Tips for the Beginning Stained Glass Artist

In the years I’ve been making stained glass, I’ve learned many do’s and don’ts. Some of the knowledge I learned from others, but most of it was just through experience.

Here are a few tips I’d like to pass on to the beginner . . .

Using quality equipment is important. Don’t skimp when it comes to soldering irons, glass cutters, and quality solder. However, popsicle sticks are one of my favorite tools.

Start with an easy pattern. Straight cuts are much easier to cut than curved. Try to keep your pattern under 20 pieces. Once you master the basics, it’s the same process whether you’re making a 20 piece work or a 200 piece work.

In the beginning, work with an existing pattern—there are literally thousands out there. Cutting your glass to match your pattern is important and will save you lots of headaches later on. When you’re comfortable with the construction process, you can create your own patterns.

Pick the right glass. When you first start cutting glass, practice on scrap window glass… it’s cheap and easy to cut. For your first project, try using cathedral glass as it cuts relatively easy. You’ll be tempted to get some of the beautiful opalescent and antique glasses, but it takes a lot of practice to get good cuts.

Follow the safely rules. Always wear protective glasses when cutting glass. It’s very easy for tiny shards to fly through the air and into your eye. Wearing work gloves are good for avoiding cuts, but they can be cumbersome. Just be careful of the edges on the glass. Finger cuts are part of the process, so keep lots of band-aids on hand.

Take Your Time. Make accurate cuts, use your equipment properly and safely, keep your work environment clean and use common sense. By doing so, you will make the process more enjoyable.

The internet is a wonderful source for information on stained glass. Check around and see if there are classes you can take because it can be more comfortable and fun to learn with others. Remember, there is no progress without experiencing failure!

To view our most recent stained glass creations, visit us at our website.