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Stained Glass & Mosaics

Stain Glass/Copper-foil Refresher

15 years ago

Took a few days off work and attended a one day session to learn how to perfect my copper-foiling/soldering techniques. Had done a little a long time ago, but thought I would like a refresher. Talked to Beckey at Dragonshire Glass Studio and she mentioned she would be happy to guide us through the day. Asked my DH if he would also like to join me and he said sure! Stained glass work has never been his project, but he helped with my leaded panel and thought he would like to learn more.

We had a wonderful day! Here is our finished project. And you know what...he did a better job at foiling/soldering than I did! I am really proud of him!

I am ready to start lots of new projects. This was just what I needed to get me going again.

Becky

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Comments (8)

daisyme
15 years ago
Becky, how fun to see you, your DH and such great projects! I think that's a great way to rekindle a spark of enthusism for your hobby, and I'm so glad for you that your hubs decided to go along. Both your projects are great! Thanks for sharing!
katishooked
15 years ago
Um Becky I think you did a great job. We r our worst critics.
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I took a leaded stained glass class first. In a leaded stained glass class, I learned to select, cut, and fit the glass together using lead "H" shaped came. The lead came holds the glass together and is soldered at the joints of the lead. Leaded stained glass, while a smidge more forgiving of inaccurate cuts than foil, still requires precise cutting. The lead provides a uniform lead line that is very attractive for larger panels. Foiled stained glass requires wrapping each (accurately) cut piece of glass in sticky backed copper foil, fitting it together like a puzzle, soldering front and back and finishing the edges. Personally I like both methods and use them both regularly. Larger panels with larger pieces I chose to lead. Smaller, more intricate panels I chose to use foil. Cost and time wise I think they are about the same. Cleaning a leaded panel takes longer when you consider puttying, whiting, scrubbing, etc. On the flip side, the copper foil process takes longer because wrapping each piece in copper foil, burnishing the edges well, and soldering is time consuming. Both have their strengths and weaknesses and I recommend you learn both. I'll be happy to answer any additional questions you have. Enjoy!!
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meadel
15 years ago
Becky !!
It's so nice that you can share your hobby with your hubby !!
You are such a cute couple !!
It is so nice to see these panels up in the window especially during the winter when color is so diminished.
Great job you two !!I just love these !
elephantear
15 years ago
Hi there! Glad to see your 'wheels' are turning again Becky! Looks like both projects tuned out super nice!!! and we won't have any problems finding your house when in town, I'll just look for the house with all those great stained glass windows!!
I wander over here on occasion to check out the pretty things and hard work that goes on here, so today looks like I picked a good day! good to see DH looking so proud of him-self lol and so he should-great job both of you! -Wendy
texaswild
15 years ago
Beautiful job, BECK. Glad to see you back. Very lucky lady to share your hobby w/hubby. What's next?
becky_ia
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you for all the nice comments. We really enjoyed the day, and yes, it was especially nice to do something together.

I found a cute pattern for "shoes" that I would love to do for my daughter for Christmas, so that just may be my next small project.

Otherwise, we were contacted by a lady months ago to create side lights for her front door. We couldn't decided if we wanted to lead or use copper foil. Now we come to the conclusion, we really think it will be copper foiled. Much, much easier! The style is in a Frank Lloyd Wright, so design will be a "piece of cake" . Can't wait to get started though.

Hi Wendy! Good to see you over here!

Becky
Calamity_J
15 years ago
Thanks for the nice pics of you and Hubby! I love seeing what everybody looks like! I need a refresher course on how to get off my butt and start something!!lol!
yvonne_tpi
15 years ago
Gotta beg to differ on foiled panels, lead is faster.
Far more forgiving on your cuts. Very little grinding time and the putty is not a time consuming problem.
Can be cheaper on basic materials too as restrip adds to the cost of foiled panels.
FLW designs have a lot of hinges and some well placed zinc came can easily overcome those instead of fiddling with a lot of restrip.

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