Creating beautiful stained-glass projects is a time-honored craft that combines the proper tools and materials with simple instructions for custom-designed windows, objects and suncatchers. Stained glass adds elegance and interest to any room with translucent colors in bold, vibrant and subtle shades. Making stained-glass suncatchers requires a pattern, specialized glass and soldering tools, along with an eye for color and attention to detail.
Step One
Select a pattern for your suncatcher. You can freehand a design or select a pattern online or from a coloring book. If you draw your own suncatcher, create lines on the picture to stipulate the size and cut of your glass pieces. The lines on your pattern indicate where the solder will be placed on your finished project. Beginners should select a pattern with larger pieces, since working with small sections of glass requires more skill. Number each section of your pattern consecutively. Make a copy of your suncatcher pattern.
Step Two
Cut out each individual section of your suncatcher pattern. Place the cutouts on the stained glass and trace them with a grease pencil. Number the stained-glass pieces with the same numbers that are on the pattern piece. This will help you piece your project together.
Step Three
Cut your stained-glass pieces with a glass cutter. Grind the edges with a glass grinder to smooth away any glass shards or rough edges. Wear gloves and safety glasses as you grind the glass. Stained-glass grinders use water to help keep the stained glass from shattering, but you should still observe safety procedures during this process.