The black and white photos are of poor quality, disapointing in a book about a medium charecterized by it's vibrant colors. The designs provided with the book are, well- ugly.

The author is vague in his recomendations regarding tools and supplies, suggesting (infuriatingly) that one consult their "intructor or supplier". Step up to the plate, name names! I bought your book you weenie. What kind of soldering iron did YOU shell out your hard-earned money for?

I wouldn't have bought this book if I had seen it in a bookstore where I could pick it up and leaf through it. Ugh.

Do yourself a favor. Do a "Google" search for "stained glass instruction" there are guys willing to part with all the info in this book for free. Save eleven bucks.


Excellent beginner's book   March 6, 2001
 131 out of 133 found this review helpful

I bought this book as an addition to my stained glass class through the local high school. It is great. It helps fill in the gaps and reminds me of what I forgot.

This book covers both copper foil and leading. While I can't speak for the leading, it has excellent information on the copper foil method. It's information on equipment is also up to date. Though the cover is in color the rest of the book is in black and white. This is probably why a book so jam packed with information, was so inexpensive. I didn't find the black and while photos to be a negative at all. There are pictures of everything and this is great. So many books just give you patterns and words.

Its tips on glass cutting I found very useful, since you don't always run into everything in class. It saved me some broken glass. Its troubleshooting hints on soldering were handy as well.

Also there are some projects in the back. I haven't made any but they have complete instructions (pictures too) and the patterns included.

The contents since ... does not provide it, is as follows:

1. HISTORY - GLASS Glass making, Stained glass, Jewels, Nuggets and Bevels, Color selection,

2. TOOLS OF THE TRADE Glass cutters, Pliers, Soldering Irons and Accessories, Lead tools, Miscellaneous Equipment, Safety Equipment, Grinding Equipment,

3. SUPPLIES Supplies, Work Surface, Lead Supplies, Copper Foil Supplies, Shopping list,

4. GLASS CUTTING Theory,

Holding the Glass Cutter, Scoring the Glass, Breaking out the score, Scoring using a straight edge, Grozing, Cutting inside curves, Cutting Circles, Semi-circles or ovals, Cutting large sheets,

5. WORKING WITH PATTERNS Pattern Making, Using a Pattern for Glass cutting, Photocopying your patterns,

6. CONSTRUCTING A LEADED PANEL Introduction, Step by Step Instructions, Lead Soldering, Cementing,

7. CONSTRUCTING A COPPER FOILED PANEL Introduction, Step by step instructions, Soldering copper foil, Solder Troubleshooting Hints,

8. CONSTRUCTING A COPPER FOILED LAMPSHADE Step by step instructions, Alternate Assembly method, Special Construction, Joiner pieces, Square corner construction,

9. FINISHING YOUR PROJECT Hanging hardware, Spider, Vase caps, Frames, Antique Patina, Polishing or Waxing, Overlay Details, Cleaning your project, Reinforcing your window, Replacing a cracked foil piece,

10. FULL SIZE PROJECTS Diamond panel (Bevels), Sunburst panel, Butterfly, Rainbow and Cloud, Standing Angel, Dove, Fruit Cluster, Six Sided Flower pot, Eight Sided Flower pot, Traditional cone lamp, Classic Lamp, Floral Lamp, Floral Tray with Dividers, Floral Lidded Box, Sailboat Panel, Cattail Panel, Floral Panel,


Exceptional book for beginners   December 19, 1999
 156 out of 156 found this review helpful

I found this book great for anyone who wants to start stained glass. Needed supplies, basic techniques reguarding every aspect to get rolling. Cutting angles, and circles, foiling and soldering, much more, I dont think I could of started without it. If your at all interested in stained glass, this book is a must. Any questions you have, this book covers it. Well worth it! Also useful as a referance manual. Good luck!