How to Make 3D Stained Glass Cactus Flowers DIY

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How to Make 3D Stained Glass Cactus Flowers DIY

Learn how to make 3D stained glass cactus with flowers.

These darling little light-catching glass art window sill sitters are a really fun stained glass project that doesn't require absolute precision with cutting or soldering.

The free standing cactus is one of the best stained glass projects for all glass artist skill levels, plus get the free glass patterns.

Learn how to transform a piece of glass into a copper foil glass cacti, perfect for a plant lover.

I love how these turned out and they are a little easier to make because they don't need to be hand cut absolutely perfectly, because the pieces are all free-standing.

You can make them a different size, but I found these are a cute size for the window sill or bookshelf.

Learn how to transform a piece of glass into a copper foil glass cacti, perfect for a plant lover. I love how these turned out and they are a little easier to make because they don't need to be hand cut absolutely perfectly, because the pieces are all free-standing. You can make them a different size, but I found these are a cute size for the window sill or bookshelf.

Glass plants are perfect--because no care, watering or sunlight is needed...although that sunlight sure makes these beauties look amazing!

You'll get free shipping and a flat rate quick shipping time for US residents.

I have a few of these available in my Etsy shop if you are interested in buying one or two!

STAINED GLASS INVESTMENT:

I started doing stained glass art a couple years ago and it's lots of fun...but it's a big investment too.

If you want to try without investing in all the glass supplies, you may be able to find a stained glass workshop near you or even some stained glass kits.

Supplies Needed for Monstera Leaf Stained Glass Sun Catcher:

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Patina's in black and copper are also available if you want to change the color of the solder, however, patina steps are not included in this post, nor did I use them for these cactus flowers.

DOODLES BY NOODLES ETSY SHOP

Supplies Needed for Monstera Leaf Stained Glass Sun Catcher: affiliate links, I get a small commission if you purchase through my links Glass in Various Colors Glass Cutter (love this kit) Glass Cutting Oil Glass Running and Nipping Pliers Glass Pliers (again, love this kit) Glass Grinding Machine Copper Foil Stained Glass Soldering Iron Heat Resistant Work Surface Pins Fid or Burnisher Flux and Brush Lead/Tin Solder Elastic Bandage Cactus Flower Pattern (FREEBIE BELOW) Steel Wool 0000 Safety Glasses Marker Tissue Paper or Paper for Pattern Pen/Pencil Patina's in black and copper are also available if you want to change the color of the solder, however, patina steps are not included in this post, nor did I use them for these cactus flowers.

Picking fun color combinations is one of the best parts of this project!

I love the teal and red together, it turned out to be my absolute favorite one.

Which of these fun cactus flowers is your favorite?

Picking fun color combinations is one of the best parts of this project! I love the teal and red together, it turned out to be my absolute favorite one. Which of these fun cactus flowers is your favorite?

FREE STAINED GLASS PATTERN FOR CACTUS WITH FLOWER:

Here's my freebie stained glass cactus flower pattern.

Just right click to save it off and print it out...you can make it a different size, or the petals a different shape, but this is my favorite of the glass designs.

PERFECT DESIGN:

I made a few different sizes, you can see some of the bases are a little taller x or a little smaller.

You can see that some of the flowers on top have 6 large petals, some only have 5.

This is the perfect design for flexibility, and a good first glass project because it does not have to be extremely precise.

I really enjoyed making these prickly pear cactus with flowers, let's get started!

PERFECT DESIGN: I made a few different sizes, you can see some of the bases are a little taller x or a little smaller. You can see that some of the flowers on top have 6 large petals, some only have 5. This is the perfect design for flexibility, and a good first glass project because it does not have to be extremely precise. I really enjoyed making these prickly pear cactus with flowers, let's get started!

STEP 1: TRACE PATTERN

Begin by tracing the pattern on your pieces of glass.

I just use a permanent marker and trace the pattern cut out...the marker lines will wash off during the grinding...or they come off easily with a eraser sponge.

STEP 2: CUT GLASS

Use the glass cutter to score a line across the glass.

Use the glass nippers to pop the score line in a straight line.

This part takes a little practice, so plan on some that don't quite go to plan.

I originally planned on making my flowers a whole tier larger, but after my first one, I realized it was WAY too top heavy, the base wasn't wide enough, so I scaled it down.

You can make stained glass flowers really big and layered and then just stick them in a flower pot as another fun sun catcher alternative.

Because I had these purple strips of glass, leftover from a glass window, I opted to make diamond shaped petals with them because it was so much easier and a better use of the glass...less waste.

CUT THE GREEN CACTUS BASE:

Next cut out the base of the cactus out of green (or any other color you love) glass.

Cut out 4 pieces as close to the same size and shape as possible.

The base of the cactus needs to be a flat line so when it stands up in its 3D form, it will sit on the table firmly.

CUT THE GREEN CACTUS BASE: Next cut out the base of the cactus out of green (or any other color you love) glass. Cut out 4 pieces as close to the same size and shape as possible. The base of the cactus needs to be a flat line so when it stands up in its 3D form, it will sit on the table firmly.

Whenever I make something, I go big.

I can't just make one cactus with flower...I have to make nine of them.

I recommend just starting with one and then decide if you want to make more after that.

I made 3 of them for gifts and have some in my Etsy shop, so you can get an exclusive stained glass cactus or suncatcher if you aren't going to make your own.

STEP 3: GLASS GRINDING

If you are going to do glass work, I highly recommend a glass grinder.

I tried to make a suncatcher without one, my first try, and it did not turn out great because I couldn't just cut the pieces well enough to fit together.

There's a little more forgiveness in the cactus pattern, but a grinder makes a huge difference.

So wrap up your fingers with the bandages to keep the glass from slicing up your skin while you work.

Gently wet grind each and every single piece so the edges are smooth and the shape is correct.

(NOTE: This picture is from the monstera leaf post, disregard the shape of the glass)

STEP 3: GLASS GRINDING If you are going to do glass work, I highly recommend a glass grinder. I tried to make a suncatcher without one, my first try, and it did not turn out great because I couldn't just cut the pieces well enough to fit together. There's a little more forgiveness in the cactus pattern, but a grinder makes a huge difference. So wrap up your fingers with the bandages to keep the glass from slicing up your skin while you work. Gently wet grind each and every single piece so the edges are smooth and the shape is correct. (NOTE: This picture is from the monstera leaf post, disregard the shape of the glass)

STEP 4: COPPER FOIL

After grinding, wash the pieces of glass and dry them completely, I find mine get glass powder on them.

Then apply copper foil to the edges of every single piece of cut and ground glass.

Place the copper foil on the edge evenly and fold the edges over the front and back of the glass.

Use a plastic fid or burnisher to smooth and press the copper foil on every edge of the glass.

Repeat for all the little pieces.

(NOTE: This picture is from the monstera leaf project, but the technique is the same)

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.

STEP 5: SOLDERING CACTUS BASE

Now it's time to solder the pieces together.

Begin by heating up the soldering iron and painting flux on the copper foil of the piece you are about to solder.

Touch the soldering iron to the solder and then slide the soldering iron around the edges of the copper foil, coating all the edges with a thin layer of solder.

Turn the pieces over and do the other side as well as the edges.

Use caution and use just a touch of solder so it does not drip down the edges.

Touch the soldering iron to the solder and then slide the soldering iron around the edges of the copper foil, coating all the edges with a thin layer of solder. Turn the pieces over and do the other side as well as the edges. Use caution and use just a touch of solder so it does not drip down the edges.

Now connect two of the cactus base pieces together just by tacking them at the top and the bottom.

If you are having a hard time soldering, try using more flux.

Then tack the other two pieces of the base on the structure, being sure to line up the bottom line of the bases so they stand up firmly without rocking.

STEP 6: SOLDERING FLOWER

Repeat the soldering process by going over all the copper foil around the petals of the flower.

Then use tacks or pins to prop up 2 of the smallest petals, paint with flux and tack them together.

Then set up the third petal and tack it in place.

Build up the center of the flower with a little solder and then begin tacking on the larger petals around the outside.

If you have 3 inside smaller petals, it's easy to set the 6 larger petals alternating around the center ones.

Fill any of the spaces on the backside of the flower with solder.

Then tack the flower to the cactus base and secure it on all points underneath.

STEP 7: CLEANING

Now the real work!

Gently clean the solder lines with the finest grit steel wool and gently scrub them so there are no burrs.

This clean up can help your solder lines look smoother and cleaner.

Then use a soft toothbrush and light dish soap to clean off all the glass, any remaining marker, flux and splatters.

Gently pat them dry and let them sit in a window sill to shine in the sunlight.

DOODLES BY NOODLES ETSY SHOP

STEP 7: CLEANING Now the real work! Gently clean the solder lines with the finest grit steel wool and gently scrub them so there are no burrs. This clean up can help your solder lines look smoother and cleaner. Then use a soft toothbrush and light dish soap to clean off all the glass, any remaining marker, flux and splatters. Gently pat them dry and let them sit in a window sill to shine in the sunlight.

I found this gorgeous green glass with lots of shades of yellow and green swirled in it.

I love how this looks with the pink marbled glass.

I love the light pale pink of this flower and the bright green.

This is just a delicate and lovely color combo for someone that loves softness.

I wasn't sure about this combo with the lime green and clear glass, but after putting it together I knew it was a favorite.

I love the iridescent glass flower and the lime green base!

Below are the 3 cactus flowers I made for gifts.

They are made with green glass that was leftover from a stained glass project my mother-in-law did decades ago.

I thought it would make a nice gift for some of my sister-in-laws to have a heirloom type knick-knack.

Which of the flowers do you like the best? The red, purple or the pink!?

Below are the 3 cactus flowers I made for gifts. They are made with green glass that was leftover from a stained glass project my mother-in-law did decades ago. I thought it would make a nice gift for some of my sister-in-laws to have a heirloom type knick-knack. Which of the flowers do you like the best? The red, purple or the pink!?

STAINED GLASS HUMMINGBIRD:

This sweet little hummingbird is a stained glass suncatcher that I made for my dad and step mom too.

I loved making it, but getting all those little pieces to fit together tightly is a little finicky.

Still, I love how it turned out!

This sweet little hummingbird is a stained glass suncatcher that I made for my dad and step mom too. I loved making it, but getting all those little pieces to fit together tightly is a little finicky. Still, I love how it turned out!

STAINED GLASS MUSHROOM:

I made this mushroom for funsies and used the black patina on the solder to give it black solder lines.

I gave this stained glass sun-catcher to a friend.

STAINED GLASS FROG:

I made this little frog sun catcher too.

It was harder to cut the circular pieces of this stained glass piece.

I am hanging it in my front window and love to see it's outline and green glow projected on the wall in the bright sunny mornings...but I might like it better as a shelf sitter, soldered to a base plate.

Maybe I'll change it up someday.