This forms the basis for the traditional copper foil method developed by the Tiffany Studios New York.
The Design and planning Stage.
First of all a decision is made on which pattern is going to be used, in this case an Egyptian Ankh. Then select the pieces of coloured glass required for the design. Lay out all materials together ready for the glass to be cut using the specialized glasscutter and grossing pliers. It is important to protect your eyes with safety glasses at all times. Also don’t eat and drink while you are working.
After the glass has been cut to shape, the edges of the glass are then smoothed down using a grinder. Then the pieces are with water and dried. It is a good idea to number each piece of your glass to correlate with that on the paper pattern so that they can be put back into place like a jigsaw puzzle.
The copper foil is applied on the glass edges and then flattened down using a crimper.
To hang your suncatcher, some wire can be twisted into a loop ready to be attached during soldering.
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When the glass sections are placed snugly together forming the original shape from which you followed, the Egyptian Ankh is ready to be soldered. A Soldering iron, 50/50 tin/lead solder and aqua flux are all required for this part of the process. Using a brush apply the flux to the copper, then follow it round with the soldering iron and solder until all the copper has been covered. Where 2 pieces of glass meet extra solder is applied to create a small ridge and this is known as beading.
Next the Egyptian Ankhs are gently washed and dried. These finished pieces will have a silver effect. For a copper or black solder finish, then the appropriate patina would be applied at this washing stage.
Now they are ready to be hung in the window with quality suction hooks and enjoyed.
Caring for Products
Stained Glass
Gently wipe each surface with a sponge and gentle detergent, working from the outside of your stained glass item to the centre. Take care not to push the foil away from the edge. Rinse under running water. Dab dry, re-hang and enjoy.
Crystal Hangings
Gently wipe with a sponge with gentle detergent and then rinse under running water. Dab dry with a towel. This will get rid of any dust and dirt and give a wonderful sparkle to the crystals again.
Encaustic Art
Position away from any form of very hot, direct heat, as it may change the beeswax in the picture. Also care needs to be taken as not to scratch the surface of the wax if not protected by plastic or glass. A sealant is applied to the pictures for extra protection.