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Posted on December 31, 2008 by MSummy | Posted under Crafts
Choosing Glass for Your Stained Glass Artwork
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The choices range from cathedral stained glass to antique art glass. The glass you choose for your project will be a determining factor in its overall appearance. Cathedral stained glass is more commonly used than antique art glass, which can be hard to find and expensive. There is a wide variety in the different types of stained glass sheets available. Stained glass also comes in a large selection of colors, transparencies and textures. Other determining factors, when choosing glass, include glass coatings and ease of cutting. Manufacturers Some of the common stained glass manufacturers include Spectrum, Wissmach, Bullseye, Kokomo, Youghiogheny, Uroboros and Van Gogh. Your stained glass project can be made from one manufacturer's glass or a combination of glass from different manufacturers. Spectrum glass tends to be the easiest glass to cut. Using a combination of different manufacture's glass in a piece tends to enhance your artwork. Colors Glass color choices are constantly increasing. There is an array of choices in various hues. There are blues, greens, yellows, purples, reds, pinks, browns, grays, blacks, whites and clears. Transparency The density or transparency of glass refers to the amount of light that is transmitted through it. The density of the glass can be transparent, semi-transparent, opaque or anywhere in between. The more light you wish to be reflected from your piece will determine the density of glass you choose. Textures Although most glass is smooth, you can also choose to use textured glass. Glass textures go from subtle to dramatic. The more textured the glass, the more care is needed when cutting. With textured glass, one side is usually more textured than the other side. You should cut on the smoother side. Some of the common textured glass includes rough rolled, hammered, granite, crackled and waterglass (registered trademark of Spectrum). Using a variety of textures gives your artwork movement and dimension. Glass Coatings Glass coatings add an additional design element. The types of coating used on glass can include; iridescent, mirrored, frosted, sandblasted, etched and metallic. Iridescent coating has a metallic sheen and creates a rainbow affect. The darker the glass, the more distinct the rainbow affect. The addition of coated glass in your artwork will change the feel of the piece. It truly is amazing how an accent of coated glass enhances the artwork. Stained Glass Sheets Stained glass is commonly sold in quarter sheets, half sheets and sometimes even full sheets. Quarter sheets are approximately 12" x 12". Half sheets are usually 16" x 24". Full sheets are not commonly sold due to their size. When determining the amount of glass needed for a project, allow 25% for waste factor. Yes, there are many different glasses to choose from. Try antique art glass or semi-antique glass. Look through the choices of cathedral glass. The choices of glass are constantly increasing. Choose glass that will complement your artwork or the surroundings or where the stained glass will be displayed. The point is, have fun and experiment. The end result will be one-of-a-kind art work. About The Author: I started out as a stained glass admirer. After a class in stained glass, I became addicted. At first I made stained glass to decorate my homes, which lead to friends asking me to make stained glass for them. Now I am a full time professional making stained glass as well as instructing others on how to make stained glass. My studio is located outside of Chicago, Illinois. For more information on making or buying stained glass or to sign up for my newsletter, go to creativity-in-glass. |
Tags: STAINED GLASS, STAINED GLASS ARTWORK, STAINED GLASS PANELS, STAINED GLASS MANUFACTURERS
