Stained Glass Picture Frame

stained glass
solder
flux
paintbrush
zinc came
copper foil
patina
picture frame backing
glasscutter
running pliers
safety glasses
soldering iron
permanent marker
glass grinding machine
baking soda
soap and water
straight edge
came saw
came miter box
burnisher

1. Cut clear glass to the desired size of the picture frame.

2. Cut zinc came to fit around the edge of the clear glass using a came saw and came miter box. Place the came pieces around the glass and hold with transparent tape. Apply flux, then solder the came around the clear glass piece (figure A).

3. Arrange stained-glass pieces in various sizes and colors around the photo glass. Some are found pieces; others are cut to fit (figure B).

4. Smooth the pieces with a grinder. This eliminates sharp edges and creates a even surface for the copper foil (figure C).

5. Wrap each piece of glass in copper foil. Fold the edges down and burnish (figure D).

6. Apply flux with a paintbrush on the metal and zinc and solder.

7. Turn the piece over and solder it together (figure E). Attach wire pieces with the solder to hold the frame backing.

8. Turn the piece right side up again and the finish the soldering. Smooth the seams and add any decorative effects (figure F).

9. Brush the frame with baking soda to counteract the acidity of the flux. Wash with soap and water.

10. The frame is polished and ready to use.

E-mail: kurnan@cox.net