Comparing Leaded and Faux Stained Glass Panels

By: Earl Garber

When most people think of stained glass, more often than not the classic Tiffany style stained glass panels seen in many churches comes to mind. These windows are often referred to as classic stained glass but for the hobbyist considering creating their own art glass panels there is also faux stained glass.

The desire to create beautiful art using bright vibrant colors and glass is growing quickly with the average man. In the past the cost, space requirements, and skill required made creating stained glass an activity for serious artisans. Those who can not afford to set up a workshop or do not want such a large commitment usually do faux based designs instead of leaded. While some begin in the faux style, they eventually begin cutting glass to do classic panels as their experience grows and the desire to learn new things takes them on.

Faux stained glass panels can use the same pattern as a classic leaded panel. Faux windows are created by painting the pattern onto a solid sheet of clear glass instead of being cut pieces placed into a frame. First a lead look alike is carefully used to mark out the pieces of the pattern. Once this dries each piece is painted the color it needs to be for the design, much like a paint by number that kids do. Though these panels can take a considerable amount of time if complicated they will definitely cost and weigh less making them ideal for the hobbyist on a budget.

To construct what many consider a genuine stained glass panel a large amount of space and patience is needed. A frame is created to hold the panel then a pattern is made for the design. Each piece is then cut out of sheets of appropriately colored opalescent glass. These pieces are then placed together in the frame with leaded solder to bind them together. To construct these windows there are lots of needed tools and with very colorful panels many sheets of colored glass to cut the pieces from. This all means a large investment of materials and equipment in order to participate in this hobby. Though leaded panels are considered by some elitist to be the true form of the art, this is still just subjective opinion.

If you are considering stained glass as your hobby you should go with the method that is best for you. For some that means using the faux style while for others this means going the traditional Tiffany glass style. Either way it is important to remember that this is art and your impression of a picture in glass there is no right or wrong style. All that is important is that you are happy with your creations and enjoy spending your time making them.

Article Source: http://www.collectibles-articles.com

All-Things-Tiffany.com is the internet source for Tiffany floor lamps, Tiffany table lamps, stained glass panels, and other Tiffany style products.

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