Making Process - How We Create Our Stained Glass Art

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How We Create Our Stained Glass Art


1. The first thing we do when we want to make a stained glass piece is draw a design. We have learned from experience how to make shapes and lines that will work for stained glass. Notice how the lines connect to each other.

2. The second step is to decide what glass we want to use for the piece. For example, we may choose a vibrant red to represent a cardinal or a soft blue for a blue jay. The background glass is carefully selected for its texture and how it complements the main colors.


3. Then, it is time to start tracing the shapes onto the glass using pieces cut from stiff pattern paper. We carefully choose parts of the glass that have the color and texture that fit our vision for each section.

4. At this point, we use a glass cutter to carefully form the shapes as close to the traced lines as possible. Precision is important to maintain the integrity of the design.

5. Next, we use a diamond-head glass grinder to refine the shape and smooth the edges of each piece. This also gives the copper foil a surface to grip onto during wrapping.

6. This is when we put the cut glass pieces together to see if they fit properly. Adjustments are made if a piece is too small or the color does not match the vision for the design.

7. When we are satisfied with the fit, we carefully wrap the edges of each glass piece with sticky-backed copper foil. The copper foil acts as the surface that allows the solder to connect the glass pieces.

8. Using a hot soldering iron, solder, and flux, we join all the pieces together on both sides of the artwork. Hanging rings or magnets are added during this step if required. The piece is then cleaned thoroughly.

9. Finally, we apply a patina to darken the solder lines, and the piece is polished. The finished stained glass artwork is now ready to hang, display, or give as a gift.