Delphi Stained Glass Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans from Delphi Glass:

During Delphi ’s 30 years of business they have developed many different lesson plans teachers could use for almost all grade levels. Delphi also offers teachers a year-round 20% discount on supplies. Delphi also has supplies for hot glass, mosaics and jewelry. For additional information Delphi website is http://www.delphiglass.com/teach.

Submitted by: Delphi Glass
Unit: Crafts – Mosaics
Lesson Plan: Mosaic Flower Pots
Grade Levels: Elementary School, Middle School

Objectives: Students will

1) learn the direct method of mosaics;

2) learn shape and dimension in three-dimensional projects;

3) develop their creativity by choosing colors and creating designs.

Time Required:

Two - Three Sessions

Materials:

Qty. Item Number Description

1 #7973B ¾” Stained Glass Chips – 4 lb. Variety Mix

1 #201875 Terra Cotta Grout - 10 lb.

#8971U Daisy Stained Glass Pre-Cut (optional)

Project to mosaic: Small clay flower pots (about 4” high and 4½” wide)

Teacher’s note: stained glass chips and grout create approximately 24 projects.

Additional tools used: Basic supplies listed on Delphi’s Instructions for Mosaic Direct Method.

Directions:

Refer to Delphi’s Instructions for Mosaic Direct Method for detailed instructions.

1. If working with a pattern, use carbon paper to trace the pattern onto the pot.

2. Students nip and glue on chips either alone or combined with a pre-cut. Students create their own design or may follow the pattern in the finished projects shown here.

3. Allow glue to set for 24 hours.

4. Mix up grout and apply to pots.

5. Remove excess grout and sponge off any grout on the flower pot rim. Let grout dry.

6. Buff glass pieces clean.

Tips:

1. If students are familiar with stained glass cutting techniques, they can cut specific shapes, or you can use pre-cut designs. Delphi’s Pre-Cut Stained Glass Daisy (#8971U), Frog (#425519U) or Dragonfly (#425520U) designs work great on flower pots.

2. This project works great on any sized pot. For larger flower pots, you can combine pre-cuts or cluster the daisies to form floral bunches.

Photography and project ideas are from Mosaic Art Outdoor Décor for Beginners book #5998.

Submitted by: Delphi Glass
Unit: Crafts - Glass
Lesson Plan: Patriotic Heart Sun catcher
Grade Levels: Middle School, High School

Objectives:

1) Students will learn the basics of stained glass including glass cutting, assembly, soldering and finishing. 2) Students will improve hand dexterity, attention to detail and craftsmanship. 3) Students will learn the importance of color and light, as sunlight will change the color of the glass and crate a rainbow refractory through the bevel.

Time Required:

Three sessions

Materials for 12 Projects:

Quantity Item Number Description

12 #5264 1½ Square Bevels

2 small #S152RR Spectrum Red Rough Rolled Glass

2 small #S134RR Spectrum Blue Rough Rolled Glass

2 small #S20091W Spectrum White Waterglass

2 #5571 7/32 Silver Back Foil

2 #3000 Mastercraft Solder (for Lead Free use #2999)

1 #5607 Bag of Hooks

1 #5521 Gel Flux

Teacher’s note: Cut each small sheet of glass into six pieces, creating 4” square pieces of glass for each student. Experiment with different colors of glass. If creating hearts that are one color (example: all red for a Valentine’s Day project) use 4 small sheets of glass, with each student receiving 1/3 of the sheet.

12"

8”

Additional Supplies:

See Basic Supplies List on Delphi’s Beginning Stained Glass Instructions sheet.

Directions:

Refer to Delphi’s Beginning Stained Glass Instructions for detailed directions.

1. Cut the easiest piece first – they’re numbered from the easiest (#1 is a bevel - no cutting required) to the most difficult (pieces 4 and 5).

2. On pieces 4 and 5, cut the curved side first.

3. Grind or use a scythe stone to remove burrs.

4. Foil.

5. Solder, including the hook onto the top of the heart.

6. Clean and polish.

Pattern:

Submitted by: Delphi Glass
Unit: Crafts – Jewelry –Bead making
Lesson Plan: Glass Bead Making
Grade Level: High School

Objectives:

1) Students will learn lampworking basics, the art of making glass beads. 2) Students will improve hand dexterity, attention to detail and craftsmanship. 3) Students will learn the importance of shape, color and design. 4) Students will create wearable art.

Time Required:

Three - Four Sessions

Materials for 10 Projects:

Quantity Item Number Description

1 #424632 Fireworks Bead Making Kit Class Pack or individual components:

5 #425701 Fireworks Torch Heads

3 #425726 Mandrel and Rake Sets

3 #425731 Bead Release 8 oz.

5 #7411 Fiber Blankets

5 #425708 Shaping Marver Sets

5 #425704 Bottle Holders

5 #425705 Work Surfaces

2 #91PAK Italian Glass Rod Assortment Pack (28 rods/pack)

10 scrub sponges (available at hardware and grocery stores)

Additional Supplies:

10 #5160Y UV Glasses

1 #425736 Mastering the Glass Bead Video

10 MAPP (Methyl Acetylene Propadiene) Gas Canisters (available at most hardware and grocery stores)

1 Screwdriver

Directions:

Safety

7. Review safety procedures. When working with glass, protect feet and legs by wearing pants and closed top shoes. Eye protection is essential. Use caution while working with hot torch and glass to ensure proper and safe use. Work area should be free from curtains or other combustible materials. Make sure work area is also well ventilated.

Video

1. Watch the Mastering the Glass Bead video. 40 minute video features Karen Stavert, one of the nation’s most respected glass beadmaking artists and instructors. She delivers an educational and enthusiastic class on how to crate a multitude of different beads. Use this video to give your class inspiring and thorough instructions on the art of glass beads.

Tools and Supplies

Review bead tools and explain their uses:

Fiber Blanket: used to slowly cool the completed bead
Bottle Holder: Assembly clamps on the edge of any table to hold the MAPP Gas tank securely in place without slipping
Bead Release: a thick liquid coating that prevents glass from sticking to metal
Fireworks Torch Head: Designed exclusively for Fireworks, this unique torch head has a self-igniting system for easy use. Special regulator dial at the base of the nozzle allows you to adjust air flow for truer, clearer and more vibrant colors. Easy on-off switch eliminates the need to light a match, making use safer, and students more confident.
Rake: Use to manipulate molten glass by dragging, raking, feathering or swirling the surface. It can be used to make air bubbles inside the bead or poke holds through the glass. Fireworks rake has a bent tip for a comfort grip.
Mandrels: Stainless steel rods used to wrap molten glass around to create a bead. The mandrels have a low heat transfer, keeping fingers cool while working in the direct open flame.
Glass Rods: The included assortment of translucent and opaque Italian glass rods are 104 COE (coefficient of expansion) and heat evenly and quickly in the torch flame.
Scrubber: Helps to remove bead and mandrel release residue.
Marver: Roll or press glass into the ridges of this 2” x 4” textured surface to make interesting patterns. Experiment by rolling bead at different angles. Warm marver before using by holding 6” from the flame for approximately 15 seconds.
Heat Resistant Work Surface: Protects your table or counter top.

Set Up

1. Place heat resistant work surface on a counter or table top. Place all tools on the work surface for easy access.

2. Prepare the mandrels by quickly dipping them into the mandrel release, 2”-3” deep and twirl out to insure a thin, clean, even coating. Secure mandrels upright and allow them to air dry for 15-20 minutes or dry the mandrels slowly in the torch flame. Mandrels are dry when they turn a light gray. Mandrel release must dry completely before mandrels can be used.

3. Attach the torch head to the MAPP Gas tank by screwing the threaded opening onto the tank. Secure the tank to the edge of the table or counter top, using the bottle holder attachment. Wrap the bottle band around the MAPP tank and insert the “L” bracket between the tank and the band. Using a screwdriver, tighten the locking screw until snug. Position the tank so one arm of the “L” bracket is on the table top, secure to the table using the “C” clamp (Figure 1). The torch head should be directed away from you.

Igniting the Torch

1. The source of heat is the MAPP Gas tank and torch head. Ignite the torch by turning the control valve at the rear of the torch head slowly counter clockwise, releasing the gas. When you hear a slight hissing sound, gently squeeze the trigger.

2. Adjust the flame height with the control valve knob, providing a “blue” flame length of 1” and adjusting the airflow opening to regulate the gas to air mix.

3. Turn off the torch by turning the control valve clockwise, until the flame is exhausted. Do not attempt to handle the torch head until it has sufficiently cooled down.

Basic Bead Techniques

1. Begin by warming a glass rod in the flame (Figure 2). NOTE: Wear UV safety glasses. Starting 3”-4” from the flame, gradually bring the tip of the glass towards the blue flame. Work the glass in the flame until a hot molten ball forms. In your second hand, warm your coated mandrel using the same procedure used to warm the glass rod.

2. When molten and glowing, wrap the glass evenly around the heated mandrel (Figure 3). While rolling the mandrel away form you, drape the glass on the mandrel from the top down. Do not pull cool glass. Pulling glass may remove the mandrel release resulting in residue inside your finished bead.

3. Heat more glass as you roll. When sufficient glass is wrapped on mandrel, separate the glass rod from the bead by directing heat to the joint and pulling away.

4. Place the glass rod on the work surface to cool.

5. Continuously roll the mandrel with your bead in the flame to shape (Figure 4).

6. Using the smooth surface of the marver, briefly take the bead out of the flame and roll on the marver surface to shape your bead based. The bead will cool and start to harden upon contact with the marver. When this occurs, place the bead back into the flame to soften and roll again on the marver until the desired shape is reached.

7. To increase the bead size or to add another color, begin by heating another glass rod. Keep the base bead warm near flame while heating the glass rod.

8. One the glass glob is molten, add it to the base bead. Turn the mandrel, adding glass until you are satisfied with the size and shape of the bead. The bead should not be larger than 10 mm in diameter to prevent cracking during cooling.

9. Keep rolling the mandrel in the flame until a well balanced bead is formed, using the marver surfaces as desired.

10. Holding the bead at an angle, roll it against the marver edge to bevel the end (Figure 5). If the glass becomes too hard to shape, return the bead to the flame to soften the glass.

Bead Cool Down

1. Cool the bead by removing it slowly from the flame and allowing the red glow to disappear, 10-15 seconds.

2. Place the bead and mandrel between the layers of the fiber blanket to cool (Figure 6). Do not remove the beaded mandrel from the blanket for 60-90 minutes to allow sufficient cooling to take place. If not, the bead may crack.

3. After the bead has cooled, remove from the mandrel. Hold the bead with the scrubber and turn the mandrel to loosen. The bead release residue will flake ways as you slide the bead off. If the bead is difficult to remove, soak it in water.

Tool Care Instructions

1. Proper bead making technique is to heat glass in the flame while working in direct heat with the tools. If a tool is used to hold hot glass, make sure it is not placed directly in the flame. Hot metal tools will stick to the glass. If you are using a tool to hold the glass, you want the metal warm, but not hot. It is acceptable to warm metal tools by quickly placing it near the flame.

2. If you are using a metal tool to poke, scrape or rake the glass, they should be as cool as possible. If it becomes too hot, switch it with a backup tool or immerse the metal tool in water to cool it down.

Directions and photography from Fireworks Beginner’s Beadmaking Kit Instructional Manual.

3. Proper bead making technique is to heat glass in the flame while working in direct heat with the tools. If a tool is used to hold hot glass, make sure it is not placed directly in the flame. Hot metal tools will stick to the glass. If you are using a tool to hold the glass, you want the metal warm, but not hot. It is acceptable to warm metal tools by quickly placing it near the flame.

4. If you are using a metal tool to poke, scrape or rake the glass, they should be as cool as possible. If it becomes too hot, switch it with a backup tool or immerse the metal tool in water to cool it down.

Directions and photography from Fireworks Beginner’s Beadmaking Kit Instructional Manual.

For more bead making instruction and projects see:

Making Glass Beads Book #6382

Master the basics of making glass beads! Learn how to wind round beads and form them into cylinders, bicones, disks, and more. Instructions and color photos will guide you through each technique. Includes helpful tips and tricks too.