Everyone loves stained glass windows or stained glass panels especially on a sunny day. It is truly a beautiful art form. The earliest evidence of the practice of stained glass was probably during the 5th or 6th century in Europe, during the time of Charlemagne. These beautiful creations would adorn the windows of the early churches all throughout Europe and many can even still be seen today.
   The height of the stained glass art form in Europe was probably during the Middle Ages, and it was happening all over Europe. From Paris to Rome, to cities in England, incredible works of massive stained glass windows adorn 100’s of Catholic churches and cathedrals with the artwork of the many different stories of the bible. Designs became more daring, intricate and grandiose. The art form has evolved today from the two dimensional flat panels and windows to include stained glass sculptures and 3 dimensional structures.
     In making a stained glass panel, one first starts with the design or stained glass pattern. The design of the art work will dictate the structure of the window or panel. Once the different colored glass is decided upon and cut to its specific location on the panel, it will be held there by lead. The outline of shapes within the panel where the glass will be fitted to are called “cames” and have been traditionally made of lead. The finished piece should be able to hold up structurally. If the finished work is to be a window, planning in its design should take into account the different stresses the window will suffer once it is installed. During the 19th century, artists started using the copper foil method which consisted of wrapping the edges of the glass pieces in copper foil and then soldering them together. This allowed artists like Louis Comfort Tiffany to make intricate 3 dimensional stained glass works such as lamps and light fixtures.
     Stained glass panels and art work are still very popular today, especially the Tiffany styled works. You can find beautiful tiffany lamps shapes to decorate your home. You may even want to add a nice stained glass panel that you can hang over your kitchen window to let the beautiful morning light in. If you want to be even more daring and you can afford it, you can have a custom-made window into a stained glass work of art.
  If you are looking for a great selection of stained glass lamps, tiffany floor lamp, tiffany table lamps, tiffany ceiling lamps, you’ve come to the right place. Simply browse through our categories to find information and products ranging from the Tiffany stained glass lamps to custom stained glass panels.
    Stained glass making as a hobby has also gained in popularity as of late. Simply look for our stained glass starter’s kit, and you can be on your way to make your own stained glass designs. You can find a good learning resource here also. Simply go to our Learn Stained Glass section.
    We hope you enjoy perusing through our site, and we hope you get as inspired about stained glass art as we are!