Stained Glass

 Stained glass refers to colored glass as material and works made from it. Throughout the history of stained glass, the term has been applied mostly to windows of churches. Most traditional art forms are made in flat panels and used as windows, but the creations of modern stained glass artists also include three-dimensional structures and sculptures.
 Stained glass is glass that has been colored by adding metallic salts during its making. Its glass is crafted into stained glass windows in which small pieces of glass are arranged to form patterns or pictures, held together by strips of lead and supported by a rigid frame. Painted details and yellow stain are often used to make the design stand out. 
Stain glass is also applied to windows where colors have been painted onto the glass and fused to the glass in a kiln.
 Stained glass requires the artistic skill of a workable design, and the skills to assemble the pieces. A window must fit tightly especially in the larger windows, so it would be able to support the weight. Many large windows have been able to last a long time since the late Middle Ages. In Western Europe they found the major form of vivid art to have survived. With this, the purpose of a stained glass window is to control the light, and because of this glass windows have been described as ‘illuminated wall decorations’.

            

For me I enjoyed stained glass very much, it was rather easy. I would have to say the hardest part is not messing up the glass that is being used. Also you must make them as close to the design that you use so the pieces fit together. There are a few special tools that are required to start. A glass cutter is used to make a groove in the glass, where you will line the pliers up and break it easily. The glass grinder will be used to smooth out your pieces after they are all cut, to make them as exact as possible. Safety glasses are required so you don’t get glass in your eye. Once you have them cut out you will need to line the edges of each piece with copper foil tape, flux will be added to the foil and you will be able to solder it with a soldering iron. The material that will be soldered will be Lathekin or Fid.