Who does not love objects made of stained glass?Throughout history it has been used to elevate the ambiance and enhance the quality of light in both private and public areas.
It never fails to lend an air of richness and even majesty to otherwise common surroundings.
This article is the first of two articles and will focus on the foil method of making decorative objects.
A second article will introduce the use of lead came to create panels.
  The techniques used to turn pieces of colored glass into welcome gifts have never been more accessible to hobbyists.
An abundance of pattern books, kits, how-to books, and videos are readily available both online and in specialty shops.
A few specialized tools and supplies along with some training is all it takes to begin creating beautiful projects.
The best way to begin learning the hobby is by making simple decorative objects called sun catchers.
These can take the form of animals, flowers, geometric designs and more.
  Each item made is as unique as the person making it.
Although the patterns found in books are available to every hobbyist, the choices of colors and texture of the glass used makes each piece one of a kind.
This quality of uniqueness makes anything made of stained glass a cherished and lasting gift.
  This craftrequires working with heavy metals like copper and lead in addition to glass.
You will also use asoldering iron to assemble your finished project.
A good instructor or video program will stress the steps you should take for safety.
Classes are available at adult or continuing education centers, another way to learn the craft is to buy one of the excellent how-to videos available online or in specialty shops.
Starter kits can be bought from supply houses for a nominal amount and will include everything you need to begin.
  The key to success with stained glass is PRACTICE.
The best way to learn how to cut glass is to practice cutting ordinary window glass.
This is a lot cheaper than practicing with stained glass.
It takes a while to learn how to cut glass in various shapes and curves but this skill is a lot easier to learn than most people think.
In order to make a sun catcher using the foil method first select the object you want to make from a pattern book.
Then trace the outline of the pieces onto your glass and cut the glass along those outlines.
The edges of each piece of cut glass are then wrapped with a strip of adhesive copper foil.
When this is finished you will have each piece of glass wrapped with an edge of copper foil.
It is important to vigorously rub the foil to ensure that it's securely attached to the edges of the piece of glass.
Then the only thing left to do is to fit the pieces together and solder them into the finished project.
  As your glass cutting skills develop you will probably want to move on to other more advanced projects.
One advantage of the foil method is that due to the small size of the pieces, it is easy to make three dimension pieces like lampshades.
In fact, the famous lampshades of Tiffany studios were made using this method.
You will be surprised to learn that the skills you need for more sophisticated projects are the same skills youalready developed by crafting simple projects.
  Truly the world of stained glass is a hobby of unlimited scope and application.
Mastering stained glass isn't difficult.
The best way to learn the craft is to start with the foil method.
The objects you create will always be welcome and cherished as gifts, and the satisfaction you get from their creation is unequaled by any other hobby.
The next article about stained glass will explain the use of lead, brass, and zinc came to make panels.