WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT...

I use a range of techniques to make and restore leaded lights and stained glass,

lamps and gifts, including fused glass.

Technically the term "stained glass" mainly applies to permanently painted and fired glass,

such as the figures and details found in church windows or traditional leaded lights.

However, the term has become commonly used to mean any work

that utilises cut pieces of coloured glass, used to create a picture or pattern.

Of course many combinations of techniques may be incorporated to make up a completed work.

Stained glass comprises of pieces of coloured, clear or textured glass,

cut into shapes that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.

The glass pieces are then assembled using two techniques - leading and copper foiling.

Leading is the traditional technique used for windows and doors and any leaded lights that need be weatherproof. Lead cames (lengths of lead channels either H or U shape in profile) hold the pieces of glass together, and each joint is soldered on both sides.

Copper Foiling technique can be attributed to Louis Comfort Tiffany - creator of the beautiful Tiffany lampshades and windows of the late 19th Century. Copper foil is stuck to the edges of the cut glass, and then the pieces are soldered along the seams. This technique creates finer results than lead, but is not suitable for external windows and doors as it is not weatherproof.

Fused glass is created when pieces of specialist glass have been combined in a kiln at melting temperatures.