Several of my patterns use more non-traditional items or supplies in them. If you're having a hard time finding them near you, I've compiled a list of links for items on Amazon or Etsy below. Theoretically, I might get a percentage of what you buy through these links, which would be *amazing* for an artist like me. It's not a whole lot, but it is very much appreciated nonetheless.
A safety note - please keep in mind that you MUST ventilate your work area. Solder and flux fumes are no joke, and soldering irons make things HOT. I have met several *former* glass artists who started many decades ago without the knowledge we have now, and who suffered bodily harm because of the lack of ventilation in their studios. Be safe!
Supplies for Plant Stems and Panels
- Copper rods, for stakes, 3mm
- Brass rods, for stakes - 2mm
- Tinned copper wire for detailing - 14 gauge (thicker) or 18 gauge (thinner)
- Hobby came - you can find it in smaller quantities there as well, but the 3lb spool is a much better deal. Choose from flat and round; for my more modern style, I like the flat.
- Enamel paints
Supplies for Gemstone Patterns
- 25mm (1 inch) round cabochons on Etsy - rose quartz, tiger's eye, amethyst, fluorite, clear quartz, more - these are all filtered for Star Sellers (good reviews, high quality, good shipping) and for ethically sourced stones.
- Tumbled stones, around 1 inch size, on Etsy - rose quartz, tiger's eye, clear quartz, amethyst, fluorite, more.
- Cabochons for the witch's hat - labradorite, rose quartz, carnelian, sodalite, selenite, bloodstone, azurite
- Note - you can also find these on Amazon, but there isn't a way to ensure that you're finding ethically sourced materials there. While you can't guarantee that on Etsy, I've done the best I can to filter the results for you.
- Copper foil - 7/32 or 1/4 inch
Supplies for Buddy Patterns
- Soldered paper clip chain for the two corner edges
- Zinc came for the two corner edges
- Hobby came for the rest of the piece
- Enamel paints for the black and white of the eyes
Supplies for Hanging Patterns
- Hobby came for edging
- Jack chain - copper
- Jack chain - silver
- Jack chain - black
- Soldered paper clip chain
Supplies for Stained Glass Patterns - Generally Speaking
This is everything I use!
- Glass for beginners (when you don't want to use the good stuff)
- Better glass (but smaller pieces - the brands are good, though)
- The best glass (takes you to Bullseye's website - my personal opinion after years of working with all kinds of glass, and I get no reward for taking you there - I just really love their glass)
- 60 40 solder
- Flux - Canfield's copper mate paste works on all kinds of solder, even lead-free
- Cutter and oil - the pistol grip cutter has lasted forever and has absolutely saved my hand
- Adjustable running pliers - for when you want a clean break
- Silberschnitt running pliers made for cutting curves - trust the hype on these, they're expensive but WOW do they work
- Circle and straight line cutting tool
- Glass cutting surface
- Edco copper foil - the only one I use is Edco
- Fid - the Fid'l Stick is by far the best I've ever used, I buy several at a time!
- Glass grinder - this one's special because it can tilt towards you, so you don't have to look straight down all the time!
- Soldering iron - I am so guilty of abusing my Hakko and it still lives on, 20+ years later!
- Soldering board - I bought this homasote board three years ago and it's still going strong
- Tinning block - smooth solder beads are impossible without a clean soldering tip!
What did I forget? Let me know!