Stained Glass hobby....?

Question

It looks like fun - I need a new hobby. Anyone able to share information regarding maybe a good way to start this and see if it is something I'd like to get into or if I could be good at it before I spend too much money? Any stained glass information you can share would be good. I've never done it before. Thank.

Answer 1

I have a friend who makes SMALL stained glass pieces...and let me tell you..it is NOT easy, and it is expensive!
Finding colored glass in the required thickness, and being able to weld the framing, precisely cut the glass with specialized tools and fit it into the frame, there is much more to it.
My advice, if you are a casula hobbyist, as I am, is to forget doing stained glass.
I "paint" glass, glassware, ect. and have a lot of fun doing it. Its creative, much easier, much less expensive and a good way to raise some extra cash or make a very special gift. It doesn't take any specialized tools, the "paints" arereadily available at any good craft store. You might want to look into it.
If you decide to try stained glass, here is a website I got from my friend...Good Luck!

Answer 2

I just started taking a class in stained glass. The class is cheap $10/class, 6-week session, but the instructor is having us buy all of the supplies ourselves.

Her list of necessary supplies include the following:
glass
glass cutter
cutter oil
grozing pliers
copper foil
flux
flux brush
solder
soldering iron
iron sponge
safety goggles

There is a stained glass supply store near me, but as I suspected, I was able to find supplies on Ebay for a LOT cheaper (soldering iron for $6 including shipping!) Some sellers offer beginner kits with almost everything you need to get started. I think with everything, you will need to spend at least $50 (my teacher said $100, but that's retail).

I imagine if you could find a class where you share supplies, that'll be the most cost effective way to do it. Or maybe post on craigslist asking if anyone in your area has done it and would be willing to give you a lesson.

If you want to teach yourself, I know there are lots of books out there--your local libary probably has some so you don't even have to buy them.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I just finished two different classes on stained glass, foil and lead. I thought it would be harder than it is. The expense is up to you , after a class,and you know how much or little you want to get involved, just buy the min.tools. Your only limits are your imadgination. ( the class I took was 75.00 for about 6 classes of 2 1/2 hrs each)
If you get serious, find other stained glass crafters and form a group to work and share together.
The best way to decide is to go to a stained glass shop and look at what they have made , ask questions, look at the books, etc..
You will be amazed at the great things you can make, I bet you would be good at it. Lots of luck.
LIL"M"

Answer 4

i'm in the same boat you are. i took a class at the local art gallery that has classes throughout the year during evenings and weekends. i took a one day 6 hour class and made a little cat suncatcher of ten pieces or so. so now i want to get started, my problem is no time (kids & work) the teacher told me a supply store not too far away that i purchases some of the basics, glass, cutter, copper foil, design book and i spent around $50. i still dont have a soldering iron but thats not hard to get. now all i need is time and space. the class i took taught the basics but it didnt teach much about cutting glass, i think thats more of learn by trial. delphi stained glass offer starter kits i think for around $100 that includes most everything you would need to get started. they also have small kits with the glass already cut for you. ive also found that glass crafters also offer more than everything needed. good luck

Answer 5

you could join this group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/glass-a-holicpublications/
to ask further questions. To get started out you need to spend under $400 to get all the supplies and equipment. If you can find used stuff even better! Go to ebay and type the words "Your Stained Glass Teacher" a store on ebay carries it for a good price and you will learn all you need to know plus more. The hobby is addictive and so many choices of things to make. Good luck
The other contributor talking about expensive glass and matching the thicknesses is just because she does not understand. You don't have to matc the thickness of the glass and you can make a small panel for under $10

Answer 6

Apart that is a fantastic Idea to do first stain glass classes , get your self couple of books on the subject , a place like Michal's have the hobby book, and familiarize your self with it , if you get into , you will need an assortment of tools , first and foremost is a glass cuter , it is like a pen with a small diamond wheel , that scores the top of the glass and bending it it brakes on the line , then you need a lead solderer with variable adjustable heat control , utility knife , small saw, pliers , hammer , and a water grinder ,it is a vertical grinder with a small diamond tip drum that grinds little curvatures that you will need during assembly . Any way it is a fun hobby that could turn profitable , good luck.

Answer 7

This question peaks my interest. At least one man on this planet has realized that simply taking an interest in what interests his wife could possibly be an aphrodisiac. Foreplay is more than just some pre-sex games. It's romance, it's making her feel excited and attracted, why else is dating so much more thrilling than marriage? Because we're being courted, romanced- even if it's all just a scam at least it's fun. I say set her up an area in the basement where she can go and practice her hobby, get away from the kids for some peace and quite: the relaxation in itself will boost her sex drive. It's no guarantee but I'd sure as hell have sex with my husband if he took one minute out of his self-involved day to take me to a place I could call my own.

Answer 8

Stained glass is fun but it is a very meticulous form of art.
you need to shape pieces of glass to 'fit' together close enough so that the thin line of heated lead is properly placed before it cools, then when the joints are all set, to 'pull' the soldering iron along to melt that narrow lead into a neat evenly-wide joining of the pieces of glass.
There's much more to it than that, but believe me when I say it takes a lot of experience to just learn the proper leading method.

Answer 9

Taking a class is a good start. If you love it, keep an eye out for people selling their equipment. The shop where I sell my pieces on consignment will sometimes have people wanting to sell their entire collection of tools and supplies. This can save you hundreds of $. I have tried both the foil method and the lead came method. I feel the foil method is easier. Also try out a few websites for good deals on equipment: Spectrum glass and Delphi glass are both large companies that will sell retail.

Answer 10

i would say take a class at a tech school first so you can do it hands on be fore you spend alot of money on it or just ask a glassworker if you can assist.