History of Stained Glass

Since ancient times people have been using colored, cut glass in designs and in windows. Evidence of this is found in both Roman and Egyptian artifacts. Prior to 313 AD, colored glass was primarily used as a domestic decoration in wealthier homes. However, when Constantine allowed Christians to worship, and they began to build churches, colored glass windows became part of the beautiful sanctuaries. Stained glass became more common during the Middle Ages in the Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals. They began to use iron frames in which to mold the glass, which made the windows strong and secure. In the 13th century artists began to create images and scenes within the windows, and colors became more varied. Rather than blues, reds, and white, colors such as purples and greens became more visible. During the 16th century, areas of glass became larger on huge canopies. However, with the Reformation, and the harsh treatment of the Catholic Church, artists stopped creating moral tapestries in glass, as penalties became associated with their creation. For two hundred years, it seemed that stained art creations became a lost art. During the 1800’s, two gentlemen came to the forefront in the stained glass business: John LaFarge and Louis Comfort Tiffany. Newer techniques allowed for brighter colors, more intricate and interesting forms, and texture and depth to the glass. Today, artists still dabble in glass, though not on the scale of the magnificent stained glass creations of before. Still, artists express themselves and find new and imaginative ways to present colored glass for us to admire.

How Stained Glass is Made

To understand how stained glass is made, one must first understand how glass is made. Most glass is created using a fine stone such as sand or fine sandstone. A soda, such as sodium bicarbonate, is added as well as lime to make glass stronger. The mixture is melted to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit for hours and then cooled to work with it. While it is still in a molten state, the glass is blown through a blowpipe or pressed to create a flat piece. It is then put into a lehn oven to be completed. Adding particular metals to the compound before the glass is formed creates colored glass. For instance, cadmium sulfide will allow the glass to turn yellow. Other metals used are manganese dioxide for purple glass; chromic oxide for emerald green glass; gold chloride for red glass; and iron oxide to create greens and browns. Other metals are used for additional colors in the spectrum.

Tutorials and Resources for Creating Stained Glass

It doesn’t take an expert to create stained glass pictures. There are many tutorials available for those who wish to explore the craft. First, though, it is necessary to buy the correct tools. One should have a soldering iron, a grip oil cutter, an inland grinder, a glass breaking instrument such as pliers, a stained glass pattern, black backed foil, black patina, flux for stained glass, and, of course, colored and transparent glass. Though there are a lot of supplies necessary to do stained glass, most will last through many art projects. First one must score the glass using a cutout pattern, and then break the glass with either a straight edge or breaking pliers. One could also use a tapping method to break the glass. There are many different glass types to choose from, and one should evaluate the project they are considering before buying the glass they need. One should then grind the edges of the glass for a smoother cut. Foiling is used to go along the edges of the glass to better distinguish between the colors. The pieces are then soldered together to form the pattern that was initially chosen. One could also use foil pieces to accent the completed piece. Many people prefer to brush off and smooth out any rough places of foil. A completed art piece emerges as the colored glass and foiled areas create the initial picture that is on the stencil or in the artist’s head.

Stained Glass Painting 

Making and designing stained glass may be too ambitious an undertaking for some. The materials can be expensive, and they may not have the time or area to create stained glass from scratch. However, one can still design a stained glass creation by using paints on regular glass in pre-made designs. These kits usually come in the form of sun catchers or pictures one can buy at specialty stores, or even arts and crafts stores. The only materials needed for those are the designed pattern, paint, and a brush. Some kits will even have everything one needs right in a complete package. The following links provide some resources for those interested in painting glass.

Stained Glass Inspirations

Stained glass has been around for thousands of years, and many galleries and collections are available to individuals who wish to share in that history. Churches and cathedrals all over the world boast beautiful stained glass creations that have stood the test of time, to survive until today, telling the story of Christ and His church. However, there are also many museums and galleries that boast more contemporary stained glass collections and artistry. Within the following links, each individual, regardless of artistic taste, will find stained glass art to admire and appreciate.

Glass Blowing

Glass blowing is an art that was developed around 50 BC by the Roman Empire. Glass had been used far earlier, but when they discovered glass could be blown from the inside to create forms, glass could take on many forms and uses. During the Middle Ages glass blowing became even more common due to the popularity of stained glass in cathedrals. With the correct equipment, any individual can learn to blow glass. The process begins by melting the glass product into a palpable mass. The blower then uses a tube with some of the melted substance on the end of it. The artist blows on the tube with just enough force to create a shape within the glass without blowing hard enough to break through the surface of the glass. Many different shapes and forms can be designed by a glass blower. When metals are added to the glass mixture, many colors can also become evident in the glass. The glass baubles must then be set out to cool. When completely solidified, the glass may then be used. 

Other Glass Arts

Working in stained glass is not the only craft one can develop with glass products. There are many who create beautiful glass beads; some who work with sea glass to create dishes and pictures. Some can manipulate small pieces of glass into tiny creations such as figurines and intricate, decorative beads. There are vendors who made glass blocks or glass tiles that can be used in the home. Still others make glasses, lamps, and candle holders. See the following links for some ideas in glass other than the traditional, stained glass that is more familiar.