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Saturday, 4 of September of 2010

Stained Glass a tribute to Animals

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Great gift ideas… to buy or make to give away to your loved ones.

Stained glass dog collection for the animal lover…
Obsession Pre-cut Golden Retriever Dog Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals
Obsession Pre-cut Golden Retriever Dog Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals

Obsession Pre-cut Rudy Yorkie Dog Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals
Obsession Pre-cut Rudy Yorkie Dog Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals

Under the sea…

Obsession Pre-cut Dolphins Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals Obsession Pre-cut Gunnison Rainbow Trout Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals
Obsession Pre-cut Dolphins Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals Obsession Pre-cut Gunnison Rainbow Trout Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals

Horses…
Obsession Pre-cut Thunder Horse Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals
Obsession Pre-cut Thunder Horse Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals
Obsession Pre-cut Chestnut Horse Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals
Obsession Pre-cut Chestnut Horse Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals

And colorful birds…

Obsession Pre-cut Robin Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals Obsession Pre-cut Cardinal Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals
Obsession Pre-cut Robin Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals Obsession Pre-cut Cardinal Kit Stained Glass a tribute to Animals

Why not give a gift they’ll love, everyone has a favorite animal and everyone loves the sparkles and magic of suncatchers.

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Suncatchers for Home Decor

Suncatchers big or small  make  unique décor for your home. You can dress up your windows, ceiling, walls even furniture with lovely stained glass panels that you can purchase or create yourself. Good for adding privacy and refracted light to any room that has a window. Be prepared for all the compliments this new addition will bring.
End Table with Stained Glass Inlay Top
Suncathcers known for window covering for churches, are now used for privacy, while keeping the beauty of your windows without changing the look that you wanted. Curtains can be so unattractive and a nice Suncatcher made of different colors of stained glass adds colors and lights of many dimensions.
Stained Glass Panel
A house can be decorated with many things but when you add suncatchers big or small the light with the sun add sparkles and colors where a simple picture frame couldn’t do such an accent.
Glass Slippers original stained glass panel
Need a wall divider? Why not add a stained glass panel or decorative glass blocks?  Want to close an opening between two room, rather than using sheet rock create a suncatcher the same size as the empty space and you’ve just added art to your home.
Water Ripple Dichroic Glass Block Suncatchers for Home Decor
Suncatchers are fun and interesting. Go on have fun while keeping your privacy

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Wild and Wacky Stained Glass

The beautiful art of stained glass has been around for centuries. One thing it’s not is new but what is new are the pre-cut kits and the way you can do mosaics. Now a days, artist are using glass in many different context and are using a more modern free spirit direction with the art of stained glass. We are using more glues and concretes to assemble projects now.

Ultimate Mosaic Starter Kit

Wild and Wacky Stained Glass
To modernize my stained glass I’ve added shells and pictures to give it more personality. I found that using different mediums in your stained glass or suncatcher gives it a new abstract look. As an artist one must never be restrained in their form of art.

1/4 Lb Cbs Dichroic Pattern Scrap - 90 Coe

Wild and Wacky Stained Glass
Stained glass, which was once for church windows, is now used for fun decoration in gardens and windows.
Fire And Ice Cz Assortment Wild and Wacky Stained Glass
When I recommend stained glass for windows it’s not just for beauty but also for privacy. And that is where my wacky and wild side of the art comes out. I’ve added many little nick knacks in my windows like chains and shells, jewellery and rocks. In my world of wild and wacky stained glass art, anything goes.
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Stained Glass for Kids

Glass is dangerous but it’s not to be feared. Once you have had a few cuts, you’ll know how to handle glass safely. or the older kids that have outgrown crayons and glue, stained glass is an excellent hobby. Start with a simple project and the basic tools.
Soldering Starter Kit Stained Glass for Kids


Soldering Starter Kit Stained Glass for Kids

Contains

  • 100W soldering iron
  • Iron stand
  • Temperature controller
  • EZ Flux pen
  • Tinning block
  • Solder wick
Some kids will be happy with stained glass kits but others have their mind set on starting their own stained glass. Stained glass is still a complex hobby; try to start with a pattern or a pre-cut stained glass kit until they’ve mastered the techniques. Stained glass kits or pre-cut suncatcher kits let kids do their own stained glass without having to do any tracing, cutting, breaking, grinding.

Here are a few suncatcher kits to keep your young ones occupied

Beginner – Basic shapes:
Bee Pre-cut Kit Stained Glass for Kids


Bee Pre-cut Kit Stained Glass for Kids

  • 6″ w x 4-1/2″h
  • 11 pieces

See more kits…
Beginner – irregular shapes:
Obsession Pre-cut Blue Jay Kit Stained Glass for Kids


Obsession Pre-cut Blue Jay Kit Stained Glass for Kids

  • 9″w x 3-1/2″h
  • 12 pieces

See more suncatchers…
Intermediate – larger pieces:
Obsession Pre-cut Shadow Golden Retriever Dog Kit Stained Glass for Kids


Obsession Pre-cut Shadow Golden Retriever Dog Kit Stained Glass for Kids

  • 7″w x 11-1/2″h
  • 19 pieces

See more pre-cut kits…
Advanced – irregular shapes, large overall size:
Obsession Pre-cut Thunder Horse Kit Stained Glass for Kids


Obsession Pre-cut Thunder Horse Kit Stained Glass for Kids

  • 16-2/5″ w x 17-3/4″ h
  • 58 pieces

See more pre-cut kits…
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Glass Cutters

Glass cutters come in all shapes colors and grips. You may want to purchase the basic pencil style or a neat looking pistol grip cutter to make all suncatchers and stained glass.
208673 Glass Cutters 208672 Glass Cutters 182842 Glass Cutters

Differences in Glass Cutter Styles

Most cutters are self-lubricating, the carbide pistol style cutter and the Pistol-Grip Supercutter reduce wrist and hand fatigue. Giving you longer cutting pleasure for people who are limited in hand strength
Very light weight and lets you see how much oil is in the handle reservoir. The Pistol or Pencil style most are comfortable to hold and are easy to use as well as self-oiling as you roll your cutting wheel over your glass. The one benefit of the pencil grip glass cutter might be that it’s made of quality brass making it heavier giving the user sometimes a better feel of control as one is scoring the glass. Most glass cutters have replaceable cutter heads, which should not have to be replace that often because glass cutters are made very resistant even the wheel is durable being of carbide steel.

125839 Glass Cutters

Score 1 Glass Cutter... is a unique and another way to go. It looks like a sewing machine and just from the push of a bottom with a little adjusting of height and pressure you’ll never have another tired hand
or an imperfect cut. A little more expensive but easier and better results than trusting your eye hand coordination. You’ll be doing your suncatchers and stained glass projects with easier and better results, good luck.

Glass Cutter Price

Glass cutters come in all price range as well as other tips on how to choose the right tools for you. Well built of metal and is very resistant. Transparent handle grips let you see the oil in the cutter making sure not to run out but being an experience cutter you’ll know when to add oil just from the sound of your blade. Most people start with the basic glass cutter and later find one that may sooth ones need. The right grip for your hand seems to be a good ideal but we are so use to writing with pencils or pen that I personally think the pencil shape glass cutter fits most hands. You’ll be doing your suncatchers and stained glass projects with easier and better results, good luck.
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Stained Glass Sheets

As a beginner you will want to choose glass that is easy to cut as well as a small project like a small and simple suncatcher. A first time project would probably be something similar to the Hummingbird Suncatcher.

Glass Options

Smooth surface glass is easier to handle and cut than thick pattern glass.

These transparent glasses are the ones you should practice on before doing any project bigger than a suncatcher.

Black glass is harder to cut, why because most are opaque.

Less Frustration with Results Like Pros

Your project will get expensive if you have a hard time cutting your glass and keep breaking it. This can lead to frustration and giving up on your project. Don’t choose ripple glass or one that has a pattern or is opaque. Smooth surface is easier to cut and easier handle, that is the kind of glass you should start working with. Even the pros choose easy to cut glass, why because a lot of these glass sheets are very nice. There is a wide selection and nice glass on the market for you to choose from.

Easy Glass to Work With

Avoid frustration and have fun with your project. There are so many different glass sheets, different colours and patterns; you should have no problem finding good nice easy glass to work with. Try making a suncatcher to start with and be adventurous with the colors you choose.

Pre-cut Stained Glass Kits make your first project a breeze. Just choose from the many suncatcher pre-cut kits or choose the different glass sheet package that you can work with to make your finished project.

192407 Stained Glass Sheets Kokomo Cools Glass Pack

  • Opalescent Glass
  • Contains 8 pieces
  • 8″ x 8″

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Add Art to Your Home

Your home needs a little lift add colours, what better way to add colours than by adding a nice stained glass window to accentuate your space
Spring Triptych Stained Glass Window You don’t have to make it yourself; it can be very time consuming to create the perfect stained glass window even if you try to make it basic, it take a few days to plan and create. Who has the time? Rather than try to make the perfect art panel, purchase a simple abstract stained glass window that you find interesting like this Spring Triptych Stained Glass Window from the Tiffany collection. This Spring Triptych window is 14” x 25” and a nice addition to any home.
Spring Triptych Stained Glass Window?? Add Art to Your Home Go wild; imagine colours lots of colours, something that will be an eye grabber and a conversation starter. My home has a few stained glass panels that have been conversation pieces admired by everyone who visits our home. In fact this Spring Triptych Stained Glass Window is just what I was looking for.




Spring Triptych Stained Glass Window
Dragonfly Windows?? Add Art to Your Home Dragonfly Windows?? Add Art to Your Home
Iris Stained Glass Window?? Add Art to Your Home Iris Stained Glass Window?? Add Art to Your Home
Magnolia Stained Glass Window?? Add Art to Your Home Magnolia Stained Glass Window?? Add Art to Your Home
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Suncatcher Kits Best Way to Get Into Stained Glass

Have you been thinking of taking up stained glass as a hobby but don’t think you have the time, money or room in your home.

Quick and Easy

Suncatcher kits are pre-cut and pre-grinded to fit together perfectly, eliminating the need for designing, choosing and buying your glass, and cutting and grinding each piece. That saves you a ton of work.
204206 Suncatcher Kits Best Way to Get Into Stained Glass

Save Money

No cutting and no grinding also means a savings of hundreds of dollars. All you need to start putting together your suncatcher is foil, a soldering iron, flux and solder. A grinder represents an investment of at least $90, and a glass cutter around $20. These prices are very conservative as they are the cheapest you can find new.
No%20cutter Suncatcher Kits Best Way to Get Into Stained Glass No%20grinder Suncatcher Kits Best Way to Get Into Stained Glass

Kitchen Studio

Your kitchen counter top or dining room table is all you need for most projects. Unless you want to make a living from your work or become very serious about your craft all you need is a work surface and bit of storage space to put your stuff away.

Re-cap

In a nutshell, here’s the cost of your first stained glass project.

  1. Pre-cut Kit: $15 – $40.
  2. Soldering Iron: $30 – $60.
  3. Flux, Solder and Foil: $25.
 Weller Spg80 Soldering Iron
Your initial cost is anywhere from $70 to $125 considering the cost of equipment and supplies. Obviously, you won’t need to buy a new iron every time and the supplies will last for several projects.
Soldedering Flux Canfield Ultimate 63/37 Solder 1/4 Silver Lined Copper Foil

Expand as Needed

If you fall in love with this hobby you can then expand and purchase the equipment needed to create your own designs. Pre-cut kits are a very good way to get your first taste of stained glass and see if you’ll like it. They are not limited to suncatchers however; there are also night light kits, ring panels and votives.
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Stained Glass Tools, for the Right Job

Getting started in stained glass can be very expensive, but well worth it if you think you’d like to make it a hobby for a while. Some stained glass tools are essential while others are a little more fancy. For starters you only need to stick to the basics.

Cutting knife
125824 10 Stained Glass Tools, for the Right Job The cutting knife is obviously the most indispensible of all stained glass tools. Without it there isn’t much you can do. They vary in price but I suggest getting one that has a built in oil reservoir. Some people prefer the old fashion kind and just dip the blade in oil periodically. This will work fine ,but it’s to easy to forget about it and waste a piece of glass due to a poor score line. The sound the blade makes on the glass not only tells you if you are applying adequate pressure but also if it is well lubricated.

Running pliers
Large pieces can easily be broken by hand but smaller pieces are a bit tricky. To prevent injury it is best to use running pliers to snap the smaller pieces. 144609 Stained Glass Tools, for the Right Job

Grinder bit
126110 Stained Glass Tools, for the Right Job Your grinder will come with one or two grinder bits and after a while it will need to be replaced, you’ll know when, trust me. A good bit will grind your glass smoothly but when it is used it will chip the glass rather than leave a smooth surface.

Ruler versus cutting accessories
It’s so inexpensive to use a ruler and a grid surface but is it as straight a cut as you’d like? Not always. It’s almost a nice project but it’s the little millimetre off that hurts the eye for a real artist. With cutting accessories such as the cutter mate strip pro attachment you get a straight cut every time. This means less grinding for you to finish your project faster. Better yet you’ll be so happy with the end result you won’t be embarrassed to offer it as a gift. Stained glass supplies

Grid surface
Stained glass supplies A wonderful surface to work on, serves as a guide for measurement and catches the chards of glass. You can use this surface to cut your glass anywhere in the house. This is much better than working directly on your dining room table and much easier to carry around than a work bench.

Ring saw
The Ring saw would be a good investment as it cuts and grinds at the same time, again, making your hobby much less of a chore. Ring saws are one of those more expensive and fancier stained glass tools but well worth it if you decide to make money with your hobby. Stained glass supplies
Selling your wares at arts and craft show can be well worth it. Stained glass chimes and ornaments are always popular items and can make you enough money to pay for your hobbie and recover your investement. Who knows, you might even make a profit.
These stained glass tools are really simple, not always necessary to the art, but they sure make one’s hobby more enjoyable. Create, make someone happy by giving these projects as gifts or better yet make money with this hobby.
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Repairing a Broken Stained Glass

All that hard work, you could just cry well once you are done crying we’ll look at how to fix it. I remember the first stained glass that broke I sent directly to the trash no questions asked. I was so mad! The second time, I removed way too many pieces and started them over. Now, if I get a broken stained glass I only remove the cracked pieces.

Disassemble

At first it may look impossible but take your hot soldering iron and slowly heat the solder that is holding the damage piece of glass. ONLY remove the ones that you must. Then put the pieces of glass aside, don’t discard, we’ll try to use them. After your pieces are ready to assemble you will remove any foil or solder by heating. Foil or solder only sticks to clean glass.

Cut new piece

Place the project on a sheet of paper. Reposition whatever pieces of glass that will be re-used and trace the outline of what will have to be replaced. Now, cut a piece of glass to fit the shape that you traced. You may have to grind all the stained glass pieces smaller to fit taking into account the new foil and solder that will be added.

Re-assemble

Now use the techniques that you already know to re-solder know.

Clean and Polish

Once done, wash with soap and water, and then polish.

Be creative

Remember the nice thing about stained glass is where you use one piece of glass; you can make it more interesting and do it in 2 or three pieces. No one will know that you didn’t mean to have more than one piece of glass for a certain flower or bird.

If you are lucky the broken project pieces don’t affect your other pieces in your stained glass, like the one I’m working on in the video below. All I had to do is remove the foil and clean then start over with new foil and solder and polish, VOILA!

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