From Tiffany lamps to cathedral windows, stained glass inspires some to buy, some to pray, and others to try their own hand at the craft. Although it may appear complicated, those who want to dabble in stained glass or even aspire to great stained glass creations may find it easier than expected to become a stained glass hobbyist.
Stained Glass Equipment
Getting started in stained glass is as simple as finding a supplier, either local or online. The most obvious necessity is the glass itself, usually available in various interesting textures, colors, sizes, thicknesses, shapes and clarities. One should go no further than this, apart from a good pair of safety glasses and some work gloves.
Next, a glass marking pen and handheld glass cutter are needed. A T-square or ruler will be handy for making straight lines and measuring for accuracy. Glass pliers, for breaking and running, are next on the list. A glass grinder is needed to smooth the edges of the cut glass and to refine the fit between pieces. Copper foil tape, a good alternative to lead for smaller or starter projects, may be purchased in different widths and cut with any household scissor. A fid is used for smoothing the foil tape evenly along the edges of the glass.
A soldering iron, solder and solder flux are next on the list. It is important to find a flat, stable surface, preferably covered with cork or flat carpet. Electrical tape, horseshoe nails and/or pushpins may be used to stabilize the glass pieces while soldering them. There are a number of other optional types of equipment to add as desired, such as certain cleaning supplies, patinas, wax, a glass saw and other helpful tools. Once comfortable with copper foiling techniques, it is possible to venture into the use of lead.
Stained Glass Patterns
Stained glass kits and pattern books are available from numerous online sources. Projects range from simple panels, boxes, and jewelry to lamps and windows. One is also free to design original works. Many catalog and online stained glass suppliers offer interesting kits and pre-cut glass pieces, including pre-cut mirrors, for use by the stained glass hobbyist.
Once all the appropriate supplies have been assembled, there are many very easy-to-follow stained glass instructional books. Complete with photos corresponding to each step of the process, these books make jumping into the art of stained glass much easier than it appears. Then the fun begins!
Source
- Weiner, Kay Bain. Stained Glass. (New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 1994), 25-35.
Heather Cowden - Heather Cowden, a Doctor of Optometry, is new to the site. Although she has always immersed herself in the sciences and enjoys the ...
