Buy Stained Glass

Stained glass patterns are the cornerstone of producing good quality stained glass artwork. Being a new stained glass artist can be expensive. After buying a few hundred dollars worth of equipment and glass, glass artists may find themselves with talent, tools, raw material (sheet glass), but no idea of what to make. When just starting out making stained glass, it is hard to know what goes into a good pattern, so drawing your own isn’t always easy. Fortunately, there are many great free stained glass patterns (or very cheap) for beginners available online.

(continued below)

MADONNA & SON Cross Stitch Pattern - stained glass -WOW US $3.95 Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-05-2010 9:33:57 PDT   | Watch this Item

Lamp Sculptures Stained Glass Pattern Instruction Book US $14.99 Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-05-2010 9:42:03 PDT   | Watch this Item

Contemporary Sidelights Stained Glass Pattern Book US $8.74 Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-05-2010 10:00:30 PDT   | Watch this Item

Two Vintage Stained Glass Books 1976 Patterns Included US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-05-2010 10:00:33 PDT   | Watch this Item

Zodiac Stained Glass Pattern Book US $10.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-05-2010 10:34:12 PDT   | Watch this Item

Stained Glass Supplies Victorian Pattern US $5.99 Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-05-2010 10:39:33 PDT   | Watch this Item

Old Rugged Cross Stained Glass Pattern $5.99 Free Ship US $5.99 Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-05-2010 11:12:59 PDT   | Watch this Item

Covered Bridge Stained Glass Pattern $5.99 Free Ship US $5.99 Auction Ends: Sunday Sep-05-2010 11:20:28 PDT   | Watch this Item

Stained glass artists typically start out making suncatchers because they can be the easiest patterns to complete successfully. Their free edges usually do not have to fit into any particular shape unlike in stained glass panels and windows. This means small errors in cutting glass and grinding can easily be hidden by just allowing the piece to be a bit bigger on the outer aspects.

Free stained glass patterns are abundantly available in a variety of suncatchers. My first piece ever was a simple parrot in only three colors, but it is still cherished. Your early stained glass works do not have to be complex to be appreciated.

Many great free patterns are available including frogs, flowers, small animals, abstract art, crosses, and art deco. The best patterns to start with have less than 10 or 15 pieces that have easy curves to cut. Look for patterns that do not require any particularly fancy color combinations (reds and pinks are often more expensive because they require gold in the process of making the glass).

Finally, make sure the free stained glass patterns you choose are of images that someone you know will love you for making. Many artists give away their early works. Just because a pattern is free doesn’t mean it is worth making. Remember to always have someone in mind when making stained glass and you’ll always strive to improve the quality of your work!