The Framers Forum

Hello all,

I am new to framing and have learned much already from readingthe threads.

I want to do glass-on-glass mosaics within a frame. I'm considering making my own frames to get exactly what I need, design and size-wise.

However, to start I've been advised to experiment with mosaics on old framed prints from thrift stores and garage sales....

But I'm wondering how to tell glass from acrylic when it's in the frame?

I would really appreciate any tips on how to tell the difference and any other info others would like to share to make my glass on glass mosaics successful. Thanks a lot.

Etcher

Glass is normally cold to the touch.

Not sure what glass mosaics involve, but if it's lots of small pieces of glass you are after, any picture framer would be more than happy to let you have as many as you like.

Thanks, Steve...I'll be taking their temperature, so to speak!

Prospero, thanks but generally, glass on glass entails colored glass, such as small pieces of stained glass (which is rather expensive...any cheap outlets would be appreciated!) glued to clear glass. It gives a stained glass effect in front of a light source/window without the soldering or copper hassle. PLUS, I think the mosaic effect is much more pleasing than the simplistic shapes one has to use to do traditional stained glass. So after years of doing mosaic on opaque surfaces (using opaque glass and ceramic tile on pots, stepping stones, etc), I'd like to give this a try.

Thanks so much for your feedback!

Etcher

Thanks. All is clear now.