How to Make Monstera Leaf Stained Glass Sun Catcher

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How to Make Monstera Leaf Stained Glass Sun Catcher!

Learn how to make a stained glass monstera leaf sun catcher from beginning to end.

Copper foil stained glass is a great way to make a little stained glass hanger for the window without having to commit to an entire window.

Stained Glass Tutorial for BEGINNERS!

Usually I post simple projects that don't take a lot of time, skill or money.

This is not one of them.

There is a big learning curve when it comes to cutting stained glass and soldering, it's kind of a hefty investment and it can take years to get really good at it.

I did a few stained glass sun catchers that are crystals to start. They are an easy shape, cutting only straight lines, and only 6 pieces.

They are fun to do too, if you are just started out, that might be a fun pattern to start with.

I love trying new things and this is something that I felt literally prompted to start doing even though I had no desire in the past.

So here are the things I've learned, things I wish I knew when I started and the basics for anyone wanting to start a new hobby!

Stained Glass Kit Option!

Before we start, there are stained glass kits, that take some of the expense and challenge out of stained glass copper foil sun catchers.

They are pre-cut glass and you get to do the copper foil and soldering. This takes out some of the work and price, but you still get to do the hardest parts.

They gear the kits towards using a wood burning tool, like this one, and I used mine just like it at first too...but it does not get hot enough for a good solder.

It looks like smooshed tin foil in between the glass.

I will note that the soldering iron makes a HUGE difference.

However, the kits are a great alternative if you don't want to invest in all the tools but just want one project to try.

You can find them at JoAnn (not affiliated)

My Stained Glass History

I began my stained glass hobby back in May 2023.

I've done 11 projects and I'm progressively getting better. I have so many ideas--I just need more time!

If you'd like to purchase one, they are in my Etsy shop here.

I'm going to go through the steps of making a monstera leaf sun catcher. I've got video and all the tips and tricks I learned along the way.

If you have other tips for me, please leave them in the comments!

My Stained Glass History I began my stained glass hobby back in May 2023. I've done 11 projects and I'm progressively getting better. I have so many ideas--I just need more time! If you'd like to purchase one, they are in my Etsy shop here. I'm going to go through the steps of making a monstera leaf sun catcher. I've got video and all the tips and tricks I learned along the way. If you have other tips for me, please leave them in the comments!

Supplies Needed for Monstera Leaf Stained Glass Sun Catcher:

Okay, let's get started!

Step 1: Pattern

Begin by printing off your pattern. (link for this one here)

You can do whatever design you want to do, but for this tutorial I will only be referencing this specific monstera leaf.

I used this monstera leaf and then just drew on the sections where the different glass colors would be.

Step 1: Pattern Begin by printing off your pattern. (link for this one here) You can do whatever design you want to do, but for this tutorial I will only be referencing this specific monstera leaf. I used this monstera leaf and then just drew on the sections where the different glass colors would be.

Print off 2 copies of the monstera leaf.

Number them both identically.

Cut out one of them into individual piece, leave the other one whole as a reference when piecing back together.

*Note: I think my marker lines are thick and this can cause a big gap in the glass if I'm not cutting them all exactly the same way.

No doubt, there is a better way to do this, but thankfully this pattern is pretty simple.

Print off 2 copies of the monstera leaf. Number them both identically. Cut out one of them into individual piece, leave the other one whole as a reference when piecing back together. *Note: I think my marker lines are thick and this can cause a big gap in the glass if I'm not cutting them all exactly the same way. No doubt, there is a better way to do this, but thankfully this pattern is pretty simple.

Step 2: Glass

Oh ya, this is glass--and sadly, it gets everywhere!

I got lots of micro cuts on my fingers, and did not want to wear gloves--and lose my dexterity.

A friend of mine suggested wrapping parts of my fingers that touch the glass with elastic bandage pieces.

This is genius!

Just a small wrap around each finger will save your skin and make it so you can continue this new fun hobby!

*Also, be prepared to carefully clean your work area every session. Wipe down table/desk and sweep or vacuum floors.

Step 2: Glass Oh ya, this is glass--and sadly, it gets everywhere! I got lots of micro cuts on my fingers, and did not want to wear gloves--and lose my dexterity. A friend of mine suggested wrapping parts of my fingers that touch the glass with elastic bandage pieces. This is genius! Just a small wrap around each finger will save your skin and make it so you can continue this new fun hobby! *Also, be prepared to carefully clean your work area every session. Wipe down table/desk and sweep or vacuum floors.

Begin by tracing your pattern onto the desired piece of glass.

I made 3 of these at a time, so you'll see me doing things in triplicate.

It can be tricky to do angled cuts or anything but a straight line on the glass...at least as a beginner.

So I did three of the same piece and lined the metal ruler on the edge of them.

The ruler and the glass cutter work hand in hand, but there's a distance between where the edge of the ruler is and where the glass cutter actually cuts...so through some trial and error, I got to where I was getting that cut line exactly where I wanted it.

It can be tricky to do angled cuts or anything but a straight line on the glass...at least as a beginner. So I did three of the same piece and lined the metal ruler on the edge of them. The ruler and the glass cutter work hand in hand, but there's a distance between where the edge of the ruler is and where the glass cutter actually cuts...so through some trial and error, I got to where I was getting that cut line exactly where I wanted it.

Score the line firmly but not hard along the ruler edge on the glass.

Some people just pop the glass along the score line with their hands, but I prefer the nipping pliers for now.

Line the nipping pliers so the white line is oriented with the score line on the glass and press gently to get the glass to break along the line.

At least as a beginner, there's still a possibility of it not breaking completely along the line, shards of glass chipping out or a completely wrong break.

Be patient as you learn this new skill.

...

Cut each of the pattern pieces.

Use small straight snippets of multiple cuts to make the curves along the leaves.

Line the nipping pliers so the white line is oriented with the score line on the glass and press gently to get the glass to break along the line. At least as a beginner, there's still a possibility of it not breaking completely along the line, shards of glass chipping out or a completely wrong break. Be patient as you learn this new skill. ... Cut each of the pattern pieces. Use small straight snippets of multiple cuts to make the curves along the leaves.

Step 3: Grinding

My first couple of stained glass sun catcher projects, I did not use a glass grinder.

Some of the edges were rough, chipped or didn't quite fit together, so I was putting all the pressure of making a good finished project on the copper foil and solder.

They couldn't line up tightly because of the uneven edges.

So I knew that getting this glass grinder was a must.

If you want your stained glass project to turn out its best, this is the key.

Step 3: Grinding My first couple of stained glass sun catcher projects, I did not use a glass grinder. Some of the edges were rough, chipped or didn't quite fit together, so I was putting all the pressure of making a good finished project on the copper foil and solder. They couldn't line up tightly because of the uneven edges. So I knew that getting this glass grinder was a must. If you want your stained glass project to turn out its best, this is the key.

The glass grinder is small and portable.

I used mine outside on the patio near our rock garden, it could be used inside in a studio, but there is some splattering.

You fill the basin with water and then turn it on.

The grinding bit rotates, like a router on a router table, so you can smooth out all the edges and make the pieces fit together perfectly.

Work one piece at a time and set it down.

Then do the next piece and fit it perfectly to the first piece and so on.

The glass grinder worked surprising fast.

Still time consuming.

Grinding all the pieces for one monstera leaf took me 20 minutes.

The machine is easy to clean out and most of the glass turns into a "ceramic paste" that can be easily cleaned out.

The glass grinder is small and portable. I used mine outside on the patio near our rock garden, it could be used inside in a studio, but there is some splattering. You fill the basin with water and then turn it on. The grinding bit rotates, like a router on a router table, so you can smooth out all the edges and make the pieces fit together perfectly. Work one piece at a time and set it down. Then do the next piece and fit it perfectly to the first piece and so on. The glass grinder worked surprising fast. Still time consuming. Grinding all the pieces for one monstera leaf took me 20 minutes. The machine is easy to clean out and most of the glass turns into a "ceramic paste" that can be easily cleaned out.

Again, line up the pieces and make sure they match up well.

The grinder makes the curves and holes possible, where I'd never be able to cut them that cleanly with the glass cutter.

Glass Grinding BEFORE and AFTER:

Here you can see the difference the Glass Grinding Machine makes.

I cut pretty good for a beginner, but it needed those edges cleaned up in order to fit together cleanly.

Step 4: Copper Foiling

After your glass monstera leaf pieces are cut and smoothed with the glass grinding machine, it's time to copper foil the edges of all the pieces.

This process is also referred to as Tiffany Glass.

Step 4: Copper Foiling After your glass monstera leaf pieces are cut and smoothed with the glass grinding machine, it's time to copper foil the edges of all the pieces.

Peel off a little of the backing from the copper foil.

Place the copper foil sticky side up on the table while you place the edge of the glass right on the center of the foil.

It's important to get it as centered as possible.

The copper foil will stick to the edges of the glass and fold over both sides "hopefully" equally.

Peel off a little of the backing from the copper foil. Place the copper foil sticky side up on the table while you place the edge of the glass right on the center of the foil. It's important to get it as centered as possible. The copper foil will stick to the edges of the glass and fold over both sides "hopefully" equally.

Some people use burnishers to make sure the copper foil is firmly on the glass.

I gently rubbed it on my work table to press all the edges, corners and sides down firmly.

Step 5: Flux and Solder Pieces

Soldering is next.

It is by far the funnest and most difficult part for me. My soldering is still bumpy and not as smooth as some others I see on instagram. I asked someone how their soldering was so smooth and she said "years and years of practice"...so big learning curve here.

Solder is part lead and part tin. It's super soft metal and melts so fast.

As I mentioned earlier in the post, the soldering iron is super important.

This does not work well with a wood burner...trust me, I tried it and it looked like smooshed aluminum foil between the glass.

The soldering iron gets hot and has a large tip that will let you work the solder fast onto the copper foil.

Step 5: Flux and Solder Pieces Soldering is next. It is by far the funnest and most difficult part for me. My soldering is still bumpy and not as smooth as some others I see on instagram. I asked someone how their soldering was so smooth and she said "years and years of practice"...so big learning curve here. Solder is part lead and part tin. It's super soft metal and melts so fast. As I mentioned earlier in the post, the soldering iron is super important. This does not work well with a wood burner...trust me, I tried it and it looked like smooshed aluminum foil between the glass. The soldering iron gets hot and has a large tip that will let you work the solder fast onto the copper foil.

Okay, set your stained glass monstera leaf pieces on your fire resistant surface.

Open up the flux and pour some of the solution into the cap.

Dip the flux brush into the cap and brush it on all the pieces, right on the copper foil.

Then touch the soldering iron to the solder briefly and then rub the soldering iron on the edge of the glass pieces.

The solder goes pretty far and needs just a light coating over all the copper foil--this will make it easier for all those holes and curves in the leaf.

Okay, set your stained glass monstera leaf pieces on your fire resistant surface. Open up the flux and pour some of the solution into the cap. Dip the flux brush into the cap and brush it on all the pieces, right on the copper foil. Then touch the soldering iron to the solder briefly and then rub the soldering iron on the edge of the glass pieces. The solder goes pretty far and needs just a light coating over all the copper foil--this will make it easier for all those holes and curves in the leaf.

Do the front side and the backside of each piece.

Then carefully hold the glass pieces and carefully do the edges.

These will be much harder to do later, so it's important to coat them all now.

Step 5: Flux and Solder Leaf

After all the pieces have cooled down, pin them in place on the heat proof board with sewing pins.

Then brush flux on all the seams--where 2 pieces or more of glass come together.

Touch the soldering iron to the solder and tap it on the seams to "tack" all the leaf pieces together into one piece.

Repeat this same process on the backside of the glass leaf.

Now to make the solder look pretty and all connected:

Hold the solder in your non-dominate hand and the soldering iron in your dominate hand.

Unwrap about 6 inches of solder from the reel.

Start on the bottom vein of the monstera leaf and gently touch the solder to the soldering iron.

Move the soldering iron slowly along the solder from tacking in place earlier.

This will melt the solder underneath and lay a "bead" of solder over the top of the seam, making it look amazing. Repeat this front and back. Then smooth out the solder around the edges.

Again, there is a big learning curve here. Practicing adds up the cost for sure, but it's fun to look back and see how much you are improving!

Start on the bottom vein of the monstera leaf and gently touch the solder to the soldering iron. Move the soldering iron slowly along the solder from tacking in place earlier. This will melt the solder underneath and lay a "bead" of solder over the top of the seam, making it look amazing. Repeat this front and back. Then smooth out the solder around the edges. Again, there is a big learning curve here. Practicing adds up the cost for sure, but it's fun to look back and see how much you are improving!

Step 6: Hanging Loops

Now use the jewelry pliers and wire to make little loops for hanging.

I wrap my wire around a pen like a spring and then cut the wire, so the loops are the same size.

Find something, like a tin lid, to rest the wire loops on while soldering them to the monstera leaf.

Have your pliers on hand in case you need to adjust, but don't use your fingers...that little loop will be hot!

Brush on some flux, touch the soldering iron to the solder to pick up just a little bit of the metal and then touch it on the wire loops.

Repeat until it has enough solder to hold it firmly in place.

Then clean up any rough spots with the soldering iron.

Now: Take your finished stained glass monstera leaf to the sink. Use dish soap and a toothbrush to clean the glass and the solder, removing any flux residue and making it look shiny and clean.

Brush on some flux, touch the soldering iron to the solder to pick up just a little bit of the metal and then touch it on the wire loops. Repeat until it has enough solder to hold it firmly in place. Then clean up any rough spots with the soldering iron. Now: Take your finished stained glass monstera leaf to the sink. Use dish soap and a toothbrush to clean the glass and the solder, removing any flux residue and making it look shiny and clean.

Step 7: Chain

Use the jewelry pliers to attach some chain to the loops.

I measured out 15 inches of chain and attached either side to the loop.

It's the perfect length to hang in my window inside and still see plenty outside.

I'm so happy! It was a lot of work to make this copper foil stained glass monstera leaf sun catcher--but totally worth it.

It makes me so happy every day when I see it sparkling in the kitchen window.

Step 7: Chain Use the jewelry pliers to attach some chain to the loops. I measured out 15 inches of chain and attached either side to the loop. It's the perfect length to hang in my window inside and still see plenty outside. I'm so happy! It was a lot of work to make this copper foil stained glass monstera leaf sun catcher--but totally worth it. It makes me so happy every day when I see it sparkling in the kitchen window.

Phew, that's it!

Lots of love and work goes into handcrafting gorgeous things.

Stained glass is a new favorite craft of mine.

It is time consuming...this single beautiful monstera leaf took me about 4 hours of time to finish.

The set up is a big investment at first...then it's just buying consumables like glass and solder, which are still pricier than buying a tee shirt and vinyl, but it is a really fun new hobby.

What do you think?

Will you start doing stained glass sun catchers too?