Stained-Glass Mosaic Kit

Stained glass transmits light — a stained-glass mosaic on a window (or a light box) glows where ceramic tile would block. It is the luminous mosaic, used for window panels, suncatchers, and backlit pieces. The glass scorer and the clear adhesive are the differences from the ceramic mosaic.

Score the sheet in one firm stroke with a glass scorer (a wheel on a handle, oiled), then snap the score with running pliers — the score is a controlled weakness that breaks cleanly. Curves need grozing pliers to nibble. Practice on scrap; the score-and-snap is a skill. Cut the tesserae to the pattern's shapes.

A clear adhesive (a UV-curing resin, a clear silicone, or a transparent mosaic glue) — the adhesive must not cloud the glass or block the light. Opaque adhesive would shadow the tesserae. The clear adhesive (and the transparent substrate) are what let the stained-glass mosaic glow.

Both — a grouted stained-glass mosaic (the grout in the gaps, like a tile mosaic) for an opaque-walled piece; an ungrouted, leaded-style mosaic (the glass joined by a came or a copper-foil) for a true window. The grouted is the easier craft; the leaded is the stained-glass traditional. Choose by the light and the look you want.