Stained Glass

It is easy to tell when I am procrastinating because those are times when I feel extra-inspired to update my blog. Right now, I would rather not think about my impending move and the associated packing/organizing, so I figured I should tell the world about my attempts at stained glass art.

Circa October 2004, I walked into a stained glass store and signed up for the beginner class. My first project (The Star) got my feet wet & was a good introduction to the basics -- scoring glass, copper foiling, soldering, etc. During that class, I also made my first 3D object, a lampshade. This blurry picture is the only picture I have since this piece is currently half-way across the world . . .


I have found that many stained glass designs are either too floral, too medival or too religious for my tastes, so I was glad to find a book of designs by Kimberlee Lynch ("Clearly Abstract Art For Glass). I brought one of these designs to life.

After this, I tried my hand at designing my own piece in a leaded window (it looks like an eye!). I had some fun with sandblasting, gluechip glass, cementing, etc. For people who are thinking about trying it, this is an expensive hobby and if you are like me you will have a hard time giving away your pieces. As for the pros, I cannot decide what factors contribute most to my enjoyment. I suspect the proximity to toxic chemicals (the lead, the solder, various agents), the danger involved in cutting glass and using the hot iron or the heady fumes all play a part.











The finale was when I was able to force all the pieces for my leaded mirror into place. . .