"Gibson" Stained Glass Guitar

Steps 1-3

Steps:

1. Select glass colors to match the guitar form.

2. Make two copies of the pattern, numbering each pattern piece by glass color and pattern piece number. Indicate the glass grain direction on the pattern so that it looks like the grain of wood.

3. Cut one of the patterns apart into individual pieces with foil pattern shears. The shears allow for the thickness of the copper foil to be added to the edges of the glass.

Step 5

4. Glue the paper patterns to the desired colors of glass with a glue stick. Let dry.

5. Score and break the glass with glasscutters and breakers.

Step 7

6. Smooth each piece of glass on a glass grinder.

7. After grinding, place the glass pieces into a pan of water to be able to remove the paper pattern.

Step 8

8. Remove the glass pieces from the water. Peel away or rub away the paper pattern, clean and dry the glass pieces with water and terry cloth towels.

Step 9

9. Paint the pieces to be fired, including the keys, tuning pegs, frets, pick guard and bridge. Refer back to the uncut pattern for correct placement of the paint.

Steps 10-11

10. Fire the painted pieces in the kiln for 24 hours.

11. Apply copper foil to the edges of all glass pieces. Burnish the foil using a fid and brayer.

Step 12

12. Assemble the panel by placing the glass pieces on the uncut pattern. Insert reinforcement material between the pieces as needed. Keep the pieces in place using pushpins.

Steps 13-15

13. Apply flux to the foil. Solder the panel together on the front side using solder and a soldering iron.

14. Flip the panel over, flux the foil and solder the panel on the back.

15. Create hanging loops from wire and solder them to the top of the guitar.

Steps 16-18

16. Apply black patina to the soldered areas with a paintbrush.

17. Clean and polish the guitar using finishing compound.

18. Glue the detail glass pieces onto the "Gibson" stained glass guitar using silicone glue.

Eleven years ago, Christie Wood was working as a computer analyst. Eventually she began spending more time working on her favorite hobby — glasswork. These days she creates huge windows in churches and homes across the country. She also creates smaller work, like her surprisingly realistic-looking stained glass guitars.

Website: www.ArtGlassEnsembles.com