How to Make a Cardinal Ornament Suncatcher Kit (Fused Glass Screen Printing Tutorial)

This tutorial shows how to make a fused glass cardinal ornament and suncatcher using a screen printing kit, including step-by-step instructions, painting details, and finishing techniques.

What This Kit Makes

This kit allows you to create a fused glass cardinal ornament or suncatcher using screen printing techniques. The finished piece features a printed branch design with a layered red cardinal, making it ideal for holiday ornaments, memorial gifts, or handmade glass art projects.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Materials

Before starting, gather your materials:

• Clean glass (included in your kit)
• Silk screen stencil
• Rogue Screen Printing Paste
• Squeegee
• Paintbrush (or pencil tip for detail work)
• Kiln for firing

Tape your glass piece securely to your work surface to prevent movement while printing. See my full screen printing tutorial if you need further instruction.

Note: If you are using Bullseye glass, you will need to fire it so that it becomes flat, as opposed to the ridges it has when purchased. Screen printing of this type will only work on flat glass. 

Step 2: Mix Your Screen Printing Paste

Stir your Rogue Screen Printing Paste thoroughly until it reaches a smooth, honey-like consistency. This helps create an even, clean print.

Step 3: Prepare and Position Your Stencil

• Write a guide mark (ex: your initials) on the plastic carrier sheet (smooth side).
• Remove the stencil carrier backing to expose the adhesive side
• Place the stencil adhesive-side down onto your glass. See photos for approximate placement.
• Smooth it firmly to remove air bubbles

Step 4: Apply the Screen Printing Paste

• Place your glass against a top bumper or secure it in place
• Apply a bead of paste across the top of the stencil. Make sure the paste is the just a bit wider than the width of the screen print design you are printing.
• Hold your squeegee at a 45° angle above the paste

Pull the squeegee across the stencil in one smooth motion to transfer the enamel paste evenly across the design and onto the glass.

Step 5: Lift the Stencil

Carefully lift the stencil straight up from the glass to reveal your printed design. Avoid shifting the stencil as you lift it to help prevent smudging.

Step 6: Clean Your Stencil

Immediately clean your stencil using lukewarm water.

• Do not allow paste to dry in the mesh
• Blot dry with a lint-free cloth
• Replace the stencil onto its carrier sheet (with your mark/initials right sideup) for reuse

Step 7: Paint the Cardinal Details

Using your black screen printing paste:

• Paint the cardinal’s hood using a fine paintbrush
• If needed, you can use the end of a pencil dipped in paste for small details

Allow the painted details to dry completely before moving to the next step. You can speed this up by placing the piece on a warm kiln or hotplate. The paste is fully dry when it appears chalky rather than shiny or wet.

Step 8: Assemble Your Ornament

Carefully place your precut cardinal onto the printed ornament base. Make sure it is positioned where you want it before firing. I suggest drying your paste on your circle/oval before placing your cardinal on it. 

Step 9: Fire Your Glass

Allow the enamel to dry completely before firing.

Fire your ornament using the following schedule:

Schedule for COE 96 Cardinal Ornament

Ramp	Target Temperature	Hold
300F / 150C	1350F / 732C	10 minutes
AFAP	950F / 510C	1 hour

 

Schedule for COE 90 Cardinal Ornament

Ramp	Target Temperature	Hold
300F / 167C	1350F / 732C	10 Minutes
AFAP	900F / 482C	1 hour

 

Typical firing ranges for Rogue enamel paste are between 1100°F and 1450°F (595°C–785°C), depending on the fusing schedule you wish for your glass.  

Step 10: Attach the Jewelry Bail

Once your ornament has fully cooled:

• Apply a small amount of adhesive to the top back of the ornament
• Use one of the following:
  • Clear silicone
  • E6000
  • Clear 2-part epoxy

Allow the glue to cure for 24 hours, or according to the manufacturer’s directions for the adhesive you choose.

Step 11: Finish Your Ornament

• Thread a ribbon through the bail
• Hang your ornament and enjoy your finished piece

Your finished fused glass cardinal ornament is now ready to display or gift. Each piece is unique and handcrafted using your own screen printing and glass fusing techniques.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Cardinal Ornament Suncatcher Kit?

The kit includes 1 oz. of Jet Black Screen Printing Paste, 2 clear circles, 2 clear ovals, 4 precut cardinals, 2 silk screens, one 6-inch squeegee, and 4 jewelry bails.

Is this cardinal ornament kit good for beginners?

Yes. This fused glass cardinal ornament kit is designed to be beginner friendly and includes the materials needed to learn screen printing on glass and create a finished ornament or suncatcher.

How do I screen print the design onto the glass?

Clean your glass, place the adhesive silk screen stencil onto the glass, apply a bead of screen printing paste across the top of the design, and pull the paste across the stencil in one smooth motion using the included squeegee.

How do I paint the cardinal details?

Use Jet Black Screen Printing Paste and a small paintbrush to paint the cardinal’s hood. If needed, you can also use the end of a pencil dipped in paste for small details.

Do I need to let the paste dry before firing?

Yes. Allow the printed and painted paste to dry completely before firing. The paste is dry when it appears chalky rather than shiny or wet.

What firing schedule should I use for the Cardinal Ornament Kit?

For COE 96 glass: ramp at 300°F per hour to 1350°F and hold for 10 minutes, then go AFAP to 950°F and hold for 1 hour.

For COE 90 glass: ramp at 300°F per hour to 1350°F and hold for 10 minutes, then go AFAP to 900°F and hold for 1 hour.

How do I attach the jewelry bail to the ornament?

After the ornament has cooled completely, glue the jewelry bail to the top back of the ornament using clear silicone, E6000, or a clear 2-part epoxy. Let the adhesive cure for 24 hours or according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Can I use this kit to make both ornaments and suncatchers?

Yes. This kit can be used to make either a fused glass ornament or a suncatcher depending on how you finish and display the piece.

Can this be used as a memorial ornament?

Yes. The oval design with the cardinal and sentiment is especially popular for memorial ornaments or remembrance suncatchers.