Charles Smith, Nederland. In our first three articles I have presented you with the introduction to creating glass art.
A brief history of the art, the process of developing a printed image or cartoon, basic tools needed to utilize in the process. Today I will begin to write about the tactile skills involved in cutting your glass.
I would again invite you to consider stopping by Kay’s studio on the second floor of the Caribou Village in Nederland and just say hello. She is very gracious and will give you a tour of her shop and there you will observe various projects in the making. Be it butterflies, hummingbirds, stars, student projects, etc., you get a great visual idea of how everything works. She will have music and conversation available!
Cutting involves utilizing either a pencil or hand grip glass cutter. I have used a hand grip cutter on account of the fact that my hands are large and I seem to have better control. Either choice is fine and you will use what feels the best for you.
Each cutter will have at its tip, a small wheel that when placed upon the glass, will result in scoring the surface. You will need to either place cutting oil in the hand grip reservoir, or dip the cutting wheel into a cup of oil.
The glass that has been chosen for the design (remember that there are numerous choices in color and texture) is placed upon the design template, and then scored. After the glass is scored, you pick up the piece, and either with your hands by applying pressure on both sides, or using a set of breaker pliers, snap it. Straight cuts are the easiest to do. There is a bit more involved on the outer circle and some other considerations when snapping an inner circle.
Please note, the edges of any cut piece of glass are sharp! You should expect the need to use small bandaids from time to time.
This cutting process might, perhaps, cause the most anxiety for beginners. It is a skill that you quickly can master and the part of the process that gives you the most joy. Cutting precise shapes is an indication of craft and makes the following foil or lead come soldering quicker and improves the quality of the finished piece.
Process:
Wipe clean the glass.
Place the glass on a flat stable surface.
Score the glass with the cutter. Use one continuous and uninterrupted motion.
Use a straightedge for guide on longer pieces.
Snap the glass.
A note of caution. I would recommend that you always wear some type of safety glasses. There are at times, small shards of glass that can be released into the air.
Edges of your cut glass can be trimmed by the use of a glass grinder. However, the more experience you have with the initial score and cut will eliminate the grinder use.
When you have finished the cutting process for the day, you should either vacuum or brush away the work surface. You will be amazed about how much dust and small particles are created.
Stop by the shop. I think you will find the process fascinating and it is a wonderful hobby to enjoy. Kay is a master craftsperson and a really excellent teacher.
O’Neil Rocky Mountain Art is located at 20 Lakeview Drive in Nederland and can be reached at (303) 717-5794.
(Originally published in the February 25, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
