Fascinating and Fundamental part 27

Hello!  Welcome and enjoy:

The Intricate and Spectacular Process of Making Stained Glass

Let us pay homage to the process of making stained glass that dates back to the middle ages. 5,000 years ago, the beautiful and refined process of decorating

Stained glass is an art form that has been around since ancient times. Dating all the way back to Egyptians and Romans. However, stained glass as we know it today dates back to the 4th and 5th century when churches began using them in their construction.

But stained glass isn't just for ancient buildings, it is still used and loved by many today. Especially builders who want to give their architecture a classic look.

But how exactly is this beautiful form of art created? Keep reading to find out the intricate process of making stained glass!

The Process of Making Stained Glass

Making stained glass windows can be a complicated process. Here are the primary steps.

Step 1: Make a Cartoon

The first thing an artist does is make a sketch of what they want the stained glass to look like. Sometimes this can be in sections, and sometimes this can be the entire stained glass window. It can vary depending on the size and scope of the project. 

These full sized drawings are cartoons, and no, these aren't Looney Tunes. Usually, more detailed information is on these cartoons. Things such as glass shapes and colors used.

Step 2: Cut the Glass

Next, the artist will choose different colors of glass based on their unique window design. Then the artist paints the outline and cuts the rough pieces with a dividing iron.

The extremely hot tip is applied to the glass which causes it to break. The glass is then cut more intricately with a grozing iron to create the desired shape.

Step 3: Paint the Pieces

After the pieces have been cut to size, the artist will then paint each piece with something called vitreous paint. This vitreous paint has little pieces of glass that during firing melt and merge with the glass. This gives it really nice black and brown tones.

Step 4: Glazing and Leading

Glazing is the process of putting together and laying out the different pieces of glass as they will appear in the window. The artist then places the finished pieces on the cartoon and then joined together with lead to create the different panels. Those lead pieces are then soldered together on both sides to help lock in the stained glass panels.

Step 5: Cement and Finish

The final step in this process is to cement the entire window using a semi-liquid cement. You apply this with a brush and then covered with sawdust or chalk to help soak up excess liquid. The last thing is to scrub the whole window with a dry brush until only the cement underneath the lead is left.

Marriage of Color and Light

The final product after making stained glass windows is something truly beautiful. Especially when the light shines through the glass just right. There are so many ways to decorate with stained glass windows!

So what are you waiting for? It's time to include stained glass in your next project! For amazing stained glass pieces that you can add to your home or business, head over to my website now!

That is all for now!  Thank you for visiting and may sunshine fill your day!

Fascinating and Fundamental Part 28

Hello and Welcome!

The Most Beautiful Stained Glass Windows Around the Globe

Around the world is home to some of the most beautiful stained glass windows and famously decorated cathedrals that bring the artwork to the space itself.

The earliest examples of stained glass work date back to 686 A.D. This is why there are hundreds of stunning stained glass windows around the world.

They are a breathtaking feature that adds depth and beauty to any place. And they wouldn't look out of place in your regular home.

But if you're putting a stained glass window in your home, you'll need some inspiration. So check out these beautiful stained glass windows from around the world! 

Sainte-Chapelle, Paris

It might be easy to overlook Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, in favor of some of its bigger attractions. But it's famous stained glass windows are easily the best in the city.

The chapel is home to 6,500 square feet of stained glass. It features 15 panels, which tell a plethora of religious stories.

The windows were originally built in the 13th century. But a huge restoration project in 2015 means they're looking better than ever!

Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona

The Palau de la Música Catalana is a stunning fete of architecture. And its stained glass windows are its centerpiece. 

It features a huge stained glass skylight, which allows warm light to fill the building. It's a great demonstration that stained glass doesn't have to make a building gloomy. 

You can see it in person on a tour of the building.

The Beautiful Stained Glass in the Cathedral of Brasília, Brazil

Brazil's cathedrals break from the traditional religious imagery of stained glass. And the results are stunning.

Oscar Niemeyer and Marianne Peretti's 1990 design is a brilliant example of this. It features 22,000 square-feet of blue, green, brown and white glass. It depicts calming waves and makes up the sloped-roof of the cathedral.

To check out more examples of innovative modern designs, also have a look at the Santuário Dom Bosco in Brazil.

Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque, Iran

The Nasir Al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz has many names thanks to its breathtaking stained glass windows. Some call it the Pink Mosque or the Mosque of Colors.

Thousands of colors pour across the floors and walls, cast by the bright panes of glass. Walking through the building feels like walking through a kaleidoscope. It's definitely one to see in person if you can! 

Chapel of Thanksgiving, Texas

The stunning Chapel of Thanksgiving in Dallas combines stained glass with amazing architecture. 

The Glory Window spirals 60 feet skywards. The spiral is home to bright panels of stained glass. These transition from cool colors to warmer ones the higher up you get.

It's a great example of how stained glass can tell a story in a subtle yet beautiful way.

Aachen Cathedral, Germany

If you're looking for something traditional you can't beat Aachen Cathedral's stained glass.

The building of this gothic site began in 796 and continued through the Middle Ages. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Second World War was responsible for destroying some of the original glazings. Walther Benner and Anton Wendling designed new windows in keeping with the originals. These are nearly 84 feet tall.

The Bottom Line 

As you can see, there's no one way to use stained glass. But beautiful stained glass will brighten up any building however you use it! 

For more innovative ideas for your windows, check out the top 5 trends for 2019.

That is all for now and I hope you enjoyed this 'trip' site-seeing beautiful stained glass!

May sunshine fill your day!