out a bulb:

1. You can produce and solder the 1st and 2nd panels together. The 3rd panel you would need to solder the edges separately - when you attach panel 3 to panels 1 and 2 you would first attach with epoxy, a couple hinges on the right of the panel and a hook on the left of the panel.

This will allow you to be able to get inside the lantern to change out the bulb. Just like a jewelry box.

2. Do you have a bottom for the lantern? Is is wood or is it glass?

It would be nice to have a wood bottom- you could slide your glass (panels 1 and 2) into a groove for stability - but on panel 3 you need to make the grove cut out so you can remove to replace the bulb.

With the wood you could drill a hole in the bottom - to insert the wire and bulb. You could also groove out a section of the wood so that the cord doesn't make the lantern tipsy.

If you bottom is glass, I would cut out a section in one of the side panels for the cord. Not the bottom. Also you would be attaching the bottom to panels 1 and 2 but not 3 - again to change out the bulb.

3. If you have it open at the top and the bottom- you could place a candle inside to let the glass glimmer when the candle is lit. I have several of these and I like to watch them at night. You can also have a glass bottom - then set a candle inside.

4 You could cut out a small section (like a upside down u) on one of the panels so that the cord could come out the bottom so there is no lump.- be sure to solder around that area as well.

5. I have also seen a 3 piece panel attach on a small rods- so that the top rods attach like a a tepee. Then the rods would be the legs at the bottom. These rods would be soldered in each corner seam.- so the light shines thru the top , glass and bottom.

6. Also, if you are open at the top and bottom-you could attach your bulb and wire to a small wood piece- have your groove in one of the glass panels- then just lift it when you need to change the bulb.

As you can see there are as many questions or answers depending on the pattern.

Did this pattern not supply any finishing? If you could scan the design or finished product, I may be able to give you a more direct answer.

Sometimes, this part is left to the creation of the designer and the look you are going for. You can be as creative as you want- just as I have tried to express above.

Be sure to leave your own resources/tips/comments below on table lanterns.

Also, be sure to check out this section of our site for patterns/projects...

Stained glass patterns free for your taking!

Stained glass designs for various project ideas!