Though I have many crafting interests, I have a passion for glass! I make a lot of fused glass jewelry, and have been etching on dichroic glass for a long time. Recently, I discovered that I could use rubber stamps to provide the pattern on the glass and use them in etching. The possibilities are ENDLESS!!! So today I'm going to show how to use your stamps to etch dichroic glass.
First a little about Dichroic glass....Here's the Wikipedia definition: Dichroic glass is glass containing multiple micro-layers of metals or oxides which give the glass dichroic optical properties. The main characteristic of dichroic glass is that it has a particular transmitted color and a completely different reflected color, as certain wavelengths of light either pass through or are reflected. This causes an array of color to be displayed. The colors shift depending on the angle of view.
In short - it is glass (usually black or clear) that has a thin, shiny coating on one side. If the glass is used in a fired (fused) project, that coating becomes permanent, but prior to firing it can be removed through various methods. This means it needs to be protected to not accidentally scratch the coating, but it also means that you can etch designs into the coating to add really cool effects to your pieces. You can etch it by scratching a design, or with a powered Dremel tool, but I think the easiest way to etch is to use Armour Etch Etching Cream.
In short - it is glass (usually black or clear) that has a thin, shiny coating on one side. If the glass is used in a fired (fused) project, that coating becomes permanent, but prior to firing it can be removed through various methods. This means it needs to be protected to not accidentally scratch the coating, but it also means that you can etch designs into the coating to add really cool effects to your pieces. You can etch it by scratching a design, or with a powered Dremel tool, but I think the easiest way to etch is to use Armour Etch Etching Cream.
For this project, you will need: -A piece of thin, clear dichroic glass. (I'm using silver as my Dichroic color) You can find dichroic glass online or at many art supply stores that carry stained glass supplies.
-A large, rectangular pendant blank. I found this one at my local craft store
-Stazon metallic Ink Pad - (Copper works best)
-Rubber Stamp - I'm using a leaf from the Red Rubber Designs "Place in My Heart" stamp set. I really like leaf motifs and this stamp is solid enough to show up well in the dichroic glass, but also has nice detail in the veining.-Complimentary color of acrylic paint. (Dark colors will make the image stand out the best.)
-Jewelry Glue
-Rubber Gloves
-Rubbing Alcohol
-Cheep flat paint brush
1. This first step, for some, will be the toughest....You'll need to cut your glass to fit inside the pendant blank. If you are a glass crafter, this is not a problem, but if you are not used to cutting glass, this may present a challenge. Since this post is about stamping, not about cutting glass, I'm not going to go into how to cut glass. If you are not familiar with it and don't have the tools, you have options. 1 - find a glass shop in your area and have them cut if for you - even hardware stores that do window repair have what it takes to cut the glass. or 2 - if you order the glass from someone online, ask them to cut a piece the size you need.
Before and After the Etching Cream |
4. Paint black or a dark color acrylic paint on the FRONT side of the glass - over the leaves. Remember I said that the dichroic coating can be accidentally scratched? We are going to mount the glass upside down in the pendant setting so that the clear glass is towards the front and the dichroic coating will be protected.
5. After the paint has completely dried (it may take two coats to get nice even coverage), glue the glass piece, paint side down into the pendant setting. Add a jump ring and chain or cord and you have a beautiful necklace!
You can find this tutorial in the Red Rubber Designs store where you can download it for FREE!
You can find this tutorial in the Red Rubber Designs store where you can download it for FREE!
Wow what a stunning neckpiece , its fabulous and so beautifully made well done Hugs Elaine.
ReplyDeleteI have a glass vase my friends Mum gave me for my 21st, she engraved it with a beautiful flower arrangement ,my name and date of birth I still have it, its a fabulous keepsake . Hugs Elaine
Wow, KC! I have to try this! Great tutorial!
ReplyDeleteKC you are incredible! This is really lovely. What a talent. I think you could make out like a bandit selling these pieces. I love the idea, even if I never do it! Great project!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your blog. Your work is stunning!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Marie XX
Beautiful project, KC! I love the finished product!
ReplyDeleteThis is soooooo cool! Can't wait to try it. You are an amazing artist, KC.
ReplyDeleteThank you all!!! Your comments are so sweet and mean so much to me!! Connie...I am far from an artist - That's why I use stamps!! I couldn't draw a stick figure if my life depended on it :)
ReplyDeleteThis is an absolutely amazing project. Love your final piece.
ReplyDeleteYou've really raised the bar for us for tutorials !
I love this project too - amazing KC. The necklace is beautiful!
ReplyDelete