Many, many years ago I decided to take a class through the local community college and learned how to do stained glass. And when I say “many” years ago, I’m pretty sure it was somewhere around 25ish years ago. At that time, I got really into it and made a bunch of different panels, while having access to a fantastic instructor to help me through the tricky bits. At some point, the class ended and I lost access to the studio… so I hadn’t touched a glass cutter in more than two decades.
Well, about 2-3 years ago I thought it would be fun to take a refresher class at a local studio, with the intention to set up my own home studio afterwards. I very much enjoyed that class, but life got in the way and the home studio never actually happened.
Until this year!
In April, I set up my own studio in the corner of my sunroom. I’m so happy to have my own artistic outlet all ready to go whenever inspiration strikes.
I decided that my first piece in my new studio would be a practice piece – I created the design myself based on a few different inspiration panels, then I worked my way through each step from cutting the glass, grinding it, foiling each piece, soldering it all together and framing it at the end.
Did I make mistakes? Absolutely. But I kept them in as a reminder to where I’m (re)starting, so that I can see how far I come.
It feels so good to create in this way again and I love having only my own expectations on what I want the panel to look like. I’ve completed 2 panels so far and I’d love to share them with you.
As for what’s currently on my workbench… here is a little sneak peek.
I love that each project I work on teaches me something new. For example, I’ve been creating my own patterns from scratch for each design. For my second panel, I used chemicals to turn the solder black. For my third panel, I’m experimenting with using sticker paper for my pattern pieces, rather than tracing them on before I cut.
For the suncatcher, I’ll be teaching myself how to solder on jump rings and incorporate some of my jewelry making stash to add string, chain, and possibly some beads as well.
Also on the horizon, I can’t wait to try 3D designs like stained glass plants and succulents! I’m also planning to use every bit of my scrap glass by teaching myself how to do a little mosaic as well. I already have a plan for a stepping stone for the grass outside my sunroom.