How to Make Stained Glass

Making stained glass is an ancient art made easier by the availability of glass supply stores where you can buy everything you need to get started. Taking a class or two is also recommended for beginners.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Create a Pattern for Your Stained Glass

1. Use a plain sheet of paper and colored pens, pencils or markers to draw a pattern for your stained glass. Pattern should be the same size as the finished window or hanging.
2. Try using basic shapes first, like squares, rectangles and triangles, which are easier to cut for beginners.
3. Use circles and other round shapes after you have mastered cutting straight lines.
4. Color the pattern on paper so it resembles what the finished product will look like. Experiment with different colors to make sure the finished project looks just how you want it.
5. Purchase the glass you will be using when you are satisfied with the drawing.

Putting the Glass Together

6. Determine what color glass to use.
7. Cut the glass.
8. Lay it on the pattern to be sure all pieces fit perfectly.
9. Trim the glass.
10. Weld the glass.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you are more experienced, you can make patterns that are smaller than the finished project, then learn how to determine the actual size of the glass you will need.
• Make sure the glass fits the pattern exactly or the finished product won't fit together securely.
• Buy colored glass at a glass supply store. Check with a local craft store or look for manufacturers in the back of a stained glass book to find glass suppliers in your area.
• Wear work gloves to protect your hands from the glass.