Lynette Wrigley - Stained Glass Projects for Beginners

Published 2019IMM Lifestyle Books

www.IMMLifestyleBooks.com

IMM Lifestyle Books are distributed in the UK by Grantham Book Service, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 7XQ.

In North America, IMM Lifestyle Books are distributed by Fox Chapel Publishing, 903 Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552, www.FoxChapelPublishing.com.

2019 by Lynette Wrigley and IMM Lifestyle Books

Produced under license.

The patterns contained herein are copyrighted by the author. Readers may make copies of these patterns for personal use. The patterns themselves, however, are not to be duplicated for resale or distribution under any circumstances. Any such copying is a violation of copyright law.

Stained Glass Projects for Beginners is a collection of new and previously published material. Portions of this book have been reproduced from the following books: Step-by-Step Crafts Stained Glass (978-1-85974-230-0) and Stained Glass in a Weekend (978-1-85974-090-1).

Technical reviewer: Matt Kolenda, www.kolendaartglass.com

Print ISBN 978-1-5048-0104-1
eISBN 978-1-6076-5562-6

For a printable PDF of the patterns used in this book, please contact Fox Chapel Publishing at , stating the ISBN and title of the book in the subject line.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Wrigley, Lynette, author.

Title: Stained glass projects for beginners / Lynette Wrigley.

Description: Mount Joy : IMM Lifestyle Books, 2019. | Contains step-by-step projects designed for those that are complete beginners to stained glass making. Includes information on the essential tools and techniques, as well as many visual examples--Provided by the publisher. | Includes index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2018043585 (print) | LCCN 2018044773 (ebook) | ISBN 9781607655626 (ebook) | ISBN 9781607655626

Subjects: LCSH: Glass craft. | Glass painting and staining. Classification: LCC TT298 (ebook) | LCC TT298 .W754 2019 (print) | DDC 748.5028/5--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018043585

We are always looking for talented authors. To submit an idea, please send a brief inquiry to acquisitions@foxchapelpublishing.com.

Anyone who has encountered the beautiful stained glass windows displayed in cathedrals and churches will have marveled at the glorious colors of the glass and the skill of the craftsmen. Today, more and more people are discovering for themselves the rich and versatile craft of stained glass as an expression of creativity. Whether youre seeking a hobby or youre a seasoned artist turning to a new medium, youll find working with stained glass to be challenging and rewarding.

Stained glass is now a regular fixture on the craft scene. It is a medium used not only for creating windows, but also for all manner of decorative objects, from lightcatchers to mirrors to jewelry to sculptures. The glass itself is available in the most wonderful, diverse array of colors and textures. Although colors and types of glass are suggested for each project in this book, the choice is ultimately your own, so you can let your imagination go wild.

The aim of this book is to provide total beginners with the technique essentials and with helpful ideas for making gorgeous items for the home. It includes a variety of step-by-step projects that will allow you to achieve striking results. Selected to show a variety of decorative glass work, the projects range from small three-dimensional items to large, colorful mirror frames and windows. Read the Getting Started section before beginning the projects in order to familiarize yourself with the tools you will need and the methods you will encounter, including cutting glass, soldering, copper foiling, leading, and more. These basic techniques can be mastered with practice and a little patience.

If you have never cut a piece of glass before, do not be daunted. Whenever I teach weekend workshops on stained glass, I am constantly inspired by peoples ability and creativity. Once they realize the craft is not so difficult, their enthusiasm is boundless. There is a magic to stained glass that becomes irresistible once you begin working with it. I hope that this book inspires you, teaches you, and shows you the fascinating potential of stained glass.

There are surprisingly few special tools required to start working with stained glass as a beginner. However, these few tools are essential and worth investing in, because they will make the whole process of learning the craft easier and more enjoyable. Familiarize yourself with the tools and equipment and how to use them. Read through the safety checklist very thoroughly. When working with glass, use common sense and handle it carefully. Small nicks and cuts are inevitable from time to time, but you will rarely experience anything worse. Keep a first aid kit handy just in case.

Read this chapter carefully before you begin and refer back to it when making the projects for more detailed instructions on techniques such as cutting glass or applying copper foil. It is also a good idea to practice some of these techniques on scrap glass in order to build up your skill and confidence. Once you have mastered these techniques, you will be able to adapt projects to your needs and make your own unique pieces.

A stained glass supplier is the best source of materials and information about the many types of colored art glass that are produced. Many suppliers also offer a mail order service. However, until you are familiar with the wide range of colored glass that is available, try to visit a store first to see the varieties on sale. Glass can be divided into two main categories: antique glass and rolled glass, better known as cathedral glass.

The name of this glass does not refer to the age of the glass, but to the centuries-old technique by which it is made. Antique glass is blown by mouth as opposed to being machine-made. Glass is blown into a long cylinder. The ends are removed and a cut is made in the side. It is then re-heated and folded out into a flat sheet. Each sheet of antique glass is unique, having its own particular qualities, irregularities, and range of colors.

This name refers to glass that is made by machine rather than by hand. When the glass is in a hot, liquid state, it is rolled out onto a metal surface. There are many types of machine-made glass made by different companies, and each may have different cutting properties and characteristics. Here are just a few of the many types you will come across.

Most, but not all, opalescent glass is machine-made. It is characterized by its opacity, in contrast to the other types of machine-made glass, which are generally transparent. It is seldom one color; rather, it may be a mixture of whirling colors or streaks spreading throughout the sheet. It comes in various degrees of opacity.