Antique glass includes so many different decorations, sizes, forms and shapes. Having any type of antique glass in your home can add to the beauty and character or theme that you would like to create. No matter what the size of your room or home is, there is always room for a piece of antique glass. Let us explore the shapes, sizes and forms that antique glass can take.

First of all, antique glass is not always clear. As a matter of fact, antique glass tends to be colored. This is not always the case, but stained glass is a classic antique feature that is found in churches, on antique lamp shades, and even on chandeliers. Clear glass allows light to shine through, which offers a beautiful rainbow that can reflect on a wall, mirror, or floor. Colored glass can sparkle when light shines upon it, giving is an elegance and a glow.

Antique glass comes in many shapes as well as colors. Glass chandeliers, vases, dishes, glass baskets, and bowls are among the different forms that antique glass can take. You might find clear glass antiques in these varieties, or some that are colored glass in yellow, green, blue, purple, and virtually any other color. You might even see what is called “milk glass” which is like a white porcelain antique glass. Milk glass is often painted with flowers or other designs to give the antique piece distinction and character.

There are many other types of antique glass besides milk glass. There is art glass, opalescent glass, pressed glass, historical glass, elegant glass, depression glass, carnival glass and Victorian glass. Flint glass, and early American Pattern glass are popular. Each style has a different texture, thickness, color, design and uniqueness to it.

With so many forms, styles, shapes and colors to choose from, it may be difficult to choose which kinds of antique glass you will want to add to your home. You might even decide to begin a collection of antique glass pieces. Regardless of the type of antique glass you choose for your home, keep in mind how delicate it is. Make sure that you keep it in a safe place that is out of the reach of children, and away from places that it might b knocked over during the busyness of life. Always keep it free from dust and stains so that it can shine and glow.

Victor Epand

The general look and feel of a room depends to a large extent on its window coverings. Therefore, whenever you design a window treatment, keep in mind the overall design and its impact from the outside of your home. One sure way to do this is to use stained glass windows, which can also be a great investment.

Exterior Looks

To provide a uniform look to your home’s exterior, try to design your window coverings so they’ll be of similar colors. Imagine the disharmony it would create if someone on the curb were to see a blue curtained window on one side and yellow one on the other. Terrible!

You can safely bet that stained glass windows will look great even from the street. You need not worry, as they will add an extra touch of elegance and class to the outward appearance of your home. The positive outcome of creating these great-looking rooms is that you will feel warm and happy. When you pay extra attention to how your window treatments look from the street, you enhance its overall charm and curb appeal.

Revival of the Stained Glass Window

The making of stained glass windows was an ancient craft used primarily in churches. In modern times, it has been revived and can be used almost everywhere as a brilliant, vibrant form of artwork. If you want to, you can even make your own stained glass window.

The same basic techniques are used today as were used during the middle ages. The molten glass is first cast into a shallow mold. This is achieved by blowing an elongated bubble, which is then trimmed and flattened. Approximately 70 hours later, it’s ready be cooled and cut.

Today, diamonds are used to cut the glass, since they ensure a cleaner break. The glass is cut into pieces which match the shape and colors of the original pattern. To distinguish the details of faces and hands, half tones or textures can be applied. In case you want to modify the colors of the glass at this stage, you can apply matteing, which is a layer of glass paint. A genuine stained glass window is nothing more than an assortment of colored pieces.

The pieces of glass are held or fixed with lead “cames.” The advantage that lead has over other metals is that it is flexible and durable. It is also relatively easy to cut and solder, making it an indispensable part of the designing of the stained glass window.

By: J.R. Ferrara

Stained Glass windows and glass doors do far more for a room’s decor than just look good. They also impart an eye-pleasing spectrum of colored light that adds a wonderful, energy to a room. As a decorative element, stained glass is something many would like to use, but with stained glass costing hundreds to thousands of dollars, most of us do not get to enjoy the beauty and benefits of stained glass.

An affordable alternative to expensive stained glass is decorative window films that look like stained glass. Wallpaper For Windows!™ is the leading decorative window film manufacturer, but there are a few others. This unique, adhesive-free static window film creates the look and effect of stained glass at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. From sidelights and storm doors, to arched and standard windows, to patio doors and everywhere in-between, these designs complement many color motifs and decorating styles to easily transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

For rooms that are dark because the blinds are kept closed for privacy, decorative privacy window films can bring a room out of the darkness and into the light. The artwork obscures visibility through the glass, so instead of living behind closed blinds, everyone enjoys beautiful stained glass; a room filled with light and privacy is maintained.

At night, light from the room illuminates the artwork to create a beautiful exterior effect enjoyed by neighbors and passersby.

The best decorative window films are adhesive-free vinyl films. They have more benefits than just aesthetics; they filter UV rays (protecting furnishings from fading), reduce heat and save energy. Adhesive-free films are an easy do-it-yourself project to apply and when it is time to redecorate (or move) the adhesive-free static film can be removed in seconds.

(Beware of low priced adhesive films that are decorative. Regardless of what the manufacturers would like you to believe, removing the film is no easy task. For more information on adhesive and adhesive-free films, read my article “Decorative Window Films – Adhesive vs Adhesive-free” )

If you want to add color or privacy to a room, using decorative window films that look like Stained Glass is an easy and affordable solution.

We recommend Wallpaper For Windows!™ decorative window film. The variety of designs, quality and sizes available are the best on the market.

By: Randy Walker

In the past few years I have made it a goal each year to try at least three new things during the course of that year. So when January rolls around I sit down and consider what skills or hobbies I’d like to gain in the next year and then I make plans to learn those very things. This past year I decided that I finally wanted to learn how to make stained glass pieces of my very own.

I’ve always been intrigued by stained glass and I think it is one of the most beautiful kinds of art that exist. I love seeing stained glass pieces hanging in windows or used as candleholders. So I was very excited when I remembered my long lost desire to learn stained glass and I began the search for the best possible way to learn stained glass making.

There are many ways to learn any new skill or hobby that is of interest to you. In fact, I was a bit overwhelmed in choosing how I would undergo the task of learning about stained glass. The first move I made was to do a little research of my options. I went to the library and found quite a few helpful resources on doing stained glass at your own home on your own time. However, for me, this wasn’t the best plan. I know that I would start with great intentions and then let the busyness of life overwhelm my best intentions with the project.

I ended up signing up for a class that would teach me how to do stained glass once a week at the local college. I went this route because I know myself and my tendency to do better when I have the outside accountability that a class and other classmates provides for me. So I began attending this class and was so thankful for the choice I made. I was thankful because I learned more than I expected to about stained glass work in a short amount of time. It seemed like it was only a few weeks before I was working on a stained glass piece of my own that I could have and cherish in my home.

So my encouragement is to anyone that desires to learn about stained glass. I’d suggest that you find a class to enroll in at a local college or an art shop. Getting involved with other artists will inspire you and hold you accountable on weeks when you don’t really have time to work on your pieces. If you enjoy your stained glass class half as much as I do than you’ll love it.

By: Hallidae Thomason

Copper foiled stained glass is a very versatile form of construction for making stained glass. Panels can be made with very intricate designs and detail. The possibilities are almost endless. In addition to stained glass panels, other options include boxes, picture frames, fireplace screens, mirrors, doors, sidelights, transoms, cabinet inserts and sun catchers just to name a few.

Before you begin your first stained glass project, here are some essential tools and supplies you will need.

* glass cutter
* breaking pliers
* running pliers
* glass grinder
* soldering iron
* temperature controller
* various stained glass for design
* copper foil
* solder
* flux
* finishing compound

Steps for Making Stained Glass

1. Pick a project - This is only limited by your imagination
2. Choose or make a pattern - Ready made patterns can be found in books, magazines and on the internet
3. Select glass - The choices are almost endless. Check out your local stained glass retail store to view their selection
4. Make paper templates and trace pattern pieces onto the glass
5. Use a glass cutter to score the glass to fit the pattern pieces - Hold the cutter as you would a pen or pencil. Do not press too hard, this will cause a bad break. You should hear a soft scratching sound as you score the glass.
6. Use running pliers and breaking pliers to break apart the score lines - If cutting a straight line, you can snap the glass with your hands.
7. With the glass grinder, smooth and shape the glass for a final fit to the pattern
8. Wrap each glass piece with copper foil - This allows the solder to adhere to the glass
9. Assemble the pieces according to the pattern
10. Apply flux to foiled pieces and solder seams - This step will take time and practice. Don’t give up. With time and practice you will achieve the solder seams you want.
11. Attach zinc frame - This provides stability to your stained glass piece. Measure the width and height, then cut the zinc to fit your piece. Solder the corners, then solder adjacent solder seams to the zinc frame
12. Remove flux residue - use commercial flux remover or a combination of dish soap and baking soda
13. Apply patina - Patina is used to draw focus to the glass and design rather than the solder seams.
14. Clean and polish - This last step will give your project the shine and brilliance you are looking for

Now all you have to do is enjoy your work!

I started out as a stained glass admirer. After a class in stained glass, I became addicted. At first I made stained glass to decorate my homes, which lead to friends asking me to make stained glass for them. Now I am a full time professional making stained glass as well as instructing others on how to make stained glass. My studio is located outside of Chicago, Illinois.

By Maureen Summy

Everyone would just love to find out how to turn their hobbies, passions, etc. into ways to earn a living and design their lives. Yes, we are aware that money isn’t everything and that isn’t the reason we personally do anything. There are bigger forces involved that cause us to want to get money out of the way. Like helping others learn, enjoy, while enjoying ourselves. So, if you’re thinking this is just about money, you’re mistaken.

When we’re kids growing up we dream of miraculous things we want to be. Somewhere along the line our dreams don’t always turn into reality and for many of us we turn to becoming realistic instead of optimistic and we settle for doing things that we don’t necessarily want to do.

Come on, you mean to tell me you dreamed of being an administrative assistant, a collections agent, or an accountant? (Yes, I’m an accountant and no offense if you are the above - just trying to make a point).

Well in this information packed article, I want to share with you how you can turn your stained glass making hobby or any hobby for that matter into a money making business.

It probably won’t be easy and chances are you’ll have to learn some new things, but it could be completely worth it in the end. Imagine enjoying your retirement while bringing in extra income instead of working at Wal-Mart. Imagine replacing your income at the job you hate and doing something you love. Imagine dreaming again like when you were a kid. Feel how alive you’ll feel instead of the drudgery you feel when you sluff off to work each day. Imagine a part-time income to supplement the job you do love that pays for things you barely are able to save for.

This can all happen, but you are going to need a plan of attack:

Here are some of the things you’ll want to jot down and some of the tips that have helped other businesses become successful vs. the ones that don’t.

**Why do you want to do this? Your reason(s) why are very important.

**Goals & Dreams. From how much money you want to make to how much time you’re willing to put in. Write down your wishes, your dreams, and your goals. Set time-frames. It really does work!

**What types of products/services will you sell? Yes, you’ll have your craft products, but what about other types of products? What about your knowledge, tools, supplies, the art itself, etc…
There are many ways to bring in money while helping others enjoy your art!

**Is there a need, want, market for what you’re offering? How are you going to be different than all the other folks selling their art/crafts? I can’t tell you how many festivals and shows I’ve been to where every other tent is the same type of product. The question you must ask is, what makes me want to buy something over the hundreds of other products being offered? You can sell the same type of product as others, but your service, delivery, price, and other aspects are what makes people buy from you.

**How are you going to set up your business? This is a good time to seek the advice of an accountant or attorney. Don’t go spend hundreds of dollars yet. Spend time on some of these other things first before you go setting up shop. You can also start out with just a business name and reseller’s license (if your state requires one). This gives you the ability to purchase from manufacturers and wholesale companies.

**How are you going to promote, market, sell, and distribute your products? This section is crucial. If you are doing this in your spare time, you must ensure you set up a system of sorts that will do most of the work for you and enable you to work smart instead of hard.

**Speaking of marketing and selling, what will be your means of doing this? How are you going to let people know that your art is worth buying? There are many ways and many books written on these subjects whether you have zero budget or a large budget to work with. Some here include, shows, fairs, flea markets, auctions, websites, direct mail, joint ventures, home selling, open a store, advertising in publications, writing expert articles, and more. Aside from actually making your art, this is the most fun and exciting part! This part will also make or break your business!

**How about a budget or cash flow? Chances are you’re spending money each month or so, on your hobby now. Just allocate that to a marketing and selling budget and work within your means. Allow for the purchase of additional tools, supplies, software, and so forth that will be necessary to make this all happen. You can do things on a shoe-string, but you must plan accordingly. Now is a good time to consult an accountant regarding business set up, taxes, and budgets.

All of this goes for anyone who wants to start a business whether you want to make $100 per month or $100,000,000 per year.

There are entire books, courses, and more designed on this subject. I have read and followed many. It’s simple to follow, but not easy to do. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

However, since you’re already spending time on your hobby/passion, now you just need to implement some additional steps to turn those pieces of art and your knowledge into a thriving business.

We hope this help shed some light on what you’ll need to do to start a successfully, selling company around your art/craft.

We have seen too many folks spinning their wheels trying to make something work when with a little homework, they could’ve saved themselves a lot of headaches. Don’t let that be you!!!

Art, Crafts, and hobbies are fun. That’s why we do them! Come and join us to learn the art of making stained glass. Better yet, you can now share what you have made, your tips, your expertise, and art while learning by visiting Create Stained Glass - the number one site on how to learn glass art.

By Joe Collinsworth

How to stained glass step by step is one of the biggest questions we receive through our stained glass making website.

So, we thought we would outline the major steps it takes to go from idea to first stained glass piece.

We have gotten rave reviews from our readers regarding the steps and have been able to help beginners learn how to make stained glass step by step. You can’t run without first walking so, let us do that here.

Stained Glass Step by Step – These steps can vary per project, but this provides a nice outline.

Step 1: Getting started with lead or copper foil (hint: go with copper foil). Then you must select your color and design which is a lot of fun. Use your creativity.

Step 2: Get your glass and supplies/tools. There are many places to buy the items you’ll need. Some are cheap and some not so cheap. Some tools you won’t even use so research before you decide. Then set up your workspace. It doesn’t have to be big, but does have to provide room for a small mess.

Step 3: Get good with your glasscutter. This will be one of your most utilized tools when creating stained glass. Learn the techniques it will take to get your first piece looking beautiful.

Step 4: To Grind or Not to Grind? Things to consider include safety issues, choosing the right head, using water, following the right procedures, and so forth. These are all important issues when grinding.

Step 5: Working with the copper foil. This also takes some practice but because of today’s ease of use, you can catch on pretty quickly.

Step 6: Soldering. There is basic soldering, spot soldering, finishing, tinning, and more soldering applications that you will want to learn on how to make stained glass step by step. Again practice with the tools as there are some that you will use quite a bit.

Step 7: Finally you have to clean and apply the finish. Do this as soon as you’re done soldering for a clean and professional look.

There you go. Nothing to it right? Well, this is a start but it is important that you continue to educate yourself on how to make gorgeous stained glass art.

This is a very simple outline on how to make stained glass step by step. There are a lot of intricacies that have been left out (due to the sheer amount of info) and it is easier to follow these steps with visual pictures, video, etc. so consider that when trying to learn this art form.

By Joe Collinsworth

If you’re interested in getting started with stained glass. The first thing you need to do is to turn what the budget is that you want to spend. A good cutting tool should be your top priority. A good cutting tool is essential for any stained glass project. You can cut some costs if someone can donate their old cutters to you, but even if you need to go out and purchase some stained glass cutters they are usually a pretty reasonable price. I would start by getting a glass cutter instead of using a big industrial glass cutter. Start out with the old tried and true glass cutter with an oil reservoir. This great tool will be a cheap alternative to the big and expensive cutters on the market. Ok, besides the cutter and oil reservoir, you’ll also need grozing pliers, breaking pliers cutting oil, and maybe some stained glass to test out your cutting. This can all be picked up at a arts and crafts store either online or offline. It is very crucial that you wear safety goggles when cutting glass. You may think its overkill, its always better to be safe when cutting glass.

Glass cutters don’t work by actually cutting surface, they make a very fine score that begins the break. Getting a good score is key to getting a very clean break. I think the basic cutter with a straight shaft and oil reservoir is a good option. One example would be the models that are made by Fletcher. The oil keeps the wheel turning smoothly and ensures a clean cut.. This is essential to getting a good cut. Always ensure your cutting oil is right next to you so you can keep your cutter in pristine shape.

An important tip when scoring your stained glass is to keep the same glass cutter perpendicular to the glass. Tilting it back and forth will generally not make for as clean of a score. When you push the cutter for make sure the apply a decent amount of force. In case you’re wondering, you can move the cutter forward or backwards when scoring, that is all preference. Its very vital that you only score each spot once, don’t score twice. This can cause problems to your wheel and the cutter, and you definitely don’t want to damage a tool that you just spent good money on.. When you are all done scoring. The break the glass, grip the side you will throw away with the breaking pliers and grip onto the opposite side with the grozing pliers. Do not try to bend the stained glass into breaking, but more you want to try to pull the glass away from each other.

This first step is essential to you becoming a great stained glass artist. Just remember to keep practicing and it will get easier and easier. Make sure you keep the band-aid’s close by!

By David Roth

Running a stained glass supplies studio, I get a lot of questions about which grinder is right for my customer. Since its usually a big purchase for my customer, I prefer to really get to know what their needs are so i can determine the best choice of product for them. There are plenty of models to choose from so it could be a hard decision.

A grinder is used by an artist to shape glass after its been cut to its rough size with the help of a glass cutter. Since your finished glass piece depends on all the pieces fitting exactly together, its no surprise that you need a tool that will help you achieve that goal. Grinders use a diamond coated bit to grind away extra glass and prep the edge for the copper foil. The grinder ensures smooth edges leading to a better overall finished product. Typically, you will get 2 grinding heads when you purchase a grinder. One is always used for the bigger jobs and the other is used for the really fine detailed work.

While its easier to just put off buying a stained glass grinder, I bet that you’ll find that its worth every penny. Its an investment that every artist will have to make at some point. It is a good investment when you figure in how much time you can save.

When choosing which grinder, you have to consider what your planned use is. I think its wise to buy a grinder than that you’ll want to use for years to come. Its a costly initial investment, but you want to buy a grinder that will last you. Just make sure that the grinder can grow with you as your skills as an artist progress.

There are a few things that you will definitely want to mull over when you are buying a grinder. Price is dependent on your budget and your expected annual use of the grinder. RPM’s measure how fast the bit turns and torque measures how strong the resistance to stained glass.

How much you plan on using the grinder will determine which grinder is ideal for your needs. If you are planning on only using it a few times a year then a great option is the Wiz CG by Inland. If you are planning on being either or a serious hobbyist then I would recommend The Wizard IV. And for the serious stained glass artists, the G8 All Star by Glastar is a fantastic choice. This is typically the choice of serious artists and professionals.

Hopefully a few of these pointers will help you buy the best grinder for your needs.

Dave Roth runs a stained glass supplies studio at http://www.scstainedglass.com which is a dealer of stained glass grinders. Dave has been teaching stained glass classes and workshops for the past 10 years.

By David Roth

Stained glass window panels are one of the most beautiful decorating techniques in the world. They have been used in homes for centuries and often evoke a Victorian feel. But they are gaining popularity today as well. Stained glass is being used in new homes all the time and people are finding that the colored glass enhances their home like nothing else. Interested in learning more about the history of stained glass? Read on!

The use of colored glass has been used since ancient times. The Egyptians and Romans are famous for their stained glass artifacts. Items such as vases and perfume bottles from these ancient people are treasured in museums across the world. It wasn’t until the 4th century that colored glass was used to produce stained glass window panels. This practice was first used in (yes you guessed it) Christian churches. These lovely colored glass windows can be seen across the world in almost any church and this is where the birth of stained glass window panels began.

Over the years, stained glass window panels went through changes. They were typically used only in churches until the 19th and 20th century. At this time, affluent people started using them in their homes. After the First World War, many of the churches in Europe had to be rebuilt and stained glass became popular again. Many Victorian homes still boast original stained glass window panels, usually with simple designs such as flowers and birds.

Stained glass window panels have made it into the 21st century. The desire for historical ties has led many people to look into restoring old homes, rather than buying or building new homes. The discovery of original stained glass in Victorian-era homes has caused a new generation to become enamored with this lovely art form and some people are even using stained glass in brand new home production today.

Stained glass window panels and antique mission style staned glass window panels as well as window restoration information, reviews and resources - Stained Glass Window Panels is your source for authentic Tiffany stained glass & home decor reviews, FAQs and informative articles. Spun glass is a wonderful art form and a great way to decorate your home. If you are looking for design tips, spun glass figurines, glassdecoration, and information on art glass supplies and antique stained glass or spun glass decor and gifts we can help by providing information, FAQs and reviews.

By Sarah Freeland