Creating Stained Glass Panels

Creating Stained Glass Panels
By Tracy Pridemore

Used in cathedrals to show glorious scenes of saints, and for animals and plants in other venues stained glass panels are beautiful works of art. Though complex looking, these stained glass windows are actually fairly simple, and with a little effort anyone can recreate the art.

The biggest concern when creating stained glass panels is of course safety. The art you are creating includes exposed glass edges, a hot soldering iron, chemicals, and power tools. If you keep safety in mind and maintain a well-organized workspace your hobby will be perfectly safe. As with most crafts you will need to acquire some tools and materials before you begin. You will need glass cutters to score the glass for breaking. As with most tools the higher quality cutter will cost more to purchase, but can make the difference between success and accidental breakage. Another glass specific tool you will need is a pair of combination breaker-grozer pliers. A glass grinder will be needed for making adjustments to glass edges after breaking. Mastering this tool can help your pieces fit together more precise, increasing your appearance quality. More material and tools will be introduced to you as we begin to construct a stained glass panel.

To get started grab the sheet of glass you will be working on with one hand holding the top edge and the other holding the bottom with the sheet in a vertical position. Never carry a sheet of glass in the horizontal position to avoid cracks and breakage! To place the glass on your workbench while vertical place the center of the sheet against the bench edge. Then roll the glass onto the table and slide completely onto the bench surface.

For your first project choose a novice pattern with a simple design and relatively short lines to score. You will need two copies of your pattern so trace the original pattern onto a sheet of standard paper and heavy pattern paper with a sheet of carbon. Assign numbers to each piece as a way of keeping track of your pieces as you create and build the project. Then use special glass pattern shears to cut your pattern out of the heavy paper.

Select one piece of your pattern and trace the shape onto your glass using a glass-marking pen. Do not forget to mark on the glass the number assigned to that piece of the pattern. Then you need to score the lines you traced onto the glass. Apply firm constant pressure with your glass-cutting tool and make one smooth cut along your line. After you score the line you will need to break the score. Some crafters opt to do this step by hand, while others use breaker-grozer pliers for the job. Either way apply a quick even pressure while doing the break to keep it as clean as possible. Continue to mark, score, and break until all the pieces of your project are created.

Starting in one corner of your project, next compare the glass piece you cut out with that piece in the uncut pattern. Mark any glass that crosses over the pattern lines and then use a grinder to remove the excess glass. Continue to do this to each piece until all pieces are the same as the pattern then place them within the assembly jig for the project.

For the foil wrapping step you need to ensure your hands and the glass are clean to ensure the tapes sticks correctly. Apply the foil wrap tape onto the glass edge with exactly the length of overhang on each side and work your way around the glass edge completely. Overlap the tape on the end about ¼” then crimp the foil over the glass edges. Complete this step by burnishing the foil smooth and then place the glass piece back into the jig.

The final step of your stained glass panel project will be to solder all joints together. Slowly move the hot soldering iron over all the seams coating the foil in solder. Once the initial side is complete roll the project over and solder the seams from the other side. Once you have all the seams covered in solder you should clean your project with a soft rag and glass cleaner. After cleaning the stained glass panel is ready to be proudly displayed for all to enjoy. When others comment on the beauty of the panel you can smile and say you did it all yourself!

Creating stained glass panels is a very fun and rewarding hobby, which can also become a little extra income if you are so inclined. There is so much to learn with stained glass, please take the time to seek out more learning resources than just a small article. To learn techniques and skills to improve your skill look into local classes and workshops. Also speak with artisans in your area, most are more than willing to pass on pointers to a fellow glass worker.

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Antique Authentic Tiffany Stained Glass

Antique Authentic Tiffany Stained Glass
By Sarah Freeland

When you think of the most beautiful and luxurious stained glass in the world, you should think antique authentic tiffany stained glass. Their stained glass has been gracing glorious churches and the most lavish homes for over 30 years. With a reputation like that, everyone who wants to experience the good life wants a piece of the most famous stained glass in the world. Here is how to get some for yourself.

If you can afford it, hiring tiffany experts to install antique authentic tiffany stained glass in your home is the best way to experience it. They can create gorgeous window panels, brilliant beveled sky lights, elegant picture windows, and even entire ceilings out of the beautiful stained glass. Imagine having blue stained glass above your indoor pool, a magnificent beveled sky light in your bathroom, or ornate picture windows lined in stained glass throughout your master bedroom!

Another great way to have antique authentic tiffany stained glass in your home is to purchase one of their famed tiffany lamps. These lamps have been adored for years by brides, antique collectors and families. They have been lovingly handed down to new generations. With so many designs to choose from these handcrafted lamps are the perfect addition to any home and will match any decorating scheme.

One place to purchase antique authentic tiffany stained glass lamps is through a certified authentic tiffany dealer. It is very important to find someone you can trust when you are purchasing authentic tiffany lamps. You should look for a quality shop; there are many available in all major cities. Or head to your local mall. Many high-end department stores are qualified to sell tiffany lamps. If you are unsure of your dealer, you should check with tiffany headquarters before buying anything.

Another option when it comes to tiffany lamps is to purchase copies. These knock-offs can be almost as beautiful as antique authentic tiffany stained glass lamps is you find one that is good quality. You can find these imitation lamps on ebay.com and in pawn shops and antique stores. Some department stores might also sell replicated tiffany stained glass lamps. Just be sure you know what you are getting. If you are shopping in person you should thoroughly inspect the lamp for quality. If you are shopping online, make sure the seller offers a good return policy.

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Stained Glass Suppliers

Stained Glass Suppliers
By Sarah Freeland

There are many good reasons to contact a stained glass supplier. Perhaps you want a small stained glass window put into your new home to add light and color. Or maybe you've moved into an old home, but unfortunately, all the stained glass windows have long since been removed or destroyed. Or maybe you are building a new luxurious home or home addition and would like to enhance the house with stained glass creations. An experienced stained glass supplier can make any of these things happen.

If you’ve moved into an old home and found that the previous stained glass is no longer there, then you know how terribly sad that can be. Of course, vintage stained glass can never really be replaced, but sometimes recreating the stained glass that was there previously can make you feel a little better and restore the home to its original state. If you’re lucky enough to know what kinds of stained glass designs were in the home at one time, then you can call a stained glass supplier right away. If not, you should do some research. Find out exactly what types of stained glass were used in homes the year yours was built. The library is a great resource for this project. Your stained glass supplier might be able to help you there too.

When you decide to add stained glass to a new home, you are making a great choice. Whether you choose to put a lovely horizontal stained glass window pain in the living room, or add a stained glass border to a window in the master bath, you’re sure to be pleased with the results. Carefully choose a stained glass supplier and you’ll have a great first experience with the world of stained glass windows.

If you’re building or adding onto a luxurious mansion, you should consider the use of stained glass. Building a pool room? Stained glass windows and ceilings look absolutely amazing above and around water. Or truly make a master bedroom glow with a gorgeous beveled sky light above the bed. You can also incorporate large stained glass window panels above floor to ceiling windows to enhance a perfect view. Contact a stained glass supplier with experience in the luxury field to get more ideas or to get started.

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Faux Stained Glass

Faux Stained Glass
By Eddie Tobey

Faux stained glass is not the real thing, but a synthetically manufactured look-alike. The cost and effort involved in real stained glass can be daunting. If you are not ready for the real material but would still like to have pieces that can be admired by your friends and add to the décor of your home, faux stained glass is for you.

If you opt for faux stained glass, you still have to do some work. First of all, you will have to decide on the design. Next, you’ll need the glass, bonding materials, and the patterns. Finally, you’ll need cutting and burnishing tools.

Clean the glass with a good solvent, such as an ammonia solution. Ensure that the surface of the glass is smooth and even. Lead is the preferred bonding material because it is easy to work with and is long lasting.

The actual procedure involves the application of the lead adhesive and making out the patterns. The edges are then burnished and smoothed, and the film or other synthetic material is applied. If you have obtained a ready-made pattern, you’ll have to simply apply it. If you are using a film and intend to cut out the pattern on the glass, you’ll have to first stick the film and cut out the patterns. Allow a couple of hours for the adhesive to dry, and your faux stained glass is ready.

The above-mentioned steps are a broad overview of what you’ll need to follow to create your own look-alike stained glass. You’ll have to take detailed instructions from the manufacturers or from other specialists before you undertake the job.

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Stained Glass Tools

Stained Glass Tools
By Eddie Tobey

A number of specialized and highly honed tools are required for working with various kinds of stained glass. These tools help assist an individual in marking, cutting, smoothing, and soldering the glass. Outlined below are some of the more important tools required.

Glass cutters consist of a metal wheel supported by a brass bearing; these are is an important tool. The wheel may be made from different materials such as steel, carbide, or tungsten. The handles offer a choice of different shapes. Glass cutters are available at local hardware stores.

Glazing knifes are used for cutting the lead. Standard professional glazing knives are normally used. If you are on a low budget, you can use a putty knife or any other standard knife. You will need to shape the blade into a thin curve and keep the blade sharp.

Although ordinary pliers can do the job, special grozing pliers are preferable. Grozing pliers apply even pressure on the glass and prevent cracking. Pattern shears are required for preparing paper patterns. A less expensive alternative can be an improvised shear made out of razor blades.

A soldering iron, preferably with temperature control, is another important tool. A soldering iron is available at local glass stores. An electric grinder is used for smoothing the edges of cut glass. A worktable or board and brushes for cleaning are other requirements.

Apart from the above, you will also need a number of small tools and supplies such as cleaning solution, tracing paper, pencils, razor blades, scissors, hammer, nails, adhesive paper, etc.

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Bleeding Heart Stained Glass Pattern

Bleeding Heart Stained Glass Pattern
By Sarah Freeland

Have you ever heard of the term "bleeding heart"? You may think of many things when you do, but this article isn't about liberals or suicide, it's about the famed bleeding heart stained glass pattern. If you've ever wondered the true origin of the words bleeding heart, you are in the right place.

The bleeding heart stained glass pattern originally comes from a flower. The dicentra genus has about 20 species of flowering plants native to Asia and North America. The name bleeding heart is used to describe many of the species, because of the flower that grows on the plant. The flower resembles the shape of a heart with a drop falling from it. These flowers are usually pink, red or white and although they may be different sizes, they are typically a small blossom. This flower is so lovely and strange that it inspired stained glass workers early in Victorian times to reproduce its image.

The very unique flower inspired many stories and folklore. Legends of a princess who wept for her prince and stories of unrequited love and suicide are often echoed when people see the flower. But the greatest thing the flower spawned is the bleeding heart stained glass pattern. This pattern lived through hundreds of years and is truly the legend worth remembering.

Floral patterns were always popular in Victorian stained glass art. No one is really sure who first started producing the bleeding heart stained glass pattern, but it shows up in many Victorian-era homes and is still popular today. The pattern might vary from one stained glass panel to the next. Often it resembles the flower very closely. Other times it is quite different, where the artist has used it as more of an abstract guide.

The bleeding heart stained glass pattern is a great pattern to use in your home. Its bright colors and unique shape are true to the Victorian-era stained glass trend. When you are shopping for stained glass, consider this unique and historically rich design. And when your friends ask about it, you can tell them all about the history of the true “bleeding heart”.

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Mission Style Stained Glass Panels

Mission Style Stained Glass Panels
By Sarah Freeland

Mission style has a very wonderful history, dating back to Spanish missions and drawing influences from Mexico, California and Santa Fe. This simple style uses lovely dark wood and clean lines. It is still very popular today because of the way it so seamlessly blends function with style. If you choose to use mission style furniture and decorating techniques in your home, you should know that mission style stained glass panels are available. Using the extra touch of stained glass, you can really pull a room together.

Mission style stained glass panels tend to be very different from regular stained glass. One of the biggest differences is the color. Mission style is very subtle; it takes a lot of its inspiration from the earth, specifically the desert. The colors of mission style stained glass are usually brown, gold, and amber. Occasionally you might also find green, red, or rich orange. These colors are meant to go perfectly with simple dark wood furniture and earthy tones.

Another one of the biggest differences between mission style stained glass and other stained glass is the designs. While Victorian and religious stained glass is mainly designed with animals, deities, floral arrangements and elaborate scenes, mission style glass is much simpler. The designs you will find in mission style stained glass panels are shapes, tribal designs and sometimes an arch or mountain. Often, these designs will evoke Native American influences, a tribute to our American Ancestors.

If you are interested in the mission style, you should consider using stained glass in your home. You might choose to go all out and have mission style stained glass panels installed. If you aren’t quite ready for the commitment or price tag that comes along with this, however, you can still use mission style stained glass in your home. Consider purchasing a lamp with this design. That way, you can enjoy this unique stained glass on a much simpler level.

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