Adding dimension to a stained glass project adds interest and depth. To create dimension, you can add glass nuggets, jewelry, seashells, recycled glass, and other items.
When you choose to add dimensional objects to a project, select or draw a pattern that you want to create. Design your pattern starting with the dimensional objects. These objects will need to be foiled and then spot welded, if used in groups or combinations, then the surrounding glass is added.
When choosing aluminum foil for wrapping dimensional objects, you must first decide whether to use patina on your finished project. For transparent objects, you will want to choose a copper foil that blends in with your finished project. If you are going to use a black patina on your finished project, use a black backed copper foil. For projects that will remain silver, use a silver-backed foil. If a copper patina is to be used, use copper-backed aluminum foil. For objects that are not transparent, the copper foil backing will not be a problem.
The next consideration concerns the width of the copper foil. For very small glass nuggets, jewelry, or recycled thin glass, use 5/32 “. Aluminum foil comes in 5/32” to 1/2 “. For most items, 7/32 copper foil “will work fine.
The last factor to consider is the thickness of the copper foil. Copper foil comes in 1.0 mil thicknesses. to 1.5 thousand. When foiling dimensional objects, use 1.0 mil. This sheet easily bends and conforms to the dimensional object without causing excessive bulk due to folding and bending of the sheet.
One tip for foiling nuggets and jewels is to wrap the foil around the edge of the nugget or jewel and then press down with your fingers. Instead of trying to polish, simply place your nuggets and / or jewelry in a plastic container and shake. Moving the nuggets / jewels against each other will do all the honing for you.
To foil other dimensional objects, wrap the foil along the edge of the object where it will be attached to the piece of stained glass. Then, using a polishing tool, press the foil firmly against the object at the top edge and on both sides.
Once your object or objects are foiled and polished, place them in their pattern. If you are using a group of dimensional objects like glass nuggets, drop them by points. Then cut out the pattern pieces for the surrounding glass pieces. This will give you a more precise fit.
