Stained Glass Artwork is commonly found in restaurants, residential homes, and commercial businesses. The Metro Area of most Canadian cities is rich in glass art. Glass Art can be attributed to professional studios while many other pieces are created by part-time hobby artisans in a home studio setting. Art Glass groups are found in Schools and Community Centers across Canada. All that is required is a few tools, some glass supplies, a little instruction, and you too can be producing advanced-level stained glass art.
This Stained Glass Artisan Studio Kit can be customized to meet your specific needs. Choose between the Copper Foil Method or Lead Came Method or select both. Not sure of the difference, Read More here
Lead Came versus Copper Foil Method - The difference.
Lead Came Method
The traditional method for making stained glass uses lead came, long strips of lead shaped into a H or U channel. Most lead came bends easily for curved glass pieces. Most lead came is easily cut to size, glass fits into the channels of the lead, and all joints of the lead came are soldered together. Putty or cement can be applied to weather-proof and adds structural strength.
Lead Came Method Main Features
Art glass panels for windows
Art glass panels for doors
Art glass panels for cabinets
Geometric designs with long straight lines
Lead is more difficult to wrap around small glass pieces
Copper Foil Method
The Copper Foil technique was developed to allow for the construction of three-dimensional glass objects like lampshades. Copper Foil tape is applied to all edges of each glass piece. All pieces of glass, each wrapped in copper foil tape are laid together and then soldered together. The soldering covers all copper foil tape, front and back. Copper Foil method works better for intricate designs with small pieces like lampshades, suncatchers or panels.
Copper Foil Method Features
Lampshades of all shapes and sizes
Suncatchers of all shapes and sizes
Three-dimensional objects
Jewelry boxes and Jewelry
Intricate designs with small pieces
Foil tape is easy to wrap around small glass pieces
The Stained Glass Artisan Studio Kit follows the instruction methods and construction style introduced in the book, Introduction to Stained Glass. A Step by Step Teaching Manual which includes 17 Full-Size Patterns. Since 1985 this printed publication is the number one industry best-seller for Art Glass Copper Foil Tape and Lead Came instruction. View project details by Read More here
Project Number and Name
Construction Method
Degree of Difficulty. 1 low to 5 high.
Total Glass Pieces
Finished Size Height x Width. In Inches.
Square Feet of Glass per project
1 – Diamond Panel (Bevels)
Copper Foil or Lead Came
1
20
10 x 8
Not including bevels 0.50
2 – Sunset Panel
Copper Foil or Lead Came
1
8
10 x 8
1.50
3 – Butterfly Suncatcher
Copper Foil
1
5
7 x 4
0.6
4 – Rainbow & Cloud Suncatcher
Copper Foil
2
6
4 x 9
0.6
5 – Standing Angel Suncatcher
Copper Foil
2
8
6.5 x 3
0.50
6 – Dove Suncatcher
Copper Foil
1
4
5 x 6
0.50
7 – Fruit Cluster Suncatcher
Copper Foil
2
7
4 x 5.5
0.25
8 – Six Sided Flower Pot
Copper Foil
2
13
6 x 5
2.00
9 – Eight Sided Flower Pot
Copper Foil
2
17
6 x 7
2.50
10 – Traditional Cone Lamp Shade
Copper Foil
3
24
12 sides. 7.5 x 13.25
2.50
11 – Classic Lamp Shade
Copper Foil
4
50
10 sides. 9.5 x 13.5
4.50
12 – Floral Lamp Shade
Copper Foil
5
45
10 sides. 9 x 12.5
4.25
13 – Floral Tray with Dividers
Copper Foil
3
18
10.25 x 8.25
3.00
14 – Floral Lidded Box
Copper Foil
3
18
7 x 3.5
1.50
15 – Sailboat Panel
Copper Foil
3
15
10 x 8
0.60
16 – Cattail Panel
Copper Foil
4
28
15 x 10
2.75
17 – Floral Panel
Copper Foil and Lead Came
5
67
15 x 10
2.10
* Total amount of glass needed to complete all 17 projects – approximately 30.25 square feet
Studio Kits include these Essential Must-Have Tools.
Cement/Putty Brush - aids in the application of putty, cement, and or whiting.
Cement DIY recipe and Info – Commercially made stained glass cement is currently not available.
Cement or Putty For Lead Came
Putty or Cement added to your finished lead came panel weather-proofs it for exterior applications.
Use Putty or Cement when installed panel is subject to movement, like in a door or cabinet frame.
Putty or Cement added to your panels increases structural strength.
Some lead came panels used inside may not require cement or putty.
Here is a recipe for cement that you can mix at home. This recipe has been used many times with great success by our customers and in our old learning center.
• Accurately measure and thoroughly mix ingredients to the consistency of putty.
• Consistency would allow cement to be pushed into the gaps of lead channel and remain in position.
• Lay panel flat and let dry, approximately 24 hours.
3 parts of Plaster Paris
3 parts Whiting
1 part boiled linseed oil
1 part paint thinner or turpentine
Step 6 – Customize Your Artisan Kit - Select some Glass
Project 2 - Colored and or Clear Art Glass – 2 pieces: 6x12" *
Project 2 - Colored Art Glass – 3 pieces: 3x5" *Glass supplied for Project Number 2 will not be color-matched to the design. All glass sizes may be over/under but enough for both projects. The selection of art glass is made with the artist in mind.
Step 7 - Other Important Essentials Found at Home
Prepare for your Art Glass Learning Experience. Have ready these household items, recommendations are from the included teaching manual.
Items in hyperlinks are available on this site. Click to review and Add to Cart if needed.
Workboard
Safety Glasses are an essential safety aid
Adhesive Waterproof Bandages. Best to keep cuts and nicks clean and covered.
Drawing Equipment – pencil, eraser, ruler, etc.
Straight Edge or Yardstick - glass cutting aid
White bond glue – Elmer’s style
Sharpie – for pattern drawing and modifications
Exacto Style knife – handy for multi-use scenarios
Masking tape – handy for multi-use scenarios
Black Electrician tape – handy for multi-use scenarios
Small glass dish for holding liquid soldering flux
Wire cutters to cut copper tinned wire
Needle Nose pliers – handy for multi-use scenarios
Scissors – for paper cutting
Finishing Nails, 3/4 inch – holds framing in place
Steel Wool (fine 000 or superfine 0000) – removes oxidation on solder and lead
All items selected will be added individually to your shopping cart, where you can see the price and modify the quantities.
We hope you enjoyed customizing your Stained Glass Artisan Studio Kit. Whatever you have chosen please rest assured your selections will be an excellent start in learning the necessary skills required to create unique and impressive glass art.