Stained Glass Window- In Vintage Window Frame

I haven't been painting for a few weeks, due to all the packing and pre-relocating craziness.  I did, however, get a chance to go to the stained glass studio and finish up my latest project.  I started learning stained glass a few years ago and have completed many windows and even a lamp shade- but this was my first project using lead instead of copper foil to construct the window.  I wanted to learn the process of working with lead since it is quite different. I have some old window frames at home that I have kept for this reason- stained glass.  Some of the window frames are from when we replaced all of our windows on Long Island.  My husband continuously tries, with no success, to get me to throw them out.

The first steps are the same as in the copper foil process- making the pattern and cutting the glass pieces.  Then, starting in one corner, I put my first 2 sides of the window (zinc strips) in and start working my way out from the corner.  One piece at at time, I fit the glass in, and cut the lead came strips to fit.  The glass pieces were all ground on the edges with the grinder, but often need more grinding to fit properly.  The glass pieces and came strips are kept in place with horseshoe nails as I go, to keep the window true to the pattern underneath.

The central design with the bevel pieces was simple since they came cut out already- more difficult to fit in sometimes, but already finished edges.

I chose to use clear glass for most of the design- the bevels, and 2 different patterns of clear (glue chip, and a ribbed border).  The outside border is blue streaky glass. 

I love the finished window and, for now, it will just stay on the easel since I am moving and don't need to decide which window to hang it in.  Since the old window frame it is framed with is a beach house window, it is fitting that it will be so near the ocean again.  Working with lead was a fun process, and I definitely plan to do more of these! 

Stained Glass Window- California Poppies

I included this photo since it shows the copper patina

My latest stained glass window is ready to hang. I finished the poppies a few days ago and put a copper patina on the solder.  I took these photos before I had my husband hang it up since it will be in a high window and harder to photograph. The next window I am going to do, I will be working with lead and learning a new process.  Making these windows has been so much fun, I am really happy that I decided to finally learn how after years of thinking about it!

Stained Glass Window- California Poppies

We spent Christmas away from home, and I haven't been painting for the last few weeks- but I have made some progress on my latest stained glass window. I haven't been going to the glass studio every week because of the holidays, but I did manage to get my pieces ground and on my board. I love this stage of work, since you can finally see what the window will look like. Next step- foiling the edges and getting ready to solder.

I got the pattern for this window from my mom. She made a window like this many years ago, and my compliments to the artist who made the original window! My mom's window was made with lead, and mine will be soldered with foil, but the look will be the same. I can't wait to finish it and have it in my home- I have always loved seeing it in my mom's kitchen window.

Seahorse Stained Glass Window- Completed!

I finally finished my seahorse stained glass window project! When I first started taking stained glass classes last year, I was always in a huge hurry to finish my projects. I even worked on them at home, along with going to the glass studio one or more afternoons a week. After a few windows were completed, I realized I could slow down a bit. I already had an addiction to painting which took up most of my free time- alternating between watercolors, oils and acrylics was tricky enough. Adding a new time consuming art form had to be dealt with or I would go crazy trying to keep up with these various artistic endeavors! Now, I have settled down and I finish a window when I finish a window. Sometimes, I even skip a week in my stained glass classes! This seahorse window has been completed at a much slower, more relaxed pace. I made my own original pattern by drawing a large seahorse on a piece of pattern paper, dividing it up like a puzzle to get the colors of glass where I wanted them. After I made the pattern and cut all the pieces, it was time to cut all the glass. Then comes grinding, copper foiling each piece, and finally soldering and putting on the patina. This time, I chose copper patina since I really liked the way the window looked with the copper foil around the pieces of glass. It seems like it took forever- but it is done and I have been able to keep up with my painting, which I try to do most days. My husband got it hung up in one of our highest windows a mere few hours after I finished it!

Thanks for looking!

Sheryl

My latest artistic obsession- stained glass!

I have been wanting to learn how to do stained glass for many years, and last August I finally signed up for a class. It has now become a new obsession- I only work on my projects once a week, so they can take a while to complete, but I enjoy every minute! I like to draw my own design/pattern, or sometimes, use my watercolors as a pattern. I have always enjoyed soldering, so this is a way for me to combine my interests. My latest project is a large sea horse window. I am in the process of putting the copper foil around the edges of the pieces, and then will be able to start soldering!