DIY: Tools + Materials

Let’s get you started (or continue) on your stained glass journey!

I teach a lot of stained glass workshops. I love nothing more than when my student’s decide they want to jump in as a hobby and potentially sell their work. I’m happy to help get folks started and support them along the way.

In this post I’ll be sharing some supply recommendations I have for tools and materials that I feel are useful and worth investing in. The products listed are supplies I use everyday in my studio. Many I’ve never had to replace or I’ve tried a lot of versions and these are the ones I’ve had the most success with. If you choose to purchase products through these links I will earn a small commission that helps me keep these types of resources going. I’ve taken great care in linking items from either small business or direct from the company.

Getting started
I do offer a beginner stained glass kit that includes the foundational tools you need to get started! Keep reading as I list many other items that are great to have that are outside of the kit. Examples being, education, work surfaces, supplementary tools and where to find materials when you run out - chemicals, foils, soldiers.

Many of the tools and materials you may need you probably already have on hand. I’ll list them here and might link them as well. Please take the time to check your tool shed and craft boxes before buying new items.

Glass sheets
There are so many beautiful colors, textures, and transparencies to collect. The only material I highly encourage you to seek out in person are glass sheets; as it’s so much fun to shop at your local glass shop. I find that it helps me to have a project in mined before going glass shopping. It’s just far too much fun (and easy) to blow your budget or leave with a bunch of beautiful glass that might not work for the project you envisioned. A quick google search for glass shops in your area is the best way to shop for glass. The owners are typically thrilled to help you and seeing glass in person is the best way to shop.

Creating your pattern:
There are so many beautiful patterns online that you can either find for free or pay a small amount. Etsy has a ton of fun well designed patterns to choose from. I strongly encourage you to create your own designs and patterns if you decide to sell your work. As an artist, there is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing your work being sold by another creator who was “inspired” by another’s idea.

I’m not going to go into how to create patterns here: what I do recommend starting on graph paper. It’s super helpful to invest in a lightboard early on. This will help with making iterations, copies and working with glass transparencies.

Education Resources
Nothing beats taking a course in person. However, when you’re home in your own workspace there is nothing more useful than have a book next to you to reference. There are so many well written beginner stained glass books at second hand book shops or online. These are three of my favs created by some incredibly talented folks: Kicking Glass by Neile Cooper , The Complete Guide to Handmade Stained Glass by Rosie Linebaugh and Stained Glass Basics: Techniques - Tools - Projects. I know the internet is free but frankly, it’s difficult to figure out what to search when when you’re learning. Please, get a book.

Cut + Shape Glass
This is the most fun and frustrating portion of stained glass. Be patient with yourself. This is one of those things that you just have to do a lot to get good at it. My best tip is to purchase inexpensive picture frames (you don’t need the frame) with glass in them to practice on. Nothing worse than breaking a bunch of pretty glass learning.

Here is a list of tools that you’ll need to get started. I use each of these in my studio. If you’ve taken a workshop from me you’ll be familiar with each of them.

Foil + Burnishing
This is the most zen part of stained glass. Take great care when you’re foiling as this could either make or break the final result of your project.

Soldering
This is the closest any of us are getting to being magic. Melting metal is such a thrill!
This is not a full list of what you need to solder. This is a guide for a few items that I feel are worth investing in.

I hope this information helps you along your journey. Stained glass is a truly special art form. If you find yourself being overwhelmed by all this, just know that it’s natural to feel that when you’re about to do something new and challenging. Please remember this is not a complete list, you’ll work up to collecting these items as you invest yourself into this art form.

Let me know if you find this helpful.

Big hug,

Chelbie