Large Glass and Concrete Suncatcher
Introduction: Large Glass and Concrete Suncatcher
As a lifelong lover of glass, I wanted to bring a bit of color into the garden without too much risk of it breaking. If only there was a substance to secure delicate pieces of glass, to ensure the sunlit reflections would be there not only during spring and summer, but well into the other seasons. Nothing is as beautiful as a vibrantly colored display in the dead of winter. This sounds like a job for glass and concrete!
Using a mold, frame, or other way to contain concrete long enough for it to set, various cylinders or bottles of glass may be embedded into the concrete to permanently secure it.
These suncatchers are designed to be upright, not used as stepping stones, though they can be laid down on the ground, if you are certain no one will walk or stand on them. You can lean them against a tree, a fence, or other secure place that would still allow the light to shine through. You might even want to place larger stones as wedges to keep the suncatcher from rolling, should you decide to leave it freestanding on its edge.
One of my dearest Facebook friends whom I've never had the pleasure of hugging in real life, is a big part of the inspiration for this Instructable. Be sure to read Step #15 for more about this wonderful lady, <PERSON>. She is so amazing and talented, I can't possibly give her props and kudos in a brief introduction.
So, on with the project!
If you can mix a cake, you can make a version of this Concrete Suncatcher. The bottles don't have to be cut, but could instead be placed vertically, partially submerged into concrete before it is cured. Once the suncatcher is removed from the mold and placed upright, the bottles won't fall out, and the sun will shine through the glass.
You could also use a tile saw, as I did for this Instructable, to make glass bricks or blocks, sinking various shapes and colors into the wet concrete.
I'm already getting carried away, so let's move on to the Instructable!
Step 1: SAFETY FIRST!
First and foremost, I cannot stress safety enough!
When working with glass, saws, and even cement / concrete, safety should be a priority. You could easily be cut, scratched, or worse - severely injured. You might even develop a rash from the cement. Always, always be safe, wear protective gear, and think like a safety inspector.
Safety glasses - these safety glasses will help keep any stray splinters, shards, or slivers of glass from your precious eyes. For the best protection, be sure to use OSHA approved glasses. OSHA = Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Rubber, or other alkali-resistant gloves - There are many different types of gloves on the market. These gloves can be delivered to your door in just days, courtesy of Amazon Prime. 353
Cement poisoning is nothing to laugh about. Protection for your hands is very important when working with harsh materials. I developed a painful rash years ago while working with cement, and, stupidly - bare hands.
Below is an important quip from Study.com:
Cement poisoning can occur if the wet cement comes in contact with your skin. Dry cement contains calcium oxide, which isn't normally dangerous, but when it is mixed with water, it changes to calcium hydroxide, which is hazardous.
Your skin has a normal pH level of 5.5. Wet cement has a very high pH level between 12 and 13, which makes it caustic. A caustic material can burn living tissue like your skin. You might get wet cement on your hands and not notice any issue. But the cement has the ability to continue to burn your skin without further contact. By the time you may realize you have been burned, there is already a lot of damage done. Cement poisoning can cause dermatitis, which is a skin irritation that is red and inflamed with small blisters. Cement poisoning can also result in discoloration of your skin, which will progress to painful burns. The skin may become a dark blue color or may be red and inflamed. This will be followed by fluid-filled blisters and can progress to open sores and even amputation.
Dust Mask - Exercise great caution to be certain you do not inhale dust from the cement. While full head gear is not required, even an inexpensive mask will be of great help. If you do not have a mask, you can use a handkerchief, or in desperate measure, at least cover your mouth and nose with your shirt!
Inhaling high levels of dust may occur when workers empty bags of cement. ... Sanding, grinding, or cutting concrete can also release large amounts of dust containing high levels of crystalline silica. 353