Start stained glass
Cut colored glass, wrap each piece in copper foil and solder it all together into suncatchers, panels and lamps. Here's the video that hooks everyone, and everything you need for your first suncatcher.
Space neededA sturdy table by a window
First projectA suncatcher in a weekend
Skill levelBeginner, with care
Good forPatient hands, any age
The video that hooks everyone
A Tiffany-style lamp as a first big project
A maker builds a custom Tiffany-style lamp shade, piece by piece, as their first big stained glass project. One look at the finished shade, covered in glass flowers, and you'll see why people press play.
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Tool list
What you need to start
Everything you need for your first project, and nothing you don't.
Starter kit
01Oil-fed glass cutterScores a line so the glass breaks right where you want.
02Running + grozing pliersOne snaps a scored line, the other nibbles off small bits.
03Glass grinderSmooths the edges so pieces fit snug and the foil sticks.
04Sheet glassA few small sheets in colors you love, plus clear for practice.
05Copper foil + fidFoil wraps every edge. The fid rubs it flat.
06Soldering iron + standAn 80 to 100 watt iron melts solder quickly.
0760/40 solderThe standard solder for copper foil work.
08Flux + brushHelps the solder flow and stick to the foil.
09Safety glassesTiny glass chips fly when you score and snap.
The manual tells you what to look for when you buy each one.
- 1Going over a score twiceRun the cutter over each line once, with steady pressure. Going back over a score dulls the wheel and makes the glass break wild.
- 2Pieces that don't fitGaps soak up solder and make lumpy seams. Grind each piece until it sits snug inside the lines of your pattern.
- 3Eating at the benchSolder has lead in it. Keep food and drinks off the bench, and wash your hands every time you stop.
