Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Using Beveled Glass For Suncatchers

Although beveled glass is normally used in the construction of wall hangings and panels, using beveled glass for suncatchers is not an uncommon practice.

Since beveled glass is normally made by grinding a 1/4" thick bevel on only one side of the periphery, a hanging suncatcher will obviously have one good side and one "flat" side when hung.

Regardless of that fact, beveled glass for suncatchers does provide an interesting effect.


The bevels in the pattern act as small prisms which create unique color diffractions that display a spectrum of colors that highlight the work as the suncatcher hangs and spins in the sunlight.

The added color spectrum that beveled glass patterns provide to suncatcher projects is usually absent in clear stained glass suncatchers.

You can purchase beveled glass cluster arrangements in a plethora of designs which can vary from simple three to four piece designs, to more complex combinations of many pieces.

Simple three or four piece designs are usually used in suncatchers, small wall hangings and occasionally in window transoms.

The more complex beveled glass designs are normally used in larger wall hangings, glass entrance doors and entrance door "side lights".
 
Victorian Flower Bevel Cluster

The  Victorian Flower Bevel Cluster  above can be used in either application.

When using beveled glass with clear and colored textured stained glass designs, novices might find the difference between glass thicknesses a problem during construction.

Typically, textured glass is 1/8" thick and has a distinct visible texture, while beveled glass is 1/4" thick.

However, the angle of the bevel makes foiling and soldering of the two glass thicknesses a relatively simple matter.

The trick is to take time with your foiling to ensure that the foil sticks on the glass securely.  This applies to all stained glass construction.

The combination of beveled glass juxtaposed to textured stained glass creates dramatic visual effects in almost any project, especially stained glass suncatchers.

If you have not yet used them, why not  try using beveled glass for suncatchers in your next project?


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