Sun Catcher

[KarenM]

Hi All,
Can anyone help me out?  I am going to try to put together a sun catcher for a gift.  I have never made a round piece, and I am not sure how to finish the outside edge.  What do I use, and how should I use it?  It would obviously not work without a finished edge.  Thanks for any help.

[Kev]

Many just add a bead of solder on the edge.

You can also use hobby came to finish the edge. If you use the came, remember to leave a small amount of the solder lines going out to the edge unsoldered so the came will fit, and then finished the solder line attaching it to the came.

[Scooch]

Depending on the size, you can use zinc came as well.  It is a little harder to work with than the lead hobby came.  You can also finish the edge with regular edge beading, although this does not produce as smooth an edge.

[Glassic]

Or a Macarme/craft ring, I get mine from Hobby Lobby as Walmart seem to have stopped stocking them.
Fill it in, leave apertures, perch a bird or butterfly, whatever.
You will need to sand it for tinning if you want the patina to take.
This one is in my album but it wont hotlink as an image.  http://artisansofglass.com/index.php?action=mgallery;sa=media;id=668

[PiscesGlass]

I've also finished the edge of round pieces with chain, the type you'd use to hang the piece wth.  You'd need to solder at least every other link for it to be stable.  Another edge finishing technique would be to use ball chain.

Both are attractive on round panels.

De

[Malinda]

I sometimes twist copper wire and wrap around soldering it to joints to attach it OR twist lead and do the same, solder it periodically to attach it. Please share a picture if you can when it's done.

[KarenM]

Thanks everyone!  Lot's of great sounding ideas.... I will have to figure out which one to try first.  Really liked your sun catcher Glassic.