From Glass to Gorgeous: Making the Hummingbird Suncatchers

Earlier this month at Brick Street Market, my hummingbird suncatchers flew off the table—literally sold out before noon. With another event just around the corner, I knew I needed to carve out some time to make a few more of these charming stained glass birds.

It Starts with the Trace

A quiet morning is perfect for tracing out new birds. I reached for a purple glass I hadn’t planned on using. I found it in the scrap bin at Kokomo Opalescent Glass a few years back, thinking it would be great for flowers. But it never quite worked—until now. It turns out, this soft, subtle purple is just right for these minimalist hummingbirds.

Cutting Curves and Encouraging Glass to Cooperate

Glass prefers to break in a straight line. So when a piece has curves—especially tight, inside ones—it takes a little coaxing. I use a combination of tools, a glass cutter and special pliers, and sometimes a technique called tapping to run the score all the way through the glass.

Does it always work? Nope. Do I still try it on the trickier cuts? Absolutely. It's one of those moments in glasswork where experience, patience, and a bit of hope all meet.

Foiling (with a Little Help from an Old Marker)

Once the glass is cut, I start foiling each piece. If I had a dollar for every time I forgot my fid inside the house, I could probably fund my next glass haul. Fortunately, I’ve found that old markers work beautifully in a pinch. They’re the perfect size and weight for burnishing the copper foil tape. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done—and it's oddly satisfying.

Soldering and the Mood of the Moon

Soldering is a dance. It’s a step in the process that’s taken me years to get comfortable with, and even now, it has a mind of its own. The temperature matters. My mood matters. The phase of the moon? Maybe not, but I wouldn’t rule it out.

Each line of solder has to be smooth, even, and precise. And when it all comes together? There’s a moment of awe. That’s when it really starts to feel like a finished piece.

Dichroic Drama

Let’s talk about those wings. I used a limited-run, clear dichroic glass from Kokomo with their Mississippi texture—a ripple that catches and bends light in the most magical way. Depending on how you look at it, the wings shift color, adding movement and life to these little birds. The head and tail feature the same textured glass, but in a striking blue-green. It’s a tiny detail that makes a big impact.

And Then There Were Five

After a week of tracing, cutting, shaping, foiling, and soldering, the latest batch of hummingbirds is complete—just five suncatchers in this colorway. They’re simple, elegant, and filled with small moments of joy from every part of the process.  

Display Ideas & Thoughtful Gifting

These hummingbird suncatchers are lightweight and easy to hang—perfect in a sunny kitchen window, nestled among plants, or a beautiful addition to an office area. A simple cup hook or mini-shepherd's hook is all you need to let the light catch all that color and texture!

They make a lovely, meaningful gift. Whether it’s a sweet nod to someone who loves birds, a gentle sympathy gesture, or a cheerful reminder of spring, these suncatchers offer a moment of brightness. I’ve even had customers give them as gifts for moms, teachers, or long-distance friends. And yes, they’re small enough to tuck into a stocking come December.

Find your favorite before they fly away from TCAG!

Until next time,

Ailsa