Basic Stained Glass Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started (How To Basics) [Spiral-bound]

Eric Ebeling (Author), Michael Johnston (Author), Alan Wycheck (Author)

Book Description

Series: How To Basics | Publication Date: September 1, 2003

Each technique illustrated with color photos

Complete explanation of tools and materials

Step-by-step lessons for a variety of projects

This highly detailed guide contains everything the beginner needs to know to make beautiful basic stained glass projects--presented with lavish color illustrations and precise instructions that eliminate the guesswork from each step-by-step activity. Expert techniques and tips for cutting and polishing glass, tracing patterns, soldering, and more are explained with the beginner in mind.

Included is an indispensable section on tools and materials used to make each of the pieces--from classic flat-panel creations to a Tiffany-style lamp. Other topics: setting up a good workspace, safety guidelines, and project variations.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Alan Wycheck is a concrete specialist and former partner in The SO Factory, a concrete design company. He is also an award-winning photographer and lives in central Pennsylvania.

Michael Johnston is a stained glass expert who has been perfecting his craft for more than two decades in the central Pennsylvania region, where he owns and operates Rainbow Vision Stained Glass. He is an accomplished teacher of stained glass techniques and artistry for all skill levels. He lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 144 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811728463
• ISBN-13: 978-0811728461
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,373 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book for beginners, November 24, 2004

By 

Elena J. Mccants (NC United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Basic Stained Glass Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started (How To Basics) (Spiral-bound)

This books begins by telling how to set up your stained glass workshop and discussing safety issues. Next, it lists tools and supplies, providing excellent photos, explanations of use, and approximate cost of each. In the basic skills chapter, the author explains how to hold and use the cutting tool, why you should hold it that way, how to make accurate cuts, what to do if the cut is not good, etc. This chapter also demonstrates how to make curved cuts (through a series of smaller cuts) while avoiding accidental cracking of the glass. It teaches how to plan the more complicated cuts. The book includes tips on soldering, soldering safety, and keeping the tip clean. It includes a series of projects that build upon previously learned skills (a glass panel, a Tiffany-style lamp shade, a holiday candle, a hanging star, and a decorative mirror). It also provides additional patterns for projects. It includes detail instructions on how to apply copper foil and how to use lead came. Finally, there is a small chapter on basic stained glass repair.

This is an excellent book. There is an abundance of very good photos that clearly demonstrate how to use tools and supplies, how to make the cuts, how to assemble the pieces, and how to finish the project. The instruction is well-written and seemed to answer all my questions. At just under $12.00, this book was an excellent buy. I'll look for this author when I make future purchases on this subject.

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best for Beginners, June 23, 2005

By 

Barbara J. Stahlecker (Yankton, SD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Basic Stained Glass Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started (How To Basics) (Spiral-bound)

This is a great book for anyone who wants to begin making stained glass. I took one beginner's course - but when it came time to do my own project at home, I was just a bit terrified! This book gives you true step-by-step instructions along with lots of detailed pictures. I purchased 3 books for beginners and this is the best one, by far.

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great starter book, May 20, 2004

By 

tallahasseelass "Janet" (Tallahassee, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Stained Glass Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started (How To Basics) (Spiral-bound)

If you are just starting out or are curious about working with stained glass or art glass, as some refer to it, this is an excellent book. It's composition and photographs make it very easy for a beginner to understand. The projects provide a good basis for learning the various aspects of glass; design, layout, foil, soldering and display.

Any person brand new to stained glass would do well with this type of book but also check with your local stained glass shop or community college to see if there are classes you could take. It is really great to have others about, not only for the learning process, but to see other projects being made.

Good luck!