HOW TO CUT STAINED GLASS FOR MOSAICS | Easy step-by-step to get you started! Tools, cutting, tips!

In this video Julie Weilbacher discusses stained glass from colors + varieties, to glass cutting tools, stained glass accessories, eye safety, and the best place to shop for all things stained glass. Julie also demonstrates how to cut straight and curved cuts on different pieces and sizes of stained glass using a glass cutter, plus how to nip at stained glass to cut a circle with wheeled glass nippers. As always, LOTS of tips and tricks throughout the video.
SKIM THE VIDEO:
00:00​ - INTRO
00:44 - GLASS COLORS & TYPES, TOOLS, & ACCESSORIES
07:00 - CUTTING STAINED GLASS
09:04 - GLASS CUTTER
14:08 - WHEELED GLASS NIPPERS
15:38 - QOTD
15:59 - BLOOPERS
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MATERIALS + TOOLS USED IN THIS VIDEO:
→ PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR - amzn.to/2W71KhX
→ PENCIL GRIP GLASS CUTTER - amzn.to/3sqWb9Y
→ PISTOL GRIP GLASS CUTTER - amzn.to/3xWppPc
→ THOMAS GRIP GLASS CUTTER - amzn.to/3sqlk4q
→ GLASS CUTTING OIL - amzn.to/3CXzNtN0
→ RUNNING PLIERS (BLACK FLETCHER BRAND) - amzn.to/3AQxW85
→ RUNNING PLIERS (METAL - SIMILAR) - amzn.to/3mj5aJ4
→ WHEELED GLASS NIPPERS (SIMILAR) - amzn.to/3CXDWxC
→ MORTON GLASS CUTTING GRID (SIMILAR) - amzn.to/3AUi58H
→ ALUMICUTTER RULER - amzn.to/3iQIi1E
→ STAINED GLASS VARIETY PACKS - amzn.to/3gbArK9
→ STAINED GLASS ORGANIZER - amzn.to/3CWyECr
JULIE’S FAVORITE MOSAIC TOOLS
→ WHEELED GLASS NIPPERS - amzn.to/3EFWQdT
→ GLASS CUTTERS*
PENCIL GRIP - amzn.to/3r65I7b
PISTOL GRIP - amzn.to/3u6oAFk
THOMAS GRIP - amzn.to/3rZ4Ss3
→ *GLASS CUTTER OIL (you need this for any of the above-mentioned glass cutters) - amzn.to/3KSOsdt
→ RUNNING PLIERS - amzn.to/3rZ07yK
→ TILE NIPPERS - amzn.to/3GSfgZZ
→ ELECTRIC GLASS GRINDER - amzn.to/3NorQCq
→ SANDING STONE - amzn.to/3NoF9Db
→ WAFFLE GRID GLASS CUTTING BOARD - amzn.to/3LGWSnJ
→ NON-SKID RULER - amzn.to/3ELwBCO
→ METAL TOOLS & PICKS - amzn.to/3Lgp9Ce
→ TWEEZERS - amzn.to/45tS7b3
→ PALETTE KNIFE - amzn.to/3lBJs1z
→ WORKSHOP BRUSH - amzn.to/3Ggg5LU
JULIE’S STUDIO BACKGROUND - MATERIALS ORGANIZATION:
→ PLASTIC BINS (small) - amzn.to/3DhY3Hh
→ PLASTIC BINS (large) - amzn.to/3mp0yBA
→ HEAVY DUTY PLASTIC BINS - amzn.to/3gqhrIe
→ LABEL MAKER - amzn.to/3D7Gfyj
→ ZIPPER ‘FREEZER’ BAGS - amzn.to/2XEheKK
→ INTERLOCKING CONTAINERS (SMALL) - amzn.to/30TcL90
→ INTERLOCKING CONTAINERS (LARGE) - amzn.to/32z4303
#julieweilbacher​ #mosaicmadness

[@lizjoe21750]

Your nails are always so perfectly manicured! I gave up on attempting to keep nice nails because I always manage to mess them up, LOL. Whether it's because I used my fingernail to scrape glue or thin set off of substrate, or a piece of glass became stuck while I was picking it up, my nails always look like they've been chewed by a wolverine. 🤣

[@ferdicasdicas6142]

Thank you for all those info! I’m loving your channel!!!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Awwwww, thanks so much Ferdicas! That's so nice to hear. There's lots more mosaic to come! Glad you found us!

[@carmencolunga773]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Carmen! You're welcome....and thanks for watching! It's great to hear you enjoyed the video. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@dreadrogue549]

So cool!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Thanks so much Bud! Glad you liked it.🙌

[@Cjv123]

Your vids are awesome! Thank you for posting such great content! ❤

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Awww, thanks so much!😊 It's great to hear you're getting value from my videos. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@martyjohnson7730]

Thank you, thank you and thank you! Can't wait to get started.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Marty! YAY! You're going to love working with stained glass. So many possibilities and the sound the glass cutter makes as it's scoring the surface tension is so satisfying.😂 Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!

[@damarisdiaz-gormley7745]

Thank you so much for putting this video out for beginners! It was very helpful! 👍

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Damaris! Thank you for your kind words. It's GREAT to hear you got some value from the video and are ready to tackle cutting glass. It's addicting! Have fun with it! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@roseosullivan6553]

Hi, Julie. The variety of the glass is lovely. Take Care

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Rose, aren't those reds just WOW! Such variety, and this was only a handful of pieces. There's so much beautiful glass out there! And it's fun to work with. Thanks for watching.

[@lm5949]

The wheeled glass nippers were hard for me to use at first, but now i love them. Very versatile.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi LM! Dare I say, wheeled glass nippers are THE BEST?!? They do take some getting used to, but practice makes perfect.😂 Keep creating (and practicing!)

[@jkt4648]

Thanks very helpful.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hey Ken, thanks! Great to hear you enjoyed it! Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!

[@nirateller5603]

Thank you so much for this great video. I learned another technique.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

YAY! I'm so glad you got value from the video.😊 Experimenting is at the heart of mosaic. Keep creating and I'm thankful you're here!🔥

[@Bonnie-mc9zo]

I’m soooo happy I found you

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Bonnie987! I'm soooo happy you found my channel too!🙌 Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@Worrier629]

Hi Julie, I just want to thank you from India for making these primers. I8ve been making mosaics for a couple of years but still find them useful. Most of all though, I run a mentoring group on FB where I highlight your channel as a must watch. Also want to add that your explanation is always clear and easily understood.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Jyoti! Thanks so much for your kind words and support!! I greatly appreciate it. Keep creating (and mentoring!) and I'm glad you're here!

[@jjmm5878]

Julie - thanks for taking the time to share - your videos are well done. I'm really interested using mosaics for a person's face or a pet's head (e.g. dog). I'm seeking out direction on resizing a photo to fit the substrate, transforming the image into a mosaic pattern to use fiberglass mesh on top to create the piece (hope all that makes sense). I know this is a very specific need - I'm just curious if you have something on it or could direct me to a source. I didn't see anything from my search. John

[@floloprod4167]

nice job

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Thanks so much! Appreciate your feedback.

[@saharaservin4863]

Gracias❤

[@JulieWeilbacher]

De nada!💗

[@karengay8467]

Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorials. I do have a question and I don’t know if Is 0:14 0:14 anybody else is having the same problem. Is there a glue as good as Mac glue for glass on . any suggestions? I’m not exactly sure what that is what I was taught to use by my instructor, I’m doing a piece for my daughter’s wedding I have not been able to get an answer to this question. Thank you so much for any feedback.

[@allisonrossiter8319]

Thank you for this video! Can you use glass to make a floor mosaic?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Allison! There are lots of glass tiles that are strong and thick enough for you to use in a floor mosaic. However, I wouldn't suggest stained glass. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@timeenuf4200]

Hi. Can you tell me if there are any stain glass stores in southern California? I live just outside of L.A. Great video as always. I was wondering what I could cut glass on and now it's ordered and on its way. Thanks again.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Time Enuf! I would suggest doing a Google search for stained glass stores in your area. Sadly, many have closed over the years (even before the pandemic). If you aren't able to get to a store, I do list some resources below the video in the description. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@kyliebutterfly2966]

Hi Julie. How do you WASH your towel after nipping .... ie how do you (or do you) clean up the little shar's of glass from the towel (before washing it etc). Thanks Kylie

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Kylie! I take my towel outside and give it a really good shake (or 10!) before I wash it. Everything comes out in the wash!😂 And I only wash my mosaic tiles towels together....never with any of my other towels. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@debrashields4556]

I have probl ms cutting glass shapes to fill ll in the background. Tips would be great

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Debra! Any particular shapes in mind? What model of glass cutter are you using? Thanks for your video suggestion. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@donnialegg6077]

I have the wheeled cutter. I have seen compound cutters on a video. The straight edges caught my attention. Would they work on stained glass? Thanks

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Donnia! Compound tile nippers are made for thicker tesserae so there's a good chance the jaws wouldn't even touch the stained glass when closed. My suggestion for easy glass cutting would be wheeled glass nippers or a glass cutter. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@silviascotti4048]

Thank you for this video. I bought glass. I think my puppy jumped on the bag. The glass broke but it can be used. The glass was from Hobby Lobby.

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Silvia! I’m so happy you got some glass, and that hopefully your puppy is ok. Have fun with scoring and breaking. It’s a whole new world!✨ Keep creating and I’m thankful you’re here!🔥

[@silviascotti4048]

I am glad the bag saved him. I’m going to use the pieces. I have a room now to do the glass.

[@mybgbreyes]

Hi Julie Great video Can you tell me the name of that small disc breaking tool that you used on the cutting board (it was a small brownish colored disc with a separate handle) I’m not seeing it listed in your items list Since watching your video I have been searching for it high and low but I have no idea what it is called Can you provide the info? Thank you Sara

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi there! It's great to hear you enjoyed the video.😊 That little safety break disc is part of the Morton Glass Cutting System. I tried to find you a link but it's sold out everywhere. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@lynettechandler8088]

I’m interested in the cork-backed ruler. Is it in your notes?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Lynette! Ohhhh it's such a great helper when scoring glass. And yes, it's listed in the video description. Keep creating and I'm glad you're here!🔥

[@mashaleder]

Hello Julie, great video! Im looking for help. have decided to try glass mosaics. I got running plyers and sheets of glass. I cannot make it crack with the plyers. Since my experience is very limited, I do not understand whether the pliers are not good or the glass is too thick or I'm doing something else wrong. So I ordered different glass (Amazon bestseller) and more expensive plyers. And still no luck! After I make a cut with a pistol grip and take plyers, glass cracks in all ways and forms but not aligned to my cut. Any advice?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Masha! First, make sure your glass cutter has oil in it. Second, when scoring make sure you’re applying enough pressure as you move the cutter across the glass. You’ll be able to hear the cutter scoring the glass surface. Third, if your piece of glass is large then try the running pliers on one side of the score, then turn the glass around and try the pliers at the opposite end of the score. Keep going back and forth like this until it finally breaks. What you’re going through has happened to all of us at some point….you aren’t alone. Keep creating and I’m so glad you’re here!🔥

[@mashaleder]

@@JulieWeilbacher Julie, thank you so much for your reply! I think the problem was that I didn't use oil. It got much better! Can you advise on the best glue to use with glass? I got Weldbond glue and it leaves white stains on a see-through pieces... Any advice?

[@lindahobster7480]

Do you grind the edges of cut pieces please?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Linda! Yes, I do. This video will show you different ways to smooth edges: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6OudpqtpaylZ5Y. Keep creating and I'm thankful you're here!🔥

[@alexaramo]

Hi. I am cutting mirrors now for a project. first time I am doing it. I am learning as a go, so far 4 mirrors are going to be pieces for a mosaic in the future. So..here is the thing: my mirrors are covered by a film of stick tape. I guess is to prevent the mirror to scatters when breaks, because the film is holding everything together. And I think this is my problem because I CANNOT cut the glass in a clean cut but in 2/3/4 pieces and not straight. DO you thing it's the film or it's me not cutting it correctly? please help!!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Samantha! Here's a video I did on cutting mirror: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qom1inpjibelrc0. And yes, the film on the back could be part of the problem. It's hard for me to say without seeing it. What tools are you using? Watch the video, and practice on some of those smaller pieces which are breaking off. Scoring and cutting mirror can be different (more challenging) than stained glass because it's thicker and has a coating on the back. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@sandrakicklighter2735]

I notice you demonstrate cutting the glass on top of a plastic grid tray, can you talk about why you use that and where to find them?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Sandra! Ohhhh, a waffle-cutting grid.❤ My fave! This video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWbYaaawZp2Nedk) goes over all of the glass cutting surface options (pros and cons), including the waffle grid. You'll want to check the description listed under the video for a complete list and links to find everything discussed. Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@sandrakicklighter2735]

@@JulieWeilbacher thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Just want you to know I LOVE your videos!

[@JulieWeilbacher]

@@sandrakicklighter2735 That warms my heart! Thank you Sandra....I greatly appreciate your support!

[@sandrabarbera1222]

Hi Julie, am having a lot of frustration right now. I buy a sheet of stained glass. My wheeled tool is from hobby lobby. When I try to cut the stained glass it doesn’t cut it. I have to put it in sn angle and give me an uneven edge. 😖😖 what am doing wrong?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Sandra, I'm sorry to hear you're nippers aren't behaving. It may be that there's a pin up near the wheels that needs to be loosened or removed altogether. Make sure that the wheels are coming close enough together when you squeeze the handles, but aren't touching. Also, make sure the wheels are tight and not moving.

[@victoriabeatrizlara9775]

Hi Julie thanks so much for all your knowledge sharing there is another julie from Mazzoni mosaics you should check hre out :)

[@mz.crystalhunter1830]

Hi.. I'm not sure what it's called but I have been searching so long for item you placed the piece of glass on to cut. It's used to catch the smaller pieces of glass. Can you please tell me what it's called and where I can find one?

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Crystal! It's right here: amzn.to/3Jb6rur. I love mine! Keeps those little glass shards away from your hands and glass sheets. Enjoy! Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!🔥

[@mz.crystalhunter1830]

@@JulieWeilbacher Thank you SO much! I love all of your videos. I'm getting much better at this thanks to you. 💐👏🙂

[@carlalakins]

I was wondering why you aren’t scoring 10 lines in a row and then breaking? Also, I see that you only break at one end of the glass…. Unless it cracks and splits off early in the break. I was taught to apply pressure at one end of glass to start the “run”, (will hear a faint pop), then turn glass around to break completely. Will usually never crack and break away from score line. Have you ever tried this method when breaking your score lines? Btw, love you video’s. 😃

[@JulieWeilbacher]

Hi Carla! Thank you for your kind words. It's great to hear you're enjoying my videos.😊 I do use that method depending on how difficult the glass is that I'm scoring. Difficult is subjective.😂 Keep creating and I'm so glad you're here!