Join us for a virtual studio tour! Here, we discuss the process of designing and handcrafting our stained-glass windows, along with an overview of aluminum frame fabrication.
Making a Leaded Stained-Glass Window
Artwork
The design phase comes first in the many steps of stained-glass production and lays the foundation for any project. Our artists can create in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional to modern/experimental.
Cartoons
Next comes the cartooning phase, where our artists produce a full-scale rendering of the final design for use as a blueprint in the construction of each panel.
Patterns
Several copies of the original cartoons are made for use in the various aspects of production.
Glass Selection
Our artists then choose the color and texture of glass that will be used in the finalized window design.
Staging
The newly cut glass pieces are matched with their paper patterns and reassembled into the full design.
Glass Cutting
Next, the individual cartoon pieces are scissored out and sent to the glass cutters. Each glass piece is hand cut from the various selected styles of color and texture according to the paper pattern.
Glazing
Our glazers then reassemble the cut glass, placing lead came in between each piece. The came is then soldered together, producing the first glimpse of a finished panel.
Waterproofing
These panels are then waterproofed by brushing a special compound into the came.
Bracing
And finally, each panel is cleaned, scraped down, and reinforced with steel bracing.
Aluminum Frame Fabrication
Cutting
The final measurements for each window are sent to our frame shop.
Bending
Here, craftsmen cut, bend, and weld the aluminum frames.
Welding
Frame fabrication is highly important, as they will be protecting and securing the stained-glass panels after installation.
