3D Stained Glass Cactus - How to

If you're like me and can't keep a plant alive to save your life and you either work with stained glass or are considering it, this is the project for you! No green thumb, no problem! This step by step real time tutorial will go over how to make a 3D Stained Glass Cactus as well as all the materials needed to do so. Below is a list of materials used for this project.
It's not random art, it's creative chaos :)
Glass Cutting:
Plastic Safety Glasses - Any brand will work ***MUST HAVE***
Green Stained Glass for Cactus Body Panels - Tree House Studio (Hobby Lobby)
Blue Wisp Stain Glass for Cactus Petals - Wissmach (Anything in Stained Glass)
Oil Pistol Grip Carbide Wheel Glass Cutter - Hobby Lobby brand
Brass Oil Carbide Wheel Glass Cutter - Hobby Lobby brand
Metal Running Pliers - Hobby Lobby brand
Water Color Paper/Cardstock - Any brand will work
Ruler - Any brand will work
Marker - Sharpie
Glass Grinding:
Glass Grinder - The Grinder 2 by Techniglass
Water
Papertowels - Any brand will work
Glass Foiling:
7/32" in Copper Foil - Studio Pro Copper Backed (Can be found at Hobby Lobby)
Plastic Burnishing Fid - Hobby Lobby brand
Exacto Knife - Any brand will work
Scissors - Any brand will work
Pain Brush - Any brand will work
Glass Soldering:
Soldering Iron Stand - Hobby Lobby brand
Soldering Iron - Hako 601
60/40 Solid Core Solder - Amerway
Gel Flux - Amerway
Glass finishing:
Liquid soap - Hand soap or dish soap any brand will work
Paint Brush - Any brand will work
Spray wax - Turtle wax
Things that are nice to haves:
Molding Putty - Alumilite Amazing Mold Putty

[@ddwinters3025]

When I use textured glass I slightly tilt the glass when doing the final grind to grind a smooth area all the way around the piece. This helps stop the foiling from tearing when burnishing.

[@cynthiakerford4458]

Great attention to the details and the explanation of what and you are doing and why. Easy speaking pace to follow along. I love the idea of using the putty. It is certainly an affordable path to hold the panels together, versus spending $30 for a custom made jig. Amazing work!

[@pen8197]

Thank you so much for posting a video of the whole process without speeding it up! I don't have any specialized stained glass teachers in my area, so this helps out TREMENDOUSLY 💚

[@CC_by_e]

You are so welcome!

[@cindybohanan43]

I'm going to use these instructions to do a pumpkin. thanks

[@amandalyric8316]

Thats such a good idea!

[@user-vx2hv5ib1w]

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing

[@felicityhollis4613]

During a cut it helps to be sure to apply pressure all the way through from edge to edge. If you don't follow through and stop applying firm pressure at the end of your cut, the glass will still break, but it takes more persuasion or it's more likely to break in multiple areas. I think some nipper pliers would be helpful too

[@kalibener1856]

beautifull art work stained glass

[@CC_by_e]

Thank you so much 😊

[@jgonzalez8078]

I just contacted you about a pattern for this lovely cactus. You are a natural teacher. I hope to see more projects from you!

[@Loribelle1971]

Great tutorial! Such a cool cactus, too :-) Ok...we're all ready for the next video in the "No green thumb; no problem" series!!! :-)

[@CC_by_e]

The second video in the series has been posted! The video is for a 3D sunflower pattern :)

[@laurakerpel4955]

This is amazing! Please upload more videos of you making your gorgeous art!!

[@CC_by_e]

Thank you! The second video in the series has just been posted :)

[@conniescoggins6557]

Great video, thank you. I can't wait for you to post more.

[@CC_by_e]

Thanks so much! The second video in the series has just been posted :)

[@eileenjobling3927]

Very detailed tutorial. Thank you!

[@reginmaxx8519]

Excelente trabajo! Gracias 😍

[@peggyblomberg-dj6xg]

Very helpful to me

[@gsmckee00740]

Beautiful!

[@CC_by_e]

Thank you!

[@Nooralhudachrochet]

Very detailed video ..thank you so much.💕💕💕💕

[@CC_by_e]

You are so welcome!

[@ddwinters3025]

Thanks!

[@kellykrueger178]

With the variable temp soldering iron, can you tell us what temp you were using? Or what you use normally? Thanks. *Ordered your pattern and am making this, this week! 1st project ever.

[@raineedayz]

Wow! Thank you! That was amazing! Are you going to post anymore?

[@CC_by_e]

I will be revamping this video to make it shorter and more concise but I also hope to add a 3D sunflower tutorial as well 🥰

[@raineedayz]

@Creative Chaos By Erica awesome, my mom did stained glass when I was a child. She passed down all of her supplies to me. I basically know the process from watching her do every step during my childhood. But I am trying to watch some videos to make sure I am giving myself a good review. My studio space is almost ready to go and I'm so excited to start making pieces. It was nice to watch the whole process from start to finish. Plus I have been wondering how to make those 3d cacti. I got a lot of great info from your video and I appreciate you putting it out! Can't wait to see what you put out next!

[@KathrynBrenner]

Great job on your video. It looks like you could use some more water in your grinder. This will reduce the chance of breaking the glass, and extend the life of your bits.

[@user-xz6ez9kk4r]

Great video...what temperature do you have your soldering iron set at for the cactus?

[@kaylanaughton9495]

Have you tried out grosing pliers for the small break offs?

[@CC_by_e]

I have added them into my arsenal of tools :)

[@halbertr]

Where are more videos! I love the cactus

[@CC_by_e]

The next video I’ll be making is a sunflower how to 💛 the pattern will also be available on my Etsy

[@CC_by_e]

The second video for the series has been posted :)

[@barbmillam2578]

Where can I get a pattern for this?

[@Bullygirl8]

I recently bought your sunflower pattern. It says on it to go to your KZbin channel for "tips on assembly and other 3D tutorials". All I see is this video on cactus.......where are the videos you've promised on the purchased pattern for the sunflower?

[@Bullygirl8]

I see 2 months ago you said you were almost finished with it and it would be up "soon".

[@CC_by_e]

Hi there, It was supposed to be finished a few months ago but I had to take a hiatus due to surgery and then recovery. The video is now posted. Thanks!

[@heidiainsworth4126]

Looking for you sunflower u-tube?

[@CC_by_e]

Hi Heidi, I am almost finished editing it, am unexpected surgery put me out of commission for a bit, but it should be up soon 🥰

[@CC_by_e]

The sunflower instructional video has been posted :)