The objective of this class is to make a new stained glass panel or window using lead came.

After a few initial lessons to cover safety, the tools and materials needed, I will cover the selection of a suitable panel which I will construct, and the reasons for this choice. It will be then for you to choose a corresponding panel to do at home or in your workshop.

A crucial lesson covers the design of your new panel. There are the following important considerations:

Size calculation
Design to assist glass and lead cutting
Aesthetic design

You will forward to me your designs, including dimensions, so that I can check that the glass can be cut and will withstand likely installation conditions. This should be in digital form; PDF and/or images in a common format. I will give you feedback on the design, the choice of materials and anything else that will improve the construction process and the final piece. This could include:

Alterations to the design to accommodate ease of construction
Recommendations to strengthen the panel using larger lead came, internal or external supports
Advice on design choices based on my experience of making a similar piece

Once a suitable project and panel design has been established you will be ready to get some proper hands on:

Create an accurate paper version of your design in the form of a cartoon
Your cartoon will be marked up to identify each piece of glass uniquely
You will assign a colour/texture/grain to each piece of glass
You cut the glass; a lesson covers cutting techniques

You will need to have a construction board and a minimum set of tools and materials, which I cover in one of the lessons.

Once all the glass has been cut we will be ready to start constructing the panel. The next lessons cover:

Cutting the lead; a lesson covers cutting techniques
Soldering the lead; again covered in a separate lesson
Cementing the entire panel on both sides
Finishing and cleaning

All good fun and at the end of all this you have a beautiful stained glass panel, which will look amazing, because they always do.

Noelle H

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