11. Sculptural Stained Glass & Brass Wire Wall Medallion
What This Idea Means
Functioning as stained glass art even when empty, this circular medallion combines textured iridescent glass panels set in lead came or copper foil, with a lower semi-circle frame of brass hooks designed to hold delicate chains.
How to Make It
- Cut Glass Segments: Cut textured stained glass sheets (clear iridescent, pale amber, and blush pink) into geometric arc shapes using a glass cutter and running pliers.
- Foiling & Soldering: Wrap glass edges with copper foil tape and solder pieces together into a 10-inch circular medallion using a soldering iron and lead-free solder.
- Attach Lower Wire Frame: Bend a semi-circular frame of 12-gauge brass wire around the lower edge of the glass medallion, soldering it securely to the metal border.
- Solder Hooks: Solder 8 to 10 small curved brass wire hooks along the lower semi-circle frame at 1-inch intervals.
- Attach Hanging Chain: Solder top mounting rings onto the medallion upper edges and attach a delicate brass hanging chain.
Tips & Variations
- Tip: Hang this piece near or opposite a natural window so daylight shines through the stained glass panels, casting warm reflections across your wall.
- Variation: Use deep cobalt blue and seafoam green glass for a coastal water-inspired stained glass medallion.
What You Need
- Textured stained glass sheets
- Glass cutter, running pliers, & copper foil tape
- Soldering iron & lead-free solder
- 12-gauge brass wire & hanging chain
- Safety glasses & flux