I've been creating stained and leaded glass windows and hangings since I was twelve. My mom taught me this craft. My mom is the real professional and now has her own stained glass studio/business called Absolute Glass. She took one five week class and has been doing stained glass work ever since and so have I. "A hobby gone wild", as my mom likes to say.

The first step to creating a piece of stained glass is the design. Drawing up a design may sound easy enough but glass has its limitations, unless you have a band saw. To make the process easier especially for a beginner you need to keep it simple making each shape cut-able. Straight lines are easy but the curves can throw you off. If a piece breaks wrong, redrawing and cutting can become a hassle.

The part I used to like the most was soldering because it was the last stage. Now I find I like cutting the glass a little better because I can see how the piece will look and I don't cut myself as often as I used to. Stained glass is real physical work.

I've learned many different ways to use and manipulate glass. From basic methods of cutting, foiling and soldering to advanced methods using a kiln, which include: fusing, slumping and painting. For thirteen years I've been working with glass but my favorite part overall is being able to share it with my mom.

If you would like more information about stained glass here are a few references you can use:

"Stained Glass Basics techniques, tools and projects" Sterling/Lark
ISBN 0-8069-4877-9

"Stained Glass for the fist time" Sterling
ISBN0-8069-6829-X