How to Make Glass on Glass Mosaics
Can you believe that this art was made with scraps?! Let me show you how to make Glass on Glass Mosaics. I love soldered stained glass; but this might actually be a bit easier…
What is Glass-on-Glass Mosaic?
This style of mosaic pieces uses shapes of glass but they are adhered to a clear glass instead of soldered together. This method gives the option of being transparent and somewhat similar to stained glass pieces. The spaces between the pieces are filled with some form of grout later so they look much like a stained glass window. This method is perfect to up-cycle those old picture frames. The glass pane can be used as the base glass and the finished piece set back in the frame.
What do you need?
Alright, you guessed right; you need some glass. Let me tell you my secret; these are just scrap pieces of glass that may have gone to the recycle bin. I ‘begged’ a sweet stained glass artist/teacher for her scraps and I scored a big box full. I’d rather not break perfect large sheets of glass for small bits. The idea of using up what exists always excites me…
When these glass scraps were a big mixture of colours I could not quite visualize the potentials. After sorting I can now see what options I have in my ‘palette’ of colored glass. My theory of creativity; you need to be more innovative when you meet more challenges of the media. This collection of colours can still make much amazing glass art.
What tools do you need for GOG?
Another reason I like this Glass on Glass mosaic is that it doesn’t need really fancy tools. I used this set which was inexpensive. The special Running Pliers with the curved jaw are the GREATEST! See how they work in the video. The Glass nipper pliers (has 2 cutting wheels ) are also fantastic to nip smaller pieces of glass effortlessly. The flat pliers and tweezers also come in handy. If there are any really sharp points you can use some emery cloth or a diamond file to round them, that would depend on your final purpose for the piece.
It is good to have a surface to work on that may be damaged from the glass cutter. Keep a sweeper handy as there will be glass bits everywhere… There are many glass cutters on the market; some have a more ergonomic handle that may suit you. I was fine with the basic one but I agree it could feel better in my hand as a fair amount of pressure is needed when scoring the cut line. Also, keep the carbide wheel well lubricated on the cutter.
What Glue to use for Glass on Glass:
Whenever it comes to using glues and adhesives I have pretty well used them all over the years. Crafting, teaching model building and general repairs has taught me much. This site is a good resource for figuring out which type of adhesive for various materials. Mac Glue is a popular glue for glass on glass but I could not source it here in Canada. I gave these popular a try & test; WeldBond, Ge Silicone 2 and Kwik Seal. Since it is on glass I wanted a clear glue.
WeldBond:
I was hoping that this would work well since it cleans up easily and is pretty inexpensive. It is PVA based so recommended for anywhere that may get wet. It dries clear.
Kwik Seal:
This acrylic latex adhesive is meant for bonding and also sealing. It also has an easy clean up. It is white until dry.
GE Silicone 2:
This is a 100% silicone sealant that is waterproof and low odour. It also comes out of the tube almost clear (buy the clear option)
Results of the Test:
After testing the 3 kinds and waiting for the Weldbond and Kwik Seal to become clear I gave up waiting. I understand that these PVA glues have a difficult time to dry clear since they are not exposed to air when sandwiched tight between glass pieces. I am almost positive they would work great when adhering mosaic tiles on a porous base like a wood board or similar. So, I decided to use the Ge Silicone 2.
Create a Design:
When creating a design for Glass on Glass mosaic there are a few things to consider. One of the main advantages is that the final piece can be used in a window or place where light will shine through. Clear glass, both coloured and uncoloured will give the art a sparkle.
Some glass will have more opaque qualities and therefore not seem the same colour as a window pane. As a beginner it is best to keep the design simple and graphic; large areas of contrast colours. It is also important to consider the sizes of the puzzle pieces as they may be tedious if too small.
The patterns in insect wings reminds me of the sparkly glass in stained glass so that is how I was inspired to create a bee. The fuzzy body would be made up of many small shards so I only chose shapes. You certainly can be very intuitive and just make pretty abstract designs as you go along.
Cut Glass and Glue:
I have a light table but it is not necessary. Tape your design behind the glass, making sure it is very clean and wiped with rubbing alcohol. The glass base will allow your design to be seen through easily. Check out the video to see the glass cutting.
To make sure the assembly is as clean as possible a small amount of the Ge Silicone is put in a small ziplock baggie and forced into the corner like a piping bag. Cut a small corner off the bag to squeeze tiny amounts on the back of the tile piece.
Check the Progress:
Push and press each glued piece down firmly to rid any bubbles underneath. Keep an eye at the negative spaces between the shapes as they will be like outlines later on. You have the choice of the grout joints acting as a dark or light outline.
These simple instructions make this come together quickly. Do not use too much silicone as then it will ooze out the sides too much and hamper the grouting.
How to Make Glass on Glass Mosaics
Equipment
- Glass cutter
- Running Pliers
- Glass Nipper Pliers
- Optional Ruler
- Flat Pliers
- Permanent Marker
Ingredients
- Various pieces of coloured glass
- Base sheet of clear Glass
- GE Clear Silicone 2
- Drawn Design
Instructions
- Collect Supplies
- Plan and draw design (keep it simple)
- Tape design to back of clear glass pane (may be from picture frame)
- Mark shapes with marker to cut into required shapes
- Cut the shape with glass cutter if larger cuts or nipper for smaller adjustment
- Put silicone into bag for easy piping
- Piece by piece, apply silicone to back of piece once sized for the space
- Press each piece firmly onto base glass (wipe any excess if needed)
- Be aware of spaces between pieces and finish background
- Add grout (see Part #2; post coming soon)
The silicone works well when small amounts are put in a plastic bag and used like a piping bag. This allows a very small tip as very little is needed at a time.
Just as with any art form; your own style can shine through. Make it as precise or impressionistic as you like. Myself, if I want to have the joy of making something I do not want to add any frustration of needing absolute perfection. ‘Embrace that imperfection!
When you pull the pattern design away you can see your progress. The black lines from the markers should be buffed off with a bit of fine steel wool.
This is not finished yet as it still needs to be grouted (next step will be up soon) but here is a sneak peek:
If you feel intimidated about working with glass, let me reassure you it isn’t as scary as you may imagine. Yes, there are things to consider about safety but it is a wonderful media to work in… I am sure there will be more design ideas popping up! Stay tuned for Part #2 – the Grouting.
Hello Barb: I, like you, got tired of waiting for Weldbond to clear. I learned the hard way to never grout before it clears or it will be months or years. Don’t grout before it is completely clear. I found two things that do help. In the summer, laying it out in the direct sun speeds up the clearing greatly. Another thing I discovered that works very well is to put it in the oven and bake it for a few hours. I put the temperature at about 170 degrees. I have had no problems of any sort. Give it a try and see what you think.
Oh, thanks. I recently found my test sheet and was happy to see that it finally cleared. I did set it over a slightly warm wood stove. I like the idea of using the sun! Free energy is the best! Happy mosaicing!
I love how innovative you are, as well as artistic! What to make this year? My favorite projects relate to mosaics (like the glass on glass) and concrete sculptural projects! I don’t sew or work with fabric, unless it’s covering fabric with concrete! I hope this coming year is successful, invigorating and inspirational for you! Thank you for sharing such incredible projects!
I want to ‘translate’ a large image to a ‘glass painting’… ‘Glad you’re interested!
Could this be grouted using a clear acrylic type product?
I am not sure what type you mean. I would read the specs and see if it will dry clear as sometimes if it is too encased to allow air it won’t dry. If it is intended for grouting tiles it should work, I don not see why not. I do like the definition the dark grout gives though.
I love your work Barb and as a stained glass artist working with the copper foil technique In very interested in using up my bits of glass with a mosaic. My question to you is… do you grind the edges of the glass before you glue them down?
Also, I purchased Mac Glue, pricy stuff, from a stained glass store near Ottawa. It works very nicely.
Glad you are finding a use for it! I do not grind the edges. If they are sharp a quick pass over some emery will take edge off but I don’t see that I need it. I try to just snip or work intuitively. I am hoping to do a large one with all kinds of bits; almost like an impressionistic painting. ‘Stay tuned…
I finished a stained glass, mosaic piece the other day. After doing the grout work and cleaning it off, thoroughly, I noticed that the glass didn’t shine like previous pieces I had completed. Is there a good polish I can use to help bring back the shine? Thank you for your response!
Hmmm, it could be some haze left from the grout or maybe some scratching? I remember using a microfibre cloth to shine up my stained glass piece in class. If you know it is clean then I would try a type of polish like perhaps a car wax (but beware of the colour and possibility of it getting into the grout)
This is really helpful. Thank you for sharing your passion and abilities. You’re bumblebee is fantastic and I love that it is off centered and asymmetrical. I have not tried this medium yet, but I hope to soon.
I have a few boxes of scraps that keep whispering to me to get on with the ideas I have going forward. Oh, if time would just cooperate!
Hi Barb,
I am not very skilled at creating designs. Is there a pattern book you can recommend? The last one I bought had designs that were too small to work with.
Perhaps you can take some of the images that you love & speak to you and trace out some large shapes from it. Perhaps to start you can use images that are not so fussy, like flowers. It is the combination of all the small shapes that will come together to make the design. I envision some simple landscape something like this art quilt. The charm will come from the glass…
Your work is amazing. You are very kind to share your process so thank you. I’ve been working with stained glass for a few years but I’m interested in trying out this because I feel it would be a wonderful way to use up all the scraps of glass I’ve gathered. I’m looking forward to playing with this process. Thank you again ❤️
I agree, that is why I like it! I also think it’s almost like painting with shards of glass. I do have plans for a large ‘painted’ piece, oh if only the days were longer!