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Making the Cherry Blossom Andon



Selecting stained glass for andon constructionSelecting Glass for the Background


The design for this andon was inspired by the beautiful blossoms of spring and was designed using a computer.  Copies of the design were printed out to make the pattern (cartoon) and pattern pieces.  When the pattern is laid out and the paper pattern pieces have been cut, it’s time to select the glass.  Here you can see further in the process.   The cut pieces of the background glass have been laid out on the pattern.
           

 

Selecting the glass for the background is a critical decision that shapes every glass choice that follows.  This is Youghiogheny glass, which has a beautiful flow of color that suggests flowers and leaves in the background.  This sheet of glass has a dynamic energy that creates movement in the piece.   I selected a continuous sheet that would flow around the andon.  The solid piece for the back panel was the most exciting section of the sheet and can stand alone.  Notice that the back panel has a curved cut out.  This will vent heat out of the andon when it is lit.



Layout of background glass in andon construction
Background Glass Layout
Glass is Cut and Fitted to the PatternGlass is Cut and Fitted to the Pattern

Next, the glass for the flower petals is considered with shading in mind.  Sections of different shades are selected for each flower.  Uroboros and Youghiogheny glass was chosen to create a play of light on the petals.  A light table is used to view the pieces of glass with light coming through.  As the cutting progresses, many pieces need to be re-cut due to breakage and changes in color choice.

Then the glass for the tree trunk and branches was selected.  Wissmach glass was selected for the swirling dark brown lines that suggest tree bark.  The pattern pieces were placed around several large sheets of glass to find just the right movement of color and texture.

After cutting, each piece is laid on the pattern and adjusted for a close fit.

Each Piece is Wrapped in Copper FoilEach Piece is Wrapped in Copper Foil

A thin layer of copper foil is applied to the edges of each piece and returned to the pattern.

Copper Foiling pieces of glass for the Cherry Blossom andon
Copper Foiling
Copper foiled flower piecesCopper Foiled Flowers



Foiled pieces are carefully placed back on the pattern.

PictureChecking the fit after copper foiling



The Foiling and fitting continues until all the pieces are in place.

Tiny Copper Foiled Pieces
Tiny Copper Foiled Pieces
Foiled pieces of stained glassFoiled Pieces of Stained Glass

Soldered Stained Glass PanelsSoldered Panels





Each of the panels is then soldered and cleaned.

The edges of each panel are wrapped in copper foil.

Copper Came is opened to 45 degreesOpening the Copper Came



Copper came is opened to 45 degrees with a fid.
This will form the corners of the andon.


The four sides are then tacked or taped  together to form the  light box.




Fitting the Glass Box to the Oak BaseFitting the Glass Box to the Base. Duct Tape Holds Panels Together




The box is tack soldered or taped and fitted to the box bottom to make sure it fits.

Tiny adjustments can be made to the box if necessary.

Then the copper corners are fitted and soldered.



Checking the Fit of the Andon LidChecking the Fit of the Andon Lid







The lid is checked for correct fit

Fitting and soldering the copper came at the corners of the andoneFitting the Corners



The copper came is fitted and soldered to the corners at each solder joint on the panels and to the copper foil on the back panel

Patina and wax are applied to the andonPatination



Copper corners are soldered on.

A lead edge is soldered to the top and bottom of the box.

Patina is applied to the outside and inside of the box.  It is then carefully cleaned and waxed.

Fitting Stained Glass Glass Inside the LidFitting Glass Inside the Lid

A selected piece of glass is cut and fitted inside the lid and secured with tiny wood dowels

Wiring parts for andonWiring Parts




Wiring and clips on the andon baseWiring and Clips


Clips are screwed into the oak base at points that will meet solder lines of the andon.  Wiring is done before the stained glass is attached.

Attaching Glass to ClipsAttaching Glass to Clips


Clips are soldered to the seams on the inside of the andon.

Cherry Blossom Andon  by Jo Perez
Cherry Blossom Andon by Jo Perez
©  Copyright Jo Perez Dark Hollow Stained Glass.  All rights reserved 2014 
No work or photographs may be reproduced without permission.
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