How to Make a Leaded Glass Panel

Find a pattern you like or make your own pattern., Copy/trace the pattern, and write a number on each piece on both copies so you will have a guide when you assemble the glass., Cut pieces from one of the patterns--making sure you follow the lines...

33 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Find a pattern you like or make your own pattern.

Simple quilt block patterns work really well for glass projects.

Straight lines are also easiest at first.

Step 2: Copy/trace the pattern

You always need 2 copies for each pattern--one to cut, and one to use for assembly. , There are special scissors you can buy from craft stores or glass stores that cut enough space to allow for the lead between the pattern.

I would suggest you invest in some if you plan to do this more than once. ,,,,, Numbers not only help you assemble, they guarantee you will know which side goes up. ,,,,, There are special cutters you should use for lead came that make a cut without smashing the channel--available at craft or glass stores. ,,,,,,,,,,,,

Step 3: and write a number on each piece on both copies so you will have a guide when you assemble the glass.

Step 4: Cut pieces from one of the patterns--making sure you follow the lines exactly.

Step 5: Cut off the outside line of the pattern to allow for lead framing.

Step 6: Choose glass to complete your pattern

Step 7: and wash it to remove any dust.

Step 8: Trace each pattern piece on the glass

Step 9: paying attention to grain.

Step 10: Cut glass shapes with a glass cutter.

Step 11: Mark each piece of glass with the pattern number and and arrow for direction if necessary.

Step 12: Place a sheet of clear glass over your pattern to protect it and lay each cut piece of glass on top to assemble.

Step 13: Grind individual pieces of glass if necessary for a better fit.

Step 14: Clean glass after grinding.

Step 15: Use a square

Step 16: and place lead came at right angles to start the left and bottom border.

Step 17: Cut the came for the size of your border with square or mitered joints.

Step 18: Fit each piece of glass into border came at the bottom and work up.

Step 19: Space pieces evenly by sight.

Step 20: Use pieces of came held by nails (or you can buy special holders at a craft or glass store) to stabilize edges as necessary while you "build" your piece.

Step 21: Cut lead to fit around each piece--leaving room for next joint.

Step 22: When all glass has been fit with came

Step 23: cut and place the top and right border.

Step 24: Secure the borders with came/nails to hold all in place.

Step 25: Work in a well-ventilated area and be very careful with the hot soldering iron and lead.

Step 26: flux and solder each joint on both sides.

Step 27: When both sides are finished

Step 28: run your hands over the seams to check for any roughness

Step 29: and fix as necessary.

Step 30: Use wire wrapped around a pencil to form simple circle holders and solder them to the corner(s) for a simple hanger.

Step 31: Use paste cement to give the piece more stability and fill in any small gaps between glass and lead (also available in glass or craft stores).

Step 32: wax lightly with car wax

Step 33: hang with a chain.

Detailed Guide