It’s a good idea to make two copies of the pattern so that you can use one copy to cut the templates and the other copy to place on the work piece to see how it fits. You can cut some costs if someone can donate their old cutters to you, but even if you need to go out and purchase some stained glass cutters they are usually a pretty reasonable price.

Creating stain glass there are many techniques that can be used. When creating the classic stained glass window, there are many pieces of color glasses, you will need to cut each piece so they fit together, then you will need to take lead, brass or copper and use it as a buffer between the glass.

Rub the lead lines and get them well coated with the chemical on the cotton. Take an old rag and polish the lead lines very vigorously. To create an illusion of a lead line you need to do it on both sides of the glass.

Sometimes, a piece of stained glass will lose its original brightness and color that the lead lines once had. The blackness or copper of the patina will dull and you find that over time there will be a buildup of some type of corrosion and it usually appears around the edges of the lead. Most manufactures use lead as the bonding material because it is flexible to use and it last for a very long time.

Lead is used and stripped into predetermined shapes so that they can be fitted between then the pieces of glass.

As you get some experience under your belt you can acquire more tools and accessories as deemed necessary by you- the master craftsman. If you do your homework earlier on before diving in with both feet, you will find that some of the tools you use will continue to be used by you for many, many years to come. These tools help assist an individual in marking, cutting, smoothing, and soldering the glass. To make stained glass, you will first need to get the tools and materials ready.

Some people use stain glass making as a hobby and other times the hobby becomes a business. Stain glass windows are becoming very popular again and many people want these colorful windows in their home to brighten and bring good cheer. Many people bring the stain glass windows into their homes by purchasing lamp shades that are stained glass. One of the most popular stained glass lamps is tiffany.

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Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury cathedral is located in southeastern England about 75 miles from London. It is well known for its stained glass windows, which date back to the 12th and early 13th century. The oldest is believed to be from the year 1176 and features Adam delving. There are dozens of scenes depicted by these pieces of art, some illustrating biblical stories, others showing the lives of every day people of the time.

Chartres Cathedral

The Chartres Cathedral is located about 50 miles outside of Paris and is one of the greatest examples of Gothic architecture. The stained glass that is featured throughout the cathedral is said to be one of the largest complete medieval collections in the world, with 152 pieces left intact. The windows are from the early 13th century and are distinguished by the blue color used in them. Biblical scenes depicted include the Last Supper and Madonna and Child.

Sainte-Chapelle

La Sainte-Chapelle cathedral is located on Ile de la Cite in Paris. The stained glass windows at the cathedral are from the 12th and 13th century, and famously illustrate scenes from the Book of Esther and the Book of Kings. At least 15 pieces are installed in the famous Gothic style monument.

Florence Cathedral

Florence Cathedral, or Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, in Italy is a Gothic style church that was founded in the beginning of the fifth century. A total of 44 stained glass windows from the 14h and 15th centuries illustrate stories about the saints from the Old and New Testament.

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As the sun changes position in the sky this time of year, and the morning’s tend to be dimmer while we are in worship service, the not so bright paint on the glass, or the missing lead came may be a bit more obvious in the glow of the interior lights.

So then comes the question, what issues are causing the problems, and what can we do to fix them? Also, it is important to consider what measures can be taken to protect these precious treasures from these issues arising again in the future?

It is said that the oldest stained glass church window in existence today can be found in the Augsburg Cathedral in Germany, and dates to the 1100’s. That being said, it is to be assumed that with proper care and preservation, the windows that your facility has come to cherish can last for generations to come.

The most common issue for stained glass church windows is bulging. Bulging is experienced in old stained glass windows when buildings settle, and when the lead fatigues. Lead in itself is a very weak material, and over time, if the deflection continues, the stress on the glass will cause cracks, and eventually make the windows irreparable.

Expansion and contraction are responsible for bulging as well. Difference in temperature can be extreme inside improperly ventilated stained glass windows. Since stained glass is very efficient in absorbing the suns energy, solar gain occurs, and accelerates deterioration. In the most extreme cases, the bulging can become so severe that the stained glass panels may actually pop out of their frames. Other common problems are seeing daylight through the windows, and the elements, i.e. rain and snow, seeping in through gaps left by sagging or bulging panels.

How these issues are repaired can vary greatly from removal of the entire window to be rebuilt from the frame up to onsite spot repair and reinforcement. The windows should always be carefully studied and a spelled out step by step plan developed to address the cause of the problem and to repair the window. Sometimes the cause is as simple as improper protection of the window to structural failure.

At the first sign of disrepair, a professional firm should be consulted, if at all possible to discuss the various repair options, or, to discuss replacement. Stained glass windows are a beautiful tribute to the artisans that helped to lay the foundation for many of the most beautiful structures in our nation, and they deserve to be preserved to the best of our ability.

Jessica Brearley is a member of the church renovations team at Fredrick and Emily’s. Since 1974, Fredrick and Emily’s have renovated church windows and provided other restoration services to congregations nationwide. Get a free consultation on what to do with your stained glass church windows and download a free church furniture restoration guide at FredrickAndEmilys.com.

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Of course, there is a good reason why only Churches were associated with stained glass windows for centuries—because they were the only ones that could afford them! Master artisans such as Louis Tiffany was commissioned by Churches and the ultra-elite to craft one-of-a-kind stained glass windows. Projects could take months, even years. The sheer labor involved in making authentic stained glass windows made them impossible to afford where the rest of us were concerned.

However, a growing number of designers, contractors, and homeowners are enjoying the beauty and quality of stained glass windows in regular homes—you know, not the mansions we see on television! Nothing adds character and elegance to a home like a stained-glass window and the lighting is both natural yet softly diffused so that rooms are basked in a soothing glow.

Advances in the manufacturing process have enabled some of the elite stained-glass window companies to both retain quality while reducing production time and expense. Every stained-glass window is made up of specially-made colored art glass. Each piece of glass is unique and so therefore is every stained-glass window. Both Meyda Tiffany and Dale Tiffany produce high-quality unique stained-glass windows using time-honored techniques (with some modification) and the same quality glass as those designed and produced by Dale Tiffany himself—at prices that many would find surprisingly affordable.

Of course, you probably would not want your home completely decorated with stained-glass windows which is why it is so important to carefully choose where you want to install them. Because they are such natural focal points for attention, many choose to install them in the areas of the home where people gather most: the kitchen or the living room.

The color pattern you choose should coordinate with the basic color scheme of your room. You may even want to redesign your décor based upon the pattern and coloring of the stained-glass window for a completely unified and stunning decorative effect. Of course, this may be a bit excessive but do be sure that the basic color scheme is in line with the colored glass. When you are done redecorating the space to coordinate with your new stained-glass window, you cannot help but become the envy of friends and family alike. See, not just for Church anymore—but just like the stained-glass windows in Church, people will not be able to take their eyes off your beautiful window!

Pamela Tice is the owner of numerous lighting and home decor websites including http://www.tiffany-lamps-store.com. Her store offers product and information about Stained Glass Panels and beautiful Tiffany Lamps as well as Chandeliers and Fireplace Screens that add beauty and richness to your home.

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Keys To Church Design

However one of the key elements to church interior design is that of stained glass.  In medieval times this was considered to be very valuable and many times was a reason for a church to be ransacked.  Today it is still a very strong element in the church and is still very expensive, but has not led to many robberies or pillaging as it did at hat time.

Another element that is essential in any Christian church are the Stations of the Cross.  This is artwork that is displayed on the walls in a variety of forms that is there to tell the story of how Jesus went through the carrying of and dying on the cross.  This is an integral part of any Christian church interior design as it is a large part for the basis of the religion.  This artwork can be either extravagant or simple in design as long as it is present and performs the necessary function that it is designed to do and that is to tell a story.

In all, there a total of 14 Stations of the Cross that will be in the church.  Each one will have its own title and will somehow portray that title in their imaging.  Their will be various types of artwork that can be used, from plaques and tapestries to even simply incorporating it into the stained glass windows that are already there.

The Bread and the Wine

The primary centerpiece of church interior design is the altar.  Usually this is constructed of marble and in some cases wood; this is the table so to speak of church interior design.  This is where all of the action takes place for the consecration of the Eucharist.  The bread and the wine are placed here to be blessed and displayed.  It is here that the church will perform its rites.  These tables can be simple or elaborate depending on how the church is designed.  It is completely up to the church as to how it will be designed and portrayed.

The last primary piece of church interior design is the pew.  This is usually a wooden bench for seating which will have a padded kneeler in front of it.  It is commonly made of wood and is simple in design.

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When people think about churches they commonly refer to the Christian churches. There are some very well known elements of interior design when looking at churches. Some of these churches look very similar inside.

Many components of a churches interior design are religious, although some of them have changed slightly over the years most of it has remained very similar. Back in medieval times it was common for a church to be broken into and the stained glass to be stolen. The stained glass windows were seen as very valuable. Stained glass windows are still a very large part of church design, however they aren’t really perceived as being that valuable anymore, even though they are.

Something which you will find in almost every church is the stations of the cross. When you first enter a church one of the first things that will catch your eye will be a series of pictures along the wall which are depicting a story. You will see one of the pictures is Jesus carrying a cross, and then one of the others is Jesus on the cross. These pictures tell a story and are in a certain order.

There are 14 stations of the cross, the image is created based on the title which the church created. The title of stage one is “Jesus is condemned to death” the image will therefore show the Romans sentencing Jesus to death. These images can either be created in stained glass and put into windows, or more often put on plaques and hung from the wall. This is a very important part of church design.

The Altar

Another thing that you will find in any church is the altar, this Is normally made from marble, although they can also be made from wood. A church simply cannot exist without an altar, so this is one of the most important parts of the whole church. Another thing that no church could do without is the tabernacle. This tabernacle is where the bread and wine are put for communion. Some of these are just simple, while others are very ornate boxes. This box will normally sit next to or behind the altar. A tabernacle whether elegant or simple is vital for any church.

The other very important part of a church is the seating, the congregation will obviously have to sit or kneel down somewhere. These seats are known as pews. A pew is actually a fairly simple form of seat, it’s just a long bench with a padded section for kneeling down. Most churches do not use seats as pews have been traditional for hundreds of years and after all why change something that works perfectly well.

Church interior design can be quite complicated, unlike just throwing up a set of country ruffled curtains. There are so many reasons behind some of the interior design elements that to understand it completely you would need to have a very long discussion with a vicar.

About the Author

Admit it—the first thing that comes to mind when you think of stained glass windows is Church. Many of us even have memories of specific stained glass windows locked inside our minds. For some reason or other, the pattern and the colors somehow impressed you and can remember them to this day. Even if you cannot recall a specific window, the fact remains that many of us do not even consider stained glass windows as a decorative option in our homes because we believe they are limited to Church use.

Of course, there is a good reason why only Churches were associated with stained glass windows for centuries—because they were the only ones that could afford them! Master artisans such as Louis Tiffany was commissioned by Churches and the ultra-elite to craft one-of-a-kind stained glass windows. Projects could take months, even years. The sheer labor involved in making authentic stained glass windows made them impossible to afford where the rest of us were concerned.

However, a growing number of designers, contractors, and homeowners are enjoying the beauty and quality of stained glass windows in regular homes—you know, not the mansions we see on television! Nothing adds character and elegance to a home like a stained-glass window and the lighting is both natural yet softly diffused so that rooms are basked in a soothing glow.

Advances in the manufacturing process have enabled some of the elite stained-glass window companies to both retain quality while reducing production time and expense. Every stained-glass window is made up of specially-made colored art glass. Each piece of glass is unique and so therefore is every stained-glass window. Both Meyda Tiffany and Dale Tiffany produce high-quality unique stained-glass windows using time-honored techniques (with some modification) and the same quality glass as those designed and produced by Dale Tiffany himself—at prices that many would find surprisingly affordable.

Of course, you probably would not want your home completely decorated with stained-glass windows which is why it is so important to carefully choose where you want to install them. Because they are such natural focal points for attention, many choose to install them in the areas of the home where people gather most: the kitchen or the living room.

The color pattern you choose should coordinate with the basic color scheme of your room. You may even want to redesign your décor based upon the pattern and coloring of the stained-glass window for a completely unified and stunning decorative effect. Of course, this may be a bit excessive but do be sure that the basic color scheme is in line with the colored glass. When you are done redecorating the space to coordinate with your new stained-glass window, you cannot help but become the envy of friends and family alike. See, not just for Church anymore—but just like the stained-glass windows in Church, people will not be able to take their eyes off your beautiful window!

About the Author

Christian churches around the world have a few standard interior design elements that are found pretty much everywhere. These same religious symbols are found universally, regardless of host country or the age of the church.

Stained Glass Windows

Throughout the history of the church, societies have devoted their resources to the decoration of their church buildings. One example is the use of beautiful and valuable stained glass windows. At one time, these windows would be stolen right out of the church buildings because of their great value. While this no longer occurs with great frequency, stained glass windows are still an important element of church design and represent a significant investment on the part of the congregation.

Pews

Another standard element of church interior design is the use of pews instead of individual chairs. Most pews in Catholic churches have a kneeling bench in front of them, and almost all pews have a rack on the back to hold hymnals and prayer books. The communal seating represented by long pews that can hold an entire family has long been a part of the church environment.

Stations of the Cross

Artwork depicting the stations of the cross is prominently displayed in many churches. This artwork can be in the form of designs in the stained glass windows or separate paintings, tiles, or carvings hung on or inset into the walls. The art depicts the story of the events of Good Friday, when Jesus carried his cross to the place of crucifixion and everything that happened along the way.

There are fourteen different images that make up the Stations of the Cross, each depicting a different story from the Bible of what happened on that day. Since they are each a part of a narrative, they are always shown in the same order. For example the first one is always the trial at which Jesus was turned over to be crucified to death.

The Altar

The central design element in most churches is an altar, with a tabernacle situated on or behind it. The altar is a sacred table made of wood or marble, and the tabernacle is a container for the holy bread and wine that is used in communion. Tabernacles can be very ornate, and altars as well can have ornate carving decorating them. This is in keeping with the tradition of devoting great resources to the interior design of the church in accordance with its great significance in the lives of most people throughout the millennia. However, some congregations could only afford a simple wooden alter and plain box for a tabernacle, and in modern times, simplicity might be chosen over elaborate decoration to reinforce the principle of humbleness and living a simple life. Whether the altar and tabernacle are highly decorated or simple, their importance as the centerpiece of church interior design cannot be underestimated.

About the Author

A church is commonly defined as a building used for public worship, especially in the Christian religion. Churches are typically very spiritual places and most people don’t think of them as decorated or designed, but they had to get that way some how, right? When designing the interior of a church, there are usually considerations made depending on the type of Christian church it is.

Catholic churches tend to look very different and house some different areas than a Southern Baptist church probably would, but most Catholic churches have most of the same things in them from one church to another. All Catholic churches typically have the following things, a representation of the 14 Stations of the Cross, an altar, tabernacle and pews.

In most Catholic churches, particularly Roman Catholic ones, there is a representation of the 14 Stations of the Cross. Many times these are in the stained glass windows of the church, or in representative tiles along the walls of the church. The 14 Stations of the Cross illustrate the story of Jesus’ condemnation by the Romans. These are put to particular use during the times of Lent.

The altar of the Catholic Church is another consistent design element. The altar is where the church’s mass is observed. Whenever the sacrifice of mass is offered, an altar or altar stone must be present. Altars are most often made of stone, often marble, in order to withstand use. Wood is also used. Gold and other precious metals have also been used to create some magnificent altars that have been presented at times as gifts to the churches.

Tabernacles are another item that will always be found in a Catholic church. Within this religion, a tabernacle describes a cupboard or box that is used exclusively for the storage of the Blessed Sacrament. In the Catholic faith, the Blessed Sacrament is physically the bread and wine used for communion, and literally the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. The tabernacle typically rests next to or behind the altar for communion purposes.

Another component of most churches, including but not only in the Catholic ones is the long bench like rows of wooden seating called pews. Pews are not used in most Orthodox churches, where stands are used instead. Pews are located in the nave, where the parishioners sit for church services. Catholic pews often also have kneelers in front of their pews so that worshipers are able to kneel in prayer without having to get on the floor under the pew in front of them. There are typically pathways left in between rows of pews to allow for a procession, when a priest, acolytes, the choir or even a bride enters the church and goes to the altar.

About the Author

There are a few different types of art glass used in churches today. This article is a discussion of various common types and styles of stained glass art found in religious institutions.

Faceted Glass

Faceted glass consists of approximately one-inch thick dalles of glass cut by hand and broken over an anvil. These pieces of glass are placed in a pattern on a table and a form is set around the perimeter of the panel. Sandy material called granules, are sprinkled between the pieces of glass. The next step is to pour a two-part epoxy resin between the pieces of glass. We then sprinkle another layer of granules over the epoxy resin. Once the epoxy sets, it results in a very strong load-bearing panel. Studios mainly use faceted glass for less complex designs. Faceted glass windows have a higher material costs but require significantly less labor, often making it a more cost effective solution. Faceted glass does not require a protective covering when installed and requires very little maintenance.

Leaded Stained Glass

Windows with little or no painted work are another type of stained glass art that studios commonly use. Leaded glass with little painted work is less labor intensive than fully hand painted stained glass windows. A Studio can design this medium to match most budgets and tastes. (See Step by step – leaded and painted construction below.)

Fully Hand Painted Stained Glass Windows

Hand painted stained glass windows are constructed the same as all leaded glass except that an artist will hand paint each piece of stained glass then fire the piece in a kiln to adhere the paint to the glass.

Painting allows the artist to create levels of detail not possible with the other new window methods. This process is very time consuming; requires a very talented artist; and is a more costly method then the others.

Whether you are constructing a new building or renovating an old one, keeping within a budget is always a concern. It is important to select a stained glass studio that has the versatility to present a variety of designs that are fitting to the church’s architecture and symbolic desires. Correctly designed windows can be achieved using any of the different types of stained glass available and your church should be given examples of each.

Many quality studios will present examples of work that may not be specific to your project. They will usually ask that you hire their company first before providing specific renderings of your new church windows. It is up to the church committee to decide after interviews and reviewing prior examples as well as conducting background checks, if the studios they are considering are competent and easy to work with.

Once the church committee selects the studio they want to work with, the studios’ artist will provide the church with specific renderings for their approval. It is important for the committee to review these renderings and only accept them if they are completely satisfied. This art form makes a large impact on any worship space. Take the time to be sure your selection is something that will satisfy you and your committee for generations to come. In non-painted windows, you should receive a small example of the glass to be used.

The executing artist is gifted and experienced and you need to allow them to complete the creation with some freedom of selection. Too often a great artist was handicapped due to the many influences by the committee, which can often hamper the overall project.

It is important to consider a stained glass studio that is versed in all areas of stained glass.

For example, a stained glass studio that performs many restoration projects has great insight to the construction, bracing and installation of new windows. Through restoration experience, they have learned what works best long-term and what does not.

Unfortunately, some beautiful new window creations that have been braced and installed improperly caused expensive repairs for the church long before it is appropriate.

Step by step – leaded and painted construction

The stained glass studio and its staff will meet with the committee to discuss the theme, design and coloring schemes of their client’s project. The studios artist will develop a thumbnail sketch or rendering or each window. The studio presents this rendering to the committee for their approval. Once approved, the studio turns the rendering into a full-scale cartoon. The cartoon is a full-size drawing depicting every piece of glass and lead came they will use. This drawing will be the exact size of the window and they should present it to the church committee for their review. This cartoon will not represent color but will show proportion of the design. This is a good checking point for the church prior to construction.

After the church approves the full-scale rendering, the artist will select the glass the studio will use. The artist then codes each piece of glass selected onto the cartoon. The stained glass craftsmen will then cut each type of glass to match the cartoon. If the windows need painted, they will give the painted pieces back to the artist, who then hand paints each piece and then fires it in a kiln so the paint will permanently adhere to the stained glass. The painted pieces are then returned to the craftsmen who will then assemble the window using lead came to custom build the window. When it is complete, the craftsmen will solder each lead joint thus making the stained glass panel one solid piece. They then send the panel to an area for cementing.

The craftsmen then brushes specially formulated cement compound over the panel working it under the flanges of the lead came. Next, they clean the excess cement off leaving cement under the lead came. This cement compound will weatherproof and help strengthen the stained glass window. The panel then dries flat for 48 hours while the cement cures.

Cross Section of the Construction of a Stained Glasss Window

They brace the panel on the interior surface to add extra support. This bracing system is designed in place according to the stained glass craftsmen who recognizes areas of weakness in the design. It is important that they add braces to provide maximum support with minimum intervention to the stained glass artwork.

Once they complete the stained glass panels, they transport the windows to the stained glass job site for installation into the new or existing frames. We find our clients are served better if we provide their general contractor with framing specifications and installation requirements. This approach avoids unnecessary costs and scheduling problems for the church and general contractor. In some remolding situations, this approach is ineffective. In others, the stained glass studio should be responsible for the modification of the existing frames to accept the new stained glass panels correctly. The church needs to review the framing fully with their stained glass studio prior to making this decision.

The stained glass windows should be divided into panels of approximately 12 square feet. In some installations, this might not be possible. Each panel is designed to supports it own weight ensuring that the bracing is adequate for the size of the panel.

It is best that the studio installs the stained glass after the remodel is complete. It is best to install the stained glass windows prior to the installation of the carpet, flooring and pews. If not, others working in the building could potentially break or damage the windows.

When installing new panels into a new double-glazed frame, the studio should shimmy the panels with setting blocks then secure with snap-on aluminum beads. If the exterior of the window has protective covering, then the stained glass is not sealed or caulked into place. We like to use black foam weather-stripping, which provides a clean perimeter line and holds the panel vertically into the aluminum channel against the backstop. This is the best type of installation, when applicable, because it allows others to remove the panels for easy cleaning or maintenance thus reducing potential damage to them.

If the windows do not have an exterior protective covering, it is necessary to secure the panel with glazing tacks or screws and stops. Once secured, you should seal a panel on the exterior perimeter and interior perimeter with a compatible caulk. For some clients, studios used incompatible silicones in their installations that chemically reacted and caused lead deterioration over a few years. We do not recommend a non-flexible caulking such as dap glazing, as this will not allow any movement of the stained glass panel thus creating the potential for premature bulging.

On a new installation that has protective covering, we recommend venting the windows from the exterior. If it is not possible to vent from the exterior, then you need to vent the interior. If the protective covering is insulation glass with a thermo broke frame, no venting is necessary.

About the Author