For my project this term, I really want to make some sort of stained glass project. Ever since I had a stained glass video in my YouTube recommended, I have been so intrigued to try it. I would consider this project to remain static, however, one might consider it to be dynamic if hung in a window and your perception of it may change as the light changes through the window. I am thinking that I will create some sort of suncatcher that could hang in a window.
Props if you know what show this is from 😉 
Artist Questions
- I am currently stuck on inspiration of what the actual picture is going to be, whether it will be inspired by movies or shows that I like, or if I should make something original, so I am open to suggestions or ideas?
- Does anyone happen to know where I can buy some stained glass sheets in person?
- I have already signed up to take a beginners course at the WCC to learn the basics of stained glass making, but does anyone know any additional resources for me to look at (blog, youtube, etc.)?
- Any other advice, suggestions, or comments about the concept are welcome!
Glass would definitely be interesting to work with for this – but if you’re pressed for resources, you might have an easier time finding scraps of colored plastic sheets to laser cut. I’m also sure that the WCC faculty know where to get some good glass, whether from a manufacturer or just someplace that has all the best scraps.
If you’re a Marvel fan, something inspired by the Bifrost bridge or sorcerers’ shields would be cool to look at. Similarly, I think anything resembling a portal or mystical artifact would communicate well in stained glass.
Stained glass in a window is really cool! (I just love stained glass in windows, so you’ve got me 100% on board with this already)
Usually, stained glass is the window, and colored plastic is what you can stick on a window. What are you aiming for here?
Any thoughts on what the shadow of the light going through the window would look like as well? If there’s some direct sunlight, you could create some patterns on the floor. Could you refract the light?
Also, what sort of space would this art piece complement? (I suppose that depends on the concept though)
I want to make like a suncatcher to hang in the window, not the actual window for this project.
I think that it depends on whether the glass is transparent or opaque. If transparent, yes the light would shine through the piece and show the color on the wall or floor.
I think this piece will look the best hanging in a sunny window.
This is a really cool idea! I especially like the colored shadows that stained glass produces, which could be an interesting aspect to focus on somewhat. You mentioned that the piece would be static, but if you wanted a way to add a tiny bit of movement, you could make it hang a little bit away from the window so breezes will let it swing a little bit. As for where to get glass, it seems like you can buy sheets with interesting patterns, such as from here: https://www.stainedglassforless.com/stained-glass/. I don’t know if this site is good but they have some really pretty pieces!
My great-grandfather was extremely into stained glass and growing up I have seen some amazing pieces of his and love seeing the different colors from the sun and other light sources around. I really like seeing what people are able to make with this medium and also like the mosaic style to the pieces.
In terms of stained glass supplies, I’ve heard of Bassett Stained Glass as well as another place that I believe was called Looking Glass Stained Glass. I believe they are relatively close and might be a good start for getting different things in person. I also believe both of these places were artist shops as well so they would be a good outlet for recommendations from people more experienced with Stained Glass.
I’ve seen colored glass pieces that have two shapes intersecting like an X so that when the sun rose, the shadow cast was of one of the shapes, and then when the sun set, the other shape was shown. I’ve only seen them as fixed pieces on a wall, but it might be cool to look into as a hanging piece because it could still rotate and cast those colorful shadows. For subject material, you could do another Game of Thrones design.
Stained glass seems so refreshing compared to some of the other projects that are relying on LEDs and electronics (mine included). As for finding the stained glass, I did a quick search and saw some sellers on ebay trying to sell some glass scraps. You could look for local craft groups on facebook or instagram too.
A couple ideas that you could do would be a forest scene, A waterfall and or an animal. My grandma had stained glass in her house and I always liked looking at the light the shone in through it.
I would probably draw from different stories to determine the design. The point of stained glass being incorporated into churches in history was both the symbolism of light and the power of god, but even more the stained glass windows were used to tell stories.
I think an interesting way to make it less “static” would be to have multiple pieces that are only loosely connected, allowing them to move independently. Also depending on the design, you could have a central light of some kind surrounded by the glass so it could cast its own light.
I love stained glass and am very jealous right now! I know nothing about making stained glass but it might be helpful to look into what is difficult to make (repeating identical shaped like in that flower, straight lines, circles, etc.). Since this is a skill you’re going to be developing, something relatively simple or with an emphasis on different colors might be good. I also second David’s idea of have independent pieces. That could also open up what you might want to create, like a scene or a theme.
I’m excited to see what kind of stained glass design you’ll come up with. As I understand it, cutting curves can be hit or miss for beginners, so you might want to make your design using mostly straight line.