My Part Is Done

   

I finally finished the transom.  At least it is built and ready to be installed.  That is not MY job, she said...

   

I wanted to put a copper patina on the stained glass transom.  I don't know if I didn't get all the flux washed off or if this is all I can expect.  It never got as shiny as the original copper foil.  After I thought about it, and then realized this was the best I would get, I decided that I LIKED it this way.  We are planning on furnishing the rooms with mostly antique furniture, so I liked the antique look of the transom. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.


   

I TRIED to cut the zinc channels.  Even with Lee's heavy duty cutter, it would not do a good job.  Lee tried to hacksaw it and that didn't work.  In the past I have had the stained glass store where I purchased my supplies cut the channels for me.  This time I ordered everything online and so there was no store.  There is a special electric tool they sell to cut the channels, but I didn't want to buy that for just this project.  Maybe if I do a LOT more!

   

The transom is going to be held up with a lot of wood trim, so the channel will not show.  I just muscled through with the cutter, bent and smashed the channel and covered any rough and bumpy cuts with a bunch of solder.  I just wanted it for the stability, not for the looks!

There would not ordinarily be any rush to finish this project, but there was a sale at a local sewing machine store (Alpine Sewing Machines) and I was ready for my new machine to finish my quilt. 

   

I wanted one that could do the quilting I like to do and do some embroidery I want to learn.  It turned out it was cheaper to get one for the sewing and one for the embroidery.  Cheaper by about $1000!  So now I have TWO new machines! 

   

I couldn't set them up in the craft room because there was a lot of glass slivers and solder and flux.  All kinds of things you don't want to get on your quilts.  I had to finish up and get cleaning!

   

So now I have a new Janome Memory Craft 6300 and a Bernina 340 Deco.  I can't wait to get started.  I am going to set up both and start thinking about what I want for my quilting.

   

 I can buy a bunch of patterns on my new memory stick for the Deco and use it to quilt open sections of the quilt I need to finish.  I can't wait!

   

My first class on the embroidery machine is April 2.  We had another contractor come bid for the tile.  And small progress is being made.

Copper Foiling Done

   

I cut all the glass for my transom and then it was time to put on the copper foil.  This is what the solder sticks to.  Solder will not stick to plain glass.  It has to have some metal. 

Copper foil comes in different sizes.  I chose 1/4 inch.  It has a sticky side and you have to peel the paper backing off and adhere the copper strip to the glass.  It is important to place the glass right in the middle copper foil.  If it is too much on one side you will be able to see it through the clear glass.  And you want an even amount of solder on each side to hold everything together.

   

After I wrap the whole piece of glass, then I overlap it a bit and tear off the copper pulling it across my fingernail.  I smooth it around the outside with my fingers.  Press the edges down and when you get to the corners you have to mitre them.  Kind of like hospital corners on a bed, or wrapping a Christmas present.  Use your fingernail to push one edge all the way to the top and then fold down the other edge over it.

   

When you have smoothed everything down with your finger, you need to use a fid to press it tight.  You don't want any loose spots.  Burnish the edges and both sides with the fid.  It is a made out of smooth plastic or wood and looks like a letter opener .

   

I tried to buy some flux at the local hardware, but they didn't have the kind I need.  Plus, I really like way the copper looks with the blue glass.  After I solder it, it will turn a dull silver.  There is a chemical I can paint on after soldering that will give it back some of the copper patina.  I ordered it from the same place I got the bevel cluster and the glass, Timeless Tiffany.

The plan is to have everything ready to go when the order gets here.  I did learn a lesson about soldering glass in the cold.  Years ago I was making a piece for my parents.  I had it outside in our garage.  It was winter, but not freezing or anything.  When I started to solder, one of the glass pieces cracked.  Oops.  Re-cut, re-foil, remove solder from adjoining pieces so they can be moved and it can be put back, take in the house, re solder.  No problem.  Easy fix!!!

So this time I will warm up the room before I start to solder!