Lots of artists have been taking the decorative lantern and adding their own flair. Either stained glass or fused glass, those lanterns can become spectacular. So, how do you measure the fit?
Math has never been my thing, so I usually use the factory glass as a template for size. But, what I have learned is you need to keep all sides except the door about an 1/8th of an inch smaller – at least. But be careful not to estimate to small. Why? Because if it is fused glass there is always the possibility that the glass will expand. For stained glass, you will possibly have solder along the edge .. not because you wrap the panel, but because you have joined glass together in your design. When the two panels meet at the corner in the lantern, the solder will sometimes (usually) take up space and your panels will not fit. If you estimate too small, well you can imagine the fit. I found this out the hard way.
Got any tips you care to share?
Classy Glass and Fineries 