If you are a glass artist trying to create modern art, you
first step will be to buy glass for the project. You can purchase from a
stained glass shop. Here you will buy the material as well as the tools for
creating the stained glass. Another place where you can buy stained glass is in
the larger craft and hobby shops. However, if you would like to get a better
selection, you should choose a shop that is specific for stained glass.
Buy glass
Most glasses are available in sheets that are equal to one
square foot and have a thickness of an eighth of an inch. The cost of the sheet
is between $6 and $20 depending on color and details in glass such as
brightness and strength of colors. The place where the glass comes from will
also affect the price. If it is from Europe, it will definitely cost more. The
glass is commonly refereed to as antique glass even if it was made in the
recent times.
Make a template
After buying the glass art, the next step is to make your template. You can do
this by drawing, copying or printing out the pattern in a piece of graph paper
of the actual size. Ensure that the patterns are in separate pieces and label
than using grain and color direction. Put the patterns under the glass and use
a thin permanent market to trace outline.
Score the glass
Start by holding the cutter between the thumb and the
forefinger. Ensure that the tip is pressed between the forefinger and the
middle finger. Press cutter into glass gently using a steel ruler backed by a
cork. Be sure to exert the right amount
of pressure. When the pressure is too little, the break won’t follow the score
line. On the other hand, too much pressure will lead to wear and tear.
Cut glass
There are several methods that you can use to cut glass.
This will depend on the curve and size of glass. The aim is to ensure that you
cut the glass along scored line so that it doesn’t break apart and you are left
with the desired shape.
Grind edges
After cutting the different pieces, ensure that you grind
the edges to ensure that everything is smooth. Grind away gently and patiently
to avoid chipping any of the pieces. Place pieces along pattern to ensure that
grind down glass into corrective lines. It is also advisable to construct a
frame around the already finished pieces to ensure that they don’t slip away.
