Hi, my name is Linda and I LOVE glass. I started making stained glass many years ago, first taught by my lovely and patient dad and it continued from there. I enjoy being in my workshop surrounded by my glass and it gives me so much pleasure to create pieces.
When I create a piece there are a number of stages: design, which is where the real inspiration happens. Then I decide which technique to use, Tiffany or lead or a combination of both.
The Tiffany technique of creating stained glass pieces, also known as the copper foil method, was invented by Louis Comfort Tiffany, an American artist and designer, in the late 1800s. It is used for smaller and more intricate designs. The oldest method of making stained glass is the use of lead came, a lead strip with a groove or channel to hold the glass. This technique was developed hundreds of years ago and is the basic technique used in the leaded windows of Medieval cathedrals. I sometimes combine the techniques to allow a more intricate design in a leaded panel.
The next step, and one of my favourites, is choosing the glass for the design. I have a confession to make...I am a bit of a glass hoarder, so I have a large selection of new and antique glass. After selection I cut the glass and fit it to the design, which is where the years of cutting experience come in handy. I use glass cutters, pliers and grinders to get the desired result. Needless to say, I should probably get shares in Band-Aid, though nowadays I use cut proof gloves.
Once everything is fitted, I will apply copper tape to the glass or fit lead came. Then I solder it all together using 60/40 solder or sometimes 67/37 for decorative pieces. If the piece is made with lead came, I will cement the panel. I will sometimes apply a patina, black or copper coloured, if the piece is copper foiled. The final step is cleaning and waxing the piece.
Please remember that stained glass pieces do contain lead, so after handling please wash your hands.
I am happy to quote on custom work or repairs. I have many years of experience and take pride in my work. I guarantee professional craftsmanship in all my work.