Transforming Sunrays

Image Gallery GARY BUSS/FPG

HAND SKILLS

How to make your own stained glass windows

Waking up to warm sunlight streaming in through your window is one of life's great pleasures. But it's nothing compared to sunlight streaming through stained glass, transforming sunrays into rich and various colors. These days, you can buy an average-size stained-glass window for about $250, not including the installation fee. Or, if you're someone who enjoys making projects with your hands—and you have the time to spare—you can create your own window for about $75 to $100. The cost will lessen significantly the next time you make one because most sup plies must only be purchased once. 4-053-01i1.jpg" width="150" height="216" /> You will also have the benefit of selecting your own design and color. Below is a checklist of necessary supplies, followed by places that you buy those that are harder to find.

—one pound of glass in various colors
—3/4" plywood
—fine-point, permanent marking pen
—glass cutter: stained glass supplier
—light oil or turpentine
—special glass file
—grozing pliers: stained glass supplier glass file
—china marker (grease pencil)
—2 quarter-round wooden molding strips or two spare feet of plywood
— six foot lengths of 3/16" " or 1/4" channeled lead strips (cames) in "H" shape and/or "U" shape
— diagonal cutting pliers (wire cutters)
— farrier's (horseshoe) nails: stained glass supplier or local equestrian shop
—one-pound roll of 50/50 (50 percent tin; 50 percent lead) solid-wire solder: local plumbing supply shop
— one small can of paste flux: local plumbing supply shop
— small, stiff wire brush
— 50- to 120-watt soldering iron or soldering gun with a chisel tip: stained glass supplier
— small copper loops for hanging
—glazing compound: hardware stores
— knife or ice pick
—whiting (powdered calcium carbonate or plaster of paris)
—scrub brush
—soap and water

Getting Started

Find a roomy work area such as a table or bench in your garage or an unused part of the house. A sheet of 3/4" plywood placed across two sawhorses makes an ideal workbench and can be rapidly disassembled if necessary. If there are small children in the family, make a special effort to keep your work area off-limits; broken glass pieces and strips of lead are extremely dangerous to curious kids.