My Blog

Getting Started In Stained Glass

10/12/2011 12:31:00

My beginnings with stained glass were quite by accident. I was a practicing massage therapist at the time, and met some people that were doing stained glass professionally. I was amazed with what you could create in glass. So many colors and textures. The choices on what glass to use were endless. Then there was the technical aspect of creating stained glass. The cutting, the foiling, soldering, patina, framing, each a skill to learn in itself. And before any of this, there was of course, the design! Yet another skill to master and perhaps the most important because that is where the picture for what you wanted to create in glass, was born. This new art form intrigued me and before I knew it I was hooked! I had previously worked in clay, and painting, but this incorporated many different skills that made it a lot of fun. Kind of like an erector set only with glass! You could cut it, mold it, torch it, fire it in a kiln, cut it with a saw! WOW, it just set my creative mind out of control with the possibilities. I was hooked...

Once the idea, picture, or concept was born and drawn out with the precise skill of a graphics designer, minus the computer graphics program I might add, then it was time to create the pattern(another skill to learn) that you would use to cut each individual piece of glass for the design. From there to foiling, adjusting, and then putting it together with the final step being framing.

Lots of skills to learn in order to create your design ideas in glass. And a rather large basic list of supplies for that first project. I am asked often, what do I need to start working in stained glass, and do I teach classes in it. Currently I do not teach any classes, but, I will be posting information on how to get started. I wish I could say that it's an inexpensive hobby or profession, but it is not. Glass, lead, metals for framing and chemicals are all very expensive. Tools vary and like anything you get what you pay for. However there are ways to get started without going broke. So watch here for a series of posts on Getting Started in Stained Glass.

Create the Possibilities!!

Diane M. Brunetta

New Stuff

09/25/2011 16:42:00

I've just spent some time this weekend reviewing the web site to see how I could simplify it, make it more interesting, and update information. Hope you like the changes, and if there is anything you think would help make the page more user friendly please let me know.

On a side note, over 11k hits to the web site from all over the world, and I do mean all over! Now the interesting thing is that I get very few comments, or emails. So, since people like to blog, that is why we now have the blog conveniently located right here on the web site. You don't have to use a link to another site. So blabber away my friends about glass, the arts(all of them) and have a good time. In order to ensure the blog is a family friendly location, your posts have to be approved before they show up. But not to worry, I check the site daily!!

Thanks Everyone!!

Blown Glass Vases From the Island of Murano, Venice Italy

09/25/2011 13:28:00

Hi Everyone,

These are the last of a very special order of vases from Murano Italy. At this time, my source does not believe they have any more and is checking for me. Most have their original labels. The vases that appear bent are reffered to as a bent tree vase. Photos do not do justice to their beauty. If you're interested in any of these, contact me about which are still available, current price, and shipping. No two are the same, and they make a very special gift for any occasion.

New Blog, Everything Right Here...

09/23/2011 12:48:00

Greetings Everyone!

I have now added a blog to the website. What this means for you the visitor is that you don't have to go to another site for the blogging. What this means for me is an easier format for blogging with the same company that my web site is hosted with. Easier, faster, and right at our fingertips!! Check back in the next week as I launch discussion, ideas, and thoughts about the wonderful world of creating!! Hope to see your thoughts here on our blog!