Stained Glass Panels

I see really cool shapes of glass bowls and vases that would make for really cool stained glass lampshades. I don't want to just mosaic glass pieces onto them, I want to make copper foil method lampshades. I can't use the glass bowls/vases themselves as molds obviously because the glass would crack when I soldered the pieces together. Any ideas on materials to use and how to go about making a mold? Think it can be done?

coat the outside of the object you are molding with some sort of grease or oil (just enough to prevent sticking). Then cast the object in plaster (the quick dry or medium dry at room temperature works best). You may want to cast one side at a time so you can easily get the plaster mold off without breaking the glass. Then once you cast each side put the two sides together, seal them using more plaster, now you have a mold.

You might try an architectural salvage yard if you are looking for something vintage as opposed to new. There is also a reasonable craft paint "Gallery Glass" that drys translucent and looks like real stained glass and they also have a liquid lead. I've done that on old picture frame glass and hung them in my window. It can be applied vertically or horizontally and should be used indoors and it is remarkably durable.

Stained glass panel is 37.5" high x 23.5" wide. Will install it as part of a window treatment (incorporated as part of a custom-made window). Will not be suspended and needs to be framed prior to incorporating it to the window itself. Thanks for your prompt response !

I guess I would make 2 standard frames and sandwich the glass in between them.

It may be hard to get a perfect and secure fit without breaking the glass, especially if you don't have all the proper tools…

Maybe this is a job for a professional framer!