The Glass Mystery

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Ta da!

My very first attempt at stained glass.



My first (and probably last) attempt at a stained glass panel. I drew the design out on tracing paper and cut the pieces of glass to shape, with a few unexpected cracks, splinters and cuts. (The splinters and cuts were my fingers by the way!)
I healed very nicely and I managed to salvage the broken glass by putting extra lead in between the shapes. Yes, I could have used a fresh new piece of glass when I made an error but I had no idea how expensive this 'hobby' was going to be so I had to make do and mend!



I'm pleased with the results though.


It's great to learn new things and now the mystery of how stained glass comes to be is no longer a mystery to me. What is a mystery is how people can make this and sell it at a profit at the prices you see in shops! I shall never balk at those prices again.

Comments

Caroline said…
These are lovely - glass and light and colour - wonderful combination! And yes, it's nice to try these new crafts but some of them are soooo expensive (and labour intensive!)
28 February 2011 at 09:11
Rosie said…
Yay! It's super. You'll never be able to stop now. Stained glass splinters are the very worst type of splinter. They are sooooo fine and deadly.
28 February 2011 at 09:51
Anonymous said…
Jessie ~ for first attempts they are far better than good! I'm impressed. The materials and equipment are expensive however, buying in larger amounts cuts costs over time. The industry minimum for leaded stained glass used to be £50 per sq. foot, and £3.50 per segment for copper foiled. I may be out of date on this. Labour? Always a minus amount...
28 February 2011 at 10:01
Gretel said…
Don't give up on panels, that is simply lovely! I think stained glass as a technique really suits you.
28 February 2011 at 10:17
Diane said…
Oh my goodness--beautiful!! I wouldn't give it up entirely--you have the touch.
28 February 2011 at 10:32
Carol said…
I have a friend who makes and sells stained glass. Yes, you are correct, it isn't cheap to make and people to balk at the prices. He also does commissions for windows etc., amazing creations.
Your little bird is lovely and, I'm sure, worth your cuts.
Carol xx
28 February 2011 at 15:15
Kathryn Dyche said…
My sister used to do stained glass and during one of my visits home she instructed me on how to create a piece. I loved how it came out but would I do it again, probably not. I lack the patience.

Love what you created.
28 February 2011 at 15:48
Jess said…
Thankyou! :)
I do think my drawings lend themselves to stained glass design but it really is so expensive and hard on the fingers! It reminds me of when I used to make mosaics, especially the tiring cementing stage! I'm pleased with my panel but unless I find a cheaper way of makng it I think I'll stick to paint for now! x
28 February 2011 at 15:49
WrightStuff said…
It does look incredible. I watched Kirsty make some on her Channel 4 programme. Would love to try. Well done you - great job!
28 February 2011 at 16:24
Julia Christie said…
This turned out beautifully Jessie! So interesting to hear about your experience with a new form of art - and it is funny how much u appreciate something when u realize how much labor goes into it!
Great job

Smiles
28 February 2011 at 17:22
Jess said…
Thank you :) It's something I've wanted to learn for years and at last I've had a chance!
28 February 2011 at 19:17
Karen said…
Wow Jessie they're beautiful! Well done you!x
28 February 2011 at 19:32
Julia said…
Oh WoW!! You are really clever, and I am in awe of what you have created here! I love the rich colours, so vivid and eyecatching and the designs are great - I would love to try it myself and have often hoped to get on a workshop or something like that to have a go at the basics. Have you ever seen Julia Mills work? She's marvellous and it was her stuff that first made me think hmmmmm, I think I'd like to do that!

Sending love, Julia x
28 February 2011 at 21:18
Deborah said…
This is so cute & colourful - love it!
28 February 2011 at 21:42
A mermaid in the attic said…
These are beautiful Jessie! I love stained glass, but I've never tried it...it was on my 'one day' list, but I imagine the material costs are even worse over here!
1 March 2011 at 01:00
Jess said…
Thanks. :)
I can strike it off my 'one day' list now!
1 March 2011 at 08:16
Anonymous said…
cool:) shame its expensive to do!
4 March 2011 at 15:03
Kerri said…
yes, sometimes taking some of those classes gives me a new appreciation for the cost of things!! well, i'm so glad that your stained glass piece resulted in something you're happy with at least! it's beautiful!!
5 March 2011 at 18:42
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