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Stained Glass

The majority of stained glass that most people see is most likely to be depicting religious scenes. Buildings have for centuries used stained glass to show all types of scenes as well as abstract patterns to great effect. it was once common in front doors and window fan-lights and now appears to be coming back into fashion again.
You can buy ready-coloured glass, coloured plastics to fix onto the glass, or paint the glass yourself.
Glass paint is now available in a wide range of colours, as is self-adhesive lead to give a really expert looking finish.
You can get your ideas for stained glass from virtually anywhere; plants and flowers, wallpaper, book designs, in fact anything you think might look good as glass ornament.

The Victorians were great enthuiasts in the use of stained glass. Front door panels and windows are still widespread to-day; an enduring legacy of Victorian times.

Stained glass is an important part of Gothic style because of its obvious church connotations. Have panels commissioned, or make them yourself. Fake the effect with coloured acetates and gels (the kind the film industry uses). Cut out quatrefoils with a scalpel knife.

SIMPLE STAINED GLASS PROJECT FOR BEGINNERS

Things you will need:-

1. A pane of plate glass or a window you want to practice on. Double glazed units are not satisfactory to be used for stained glass or leadwork, but if thats all you have then by all means go ahead.
2. A heavy duty marker or felt-tip pen.
3. A ruler or straight edge to draw rhe lines.
4. Glass paint in five colors.(Dont try too many colors on your first attempt).
5. Rolls of stick-on lead. Measure how much you will need and whether you are going to lead both sides of the glass.

• Using your marker pen and straight-edge draw the desired pattern on the glass. It is a good idea to keep to straight lines at first because this will make it easier when you come to add the leading. remember that surplus lines can be rubbed off at a later stage.
• In step one, the diagonal lines in the center square are there to make the centering of the circle easier. You can use a cup or a drinking glass to draw the circle.
• You can have two circles in the center if you prefer; just use a smaller cup or glass to draw again inside the larger circle.
• In step two, color in the different sections with your choice of colors. Some glass paints may look very dark e.g. blue; so you might prefer to use the darker colors on the smallest sections.

The History of Stained Glass. Off-site link.