Q - How did you learn to do stained glass?

A - I’m completely self taught.  I learned mostly through trial and error.  I don’t entirely recommend that.   I occasionally consulted websites, YouTube, and books before I felt comfortable enough to start asking others for help.   There are countless Instagram accounts and individuals on Instagram who will be glad to answer questions if you can’t take a class.  Anyone at your local glass supplier will likely be a great resource for you.

Q - What method(s) do you use for finishing your pieces?

A - I use the copper foil method but use U-came to finish the borders of my pieces.  I don’t have experience making leaded panels.

Q - How do you make/find your patterns.

A -  I draw most of my patterns in a program called Procreate for iPad so that I can quickly and easily compare multiple versions of a piece and easily swap out colors to see what looks best.  Still, I finish  a fair amount of my patterns  pencil and paper, making final edits along the way.

If you don’t feel comfortable making your own patterns, there are plenty of free patterns/books of patterns out there.  If you decide to go this route, please note whether or not the maker allows for resale of items made using their designs.Currently I do not sell any of my patterns and do not allow replications of my work, even for personal use.

Q - What do you use to cut your glass?

A -  I use a Toyo brand glass cutter, generally a pistol grip.  There are many other brands and styles of glass cutter, this is just my preference.  I’ve not yet used a ringsaw; I hear that they are great but they are certainly not necessary.

Q - What do you use to grind your glass?

A -  I use a StudioPro grinder and have a number of different sized grinder bits that I swap out according to my needs.  It’s a simple machine but I’ve used it for several years with no problem.

Q - What soldering iron do you use?

A -  I use a Hakko FX600 soldering iron.  It has a temperature dial which is appreciated but not necessary.  In the past I’ve used a Weller brand Iron that worked well for years.

Q - How do you get your patina so black.

A -  Make sure your piece is well cleaned.  Use flux remover/dish soap/super fine steel wool/magic erasers, and plenty of water to rinse away any of the chemical, otherwise the patina will not apply evenly.  

I don’t have much experience with copper patina, so I cannot advise as to its use.

Q - What polish do you use?

A -  I use whatever polish is available at my local glass shop.  I have no brand allegiance.  If you’re in a bind, you can use car wax to polish your piece.

Q - How do you get your pieces to fit so well?  How do you get your solder seams so smooth? Etc.

A -  Practice!  It’s not the fun answer but it’s the best advice I can offer.  The better you design your piece, the easier each next step will be.  Clean cuts will make grinding less laborious.  Well-ground pieces will make it easier to foil, and foiled pieces that fit together well will result in cleaner solder lines.  Each of the many steps requires A LOT of practice.  You’ll improve eventually.

Q - What paint do you use?

A -  There are so many options and you should use whichever works best for you.  If you have a kiln, use kiln-fire paints.  Sign painting enamels (1 Shot, Alphanamel, etc.) and craft paints (Pebeo, etc.) all work but have their own pro’s and con’s, so I suggest trying several.

Q - What do you use on the borders of your pieces?

A -  I finish all of my pieces with U-came.  I always have a number of different sizes available and I choose that which best fits my piece.  

Q - Where do you buy your glass?

A -  I shop at a number of different stores in Southern California.  I occasionally buy glass online.  I always recommend buying in person if possible, as glass doesn’t always appear as it looks in photos, and even a single sheet can vary greatly in terms of color, texture, etc.  If you buy online, consider AnythingInStainedGlass or Delphi.  Most brands also have their own webstores.

Q - What glass do you use?

A -  I use all different types and brands of glass, but a significant amount of my stock is from Bullseye Glass.  In particular, I use a lot of their Opalescent glass.

Q - What safety precautions should I keep in mind?

A -  Wear safety glasses when cutting/grinding glass.  Wear gloves when dealing with chemicals.  Work in a well-ventilated area and consider investing in a smoke absorber/fume mask for when you solder.  Make sure your grinder has plenty of water so that it doesn’t create glass dust.

Q - How should I set up my studio?

A -  This all depends upon your space and preferences. I recommend working for some as a hobbyist before you concern yourself with a professional setup.

Q - How should I set up my webstore?

A -  Truly, I’m not the best person to ask about this.  I have some experience and plenty of opinions, but I am by no means a business expert.

Q - How should I price my goods?

A -  There are too many variables to consider for me to offer a blanket answer.  Consider your time spent, material costs, non-material costs, other sellers in the market, your experience, the number of pieces, the difficulty of the cuts, etc.  Don’t take advantage of your customers because you work in a niche medium, but don’t intentionally undercut other sellers and skew the market as a result.

Q - Tips and Tricks for Beginners?

A -  Spend the time and energy developing your unique voice.  Don’t make things just because you see a trend emerging--make something because it speaks to your techniques and  your style.  Standing out is better.  Make friends with other glass artists so you have a community to support you.  Don’t steal ideas or patterns.  Take it slow--don’t rush into selling for the sake of selling.  Prioritize a piece’s stability integrity above all else.