Grasshopper stained glass window construction

Finished window panel

This unusual subject – grasshoppers – was requested by a client who has named every house she has lived in ‘Grasshoppers’. She wanted the stained glass for a side window in her lounge which had a poor aspect, being overlooked by the property next door. After extensive discussions on design and colour, I set about creating the panel using traditional lead and stained glass. Here are some photos showing the process of making a stained glass window using techniques that have barely changed for centuries.

The first two leads are set on top of the design and the first glass pieces cut and laid out.

The design builds up, each piece of glass leaded round and nails secure everything in position until it is spot soldered at the joints

Slimmer widths of lead came are used for the detailing on the grasshoppers

Once the panel is constructed and sealed, blacking is added to give a dark finish to the leads

A close-up of the finished design, showing the detail possible with the technique. The textured background glass ensures privacy when the panel is fitted in place

Leaf uplighter

The finished uplighter

This uplighter grew – almost literally – from one broken piece of glass given to me by a client. She couldn’t find another lamp to fit her base so she asked me to design a new shade around that piece. I cut lots of leafy shapes in frosted and coloured glasses to match her existing decor and built them up on a basin that was about the right size. Each piece was individually foiled and spot soldered together to create the finished uplighter. She was delighted with the unique result.

The broken piece of uplighter

The first foiled shapes added to the broken piece

More leaf shapes added

The finished uplighter

Peacock lamp shade

Blue peacock inspired lamp

Steampunk lamp

Steampunk inspired lampshade made using traditional copper foil ‘Tiffany’ technique in stained glass and wire.