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Free helper for glass crafters

Create a Project

We built this tool to help glass crafters. Tell us your idea in your own words, and it suggests a project that suits your skill, time and space, shows the tools and glass you need, and plays a step-by-step video guide.

  • Describe your idea
  • See the tools you need
  • Watch the video guide
Start my project

Glass project finder

Not sure what to make first? Tell us what you have.

Answer six quick questions about your glass, tools, time and space. We will match you with glass projects you can actually finish, each with a step-by-step guide, a picture video and the items you need.

Write in your own language (English, Urdu, Roman Urdu, Hindi, Spanish and more): what you want to make and what glass, tools, time and space you have. We will fill in the questions and suggest a project, the tools you need and a video guide.

Or answer the questions below
What type of glass do you want to work with?
Your experience
Time you have
Your workspace
Glass you have
Tools you have (tick all that apply)

Answer the questions above and press Show my projects.

  • Illustration of a finished Copper-foil suncatcher
    Illustration of the finished project
    Beginner

    Copper-foil suncatcher

    A small window hanging made from 5 to 8 pieces. The classic first stained-glass project.

    Time
    3 to 4 hours
    Space
    Small table
    Glass
    Scraps work

    Tools

    • Glass cutter
    • Running or breaking pliers
    • Soldering iron

    Items to buy for this project

    You will also need: Translation missing: en.home.project_finder.suncatcher.extras

    Only in-stock items are added. You can change quantities in the cart.

    Open the step-by-step guide

    Watch it step by step

    Pick or draw a simple pattern about 6 in wide with gentle curves and no sharp inside corners. Make two copies and cut one into paper templates.

    1. Pick or draw a simple pattern about 6 in wide with gentle curves and no sharp inside corners. Make two copies and cut one into paper templates.
    2. Trace each template onto clean glass with a fine marker. Score once with steady pressure, then break along the score with running pliers.
    3. Smooth sharp edges with a grinder or a diamond hand pad so every piece fits the pattern with a small, even gap.
    4. Wrap each edge in copper foil, centring the glass on the tape, then press it flat with a burnisher.
    5. Brush on flux, tack the corners with solder, then run a smooth bead along every seam on both sides.
    6. Solder a jump ring at the top, wash off the flux with warm soapy water and dry before hanging.

    Safety: wear safety glasses while cutting and grinding, work with good ventilation when soldering, wash your hands after handling solder (most contains lead) and keep food and drink off your bench.

    Shop supplies for this project
  • Illustration of a finished Glass mosaic coasters
    Illustration of the finished project
    Beginner

    Glass mosaic coasters

    Four coasters made from nipped glass scraps. No soldering and no cutter needed.

    Time
    2 to 3 hours plus overnight drying
    Space
    Small table
    Glass
    Scraps work

    Tools

    • Mosaic nippers

    Items to buy for this project

    You will also need: Four flat coaster bases (cork-backed tile or wood), safety glasses, rubber gloves, a damp sponge, a dry cloth and a grout sealer. Use your own leftover glass pieces.

    Only in-stock items are added. You can change quantities in the cart.

    Open the step-by-step guide

    Watch it step by step

    Choose four flat coaster bases (cork-backed tile or wood) and sketch a simple design on each.

    1. Choose four flat coaster bases (cork-backed tile or wood) and sketch a simple design on each.
    2. Nip scrap glass into small pieces with mosaic nippers, wearing safety glasses and working inside a box or bag to catch chips.
    3. Glue pieces to the base with clear mosaic adhesive, leaving a 1/16 in gap between them. Let it dry overnight.
    4. Mix grout to a toothpaste consistency and press it into the gaps with a gloved hand or rubber float.
    5. Wipe away extra grout with a damp sponge, then buff off the haze with a dry cloth once it firms up.
    6. Let the grout cure as its label directs, then seal it so drinks don't stain the coasters.

    Safety: wear safety glasses while cutting and grinding, work with good ventilation when soldering, wash your hands after handling solder (most contains lead) and keep food and drink off your bench.

    Shop supplies for this project
  • Illustration of a finished Stained-glass night light
    Illustration of the finished project
    Beginner

    Stained-glass night light

    A small foiled panel that clips onto a plug-in night-light base. Quick to make and very giftable.

    Time
    3 to 4 hours
    Space
    Small table
    Glass
    Scraps work

    Tools

    • Glass cutter
    • Running or breaking pliers
    • Soldering iron

    Items to buy for this project

    You will also need: Translation missing: en.home.project_finder.nightlight.extras

    Only in-stock items are added. You can change quantities in the cart.

    Open the step-by-step guide

    Watch it step by step

    Choose a pattern sized for your night-light base (usually about 3 x 4 in) and cut paper templates.

    1. Choose a pattern sized for your night-light base (usually about 3 x 4 in) and cut paper templates.
    2. Cut 4 to 6 glass pieces with your cutter and pliers. Light, translucent colours glow best.
    3. Grind or hand-pad the edges until the pieces fit the pattern outline closely.
    4. Foil, burnish and flux every piece, then solder the front, back and outside edge.
    5. Solder the panel into the base's clip or bracket following the base maker's instructions.
    6. Clean off the flux, let it dry fully, then test with the bulb type the base specifies.

    Safety: wear safety glasses while cutting and grinding, work with good ventilation when soldering, wash your hands after handling solder (most contains lead) and keep food and drink off your bench.

    Shop supplies for this project