How do I Make Tiffany Pool Lights?

Stained glass Tiffany-style pool lights are a great accent to any room. Making your own can not only reduce the cost of your decorative lighting, but can also allow you to personalize the color and style of the lights. By crafting them yourself, you can turn a basic lighting setup into a one-of-a-kind piece of art that will show off your talents and style as well as complement your room decor. All it takes is a few simple tools and supplies and you can have a beautiful new accent. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut out your lamp shade pattern pieces, using either paper or a firmer card stock. Make sure that the pieces fit together exactly.

2

Assemble the jig to the size indicated in your pattern. A jig is a shape guide for the lamp shade panel that is made of wood pieces or pre-made metal pieces. Place your pattern pieces inside the jig to ensure that they fit.

3

Cut out your pattern pieces. Score the pattern pieces first with the glass cutter. For straight cuts, use a ruler to make sure each cut is straight. Break the glass using a regular hand break, or for smaller or curved pieces, use the tapping technique by tapping along the scored line to separate the pieces before breaking them. Use the glass breaking pliers for smaller, more delicate breaks.

4

Fit each piece together with adjacent pieces as you go. This will help ensure that the entire pattern will fit together at the end. Re-cut or use a glass grinder on pieces that are not exact. Check the fit by putting the pieces into the jig as well.

5

Wrap each pattern piece in copper foil tape. Make sure the entire edge is covered or the soldering may not form a secure bond.

6

Tack solder the pieces together by first soldering together the joints between each of the pieces. Once you have tack soldered each piece, finish the soldering by soldering along each joint's front and back. Make sure not to get any solder on the edges of the panel or it will not fit properly with the other pieces. If you do get solder on the edge, melt it off before moving on.

7

Wash each panel with warm soapy water and dry it completely. Lay them out in the shape of the lamp to prepare for taping. They will form a flat, "U" shape with the two end panels not touching each other yet.

8

Tape the panels together along the top and bottom of the panels using masking tape. The edges must be aligned exactly. The tape should go from edge to edge, overlapping at each joint. You may also want to tape the middle together for stability.

9

Pull the panels up, gripping the top of the panels and lifting slowly. The shape of the lampshade should begin to form. Bring the two end panel edges together and tape once they are in place.

10

Turn the lampshade upside down and tack solder the pieces together. Turn the lampshade back over and tack solder the top edge of each panel where it meets the adjacent panel. Remove the masking tape carefully.

11

Solder the 18 gauge tin wire along the top rim of the lampshade. Solder the vase cap onto the top rim of the lamp shade, tack soldering first and then soldering the entire seam.

12

Lay the lamp shade on its side and begin soldering the inside seams. Once you are finished turn the lamp shade right side up. You may need to prop it up so you can reach the seams easily. Solder the outside seams. When the soldering is complete wash and dry the entire lamp shade.

13

Attach your lamp shade to the hanging light fixture setup, following the manufacturers instructions to complete the light fixture.