A week or so ago I asked if anyone could suggest a good book for a beginner to use as a reference. Since I got no response, I thought I would come back and mention a few "how to" books that I looked at/or bought in case other newbies were interested in getting a book.
I don't know any of the authors personally and I don't know anything about stained glass, other than what I have read so far. This is, of course, a miniscule sample of what is probably out there. How's that for a caveat?
My favorite: Basic Stained Glass Making - All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started by Eric Ebeling(2003) 137 pgs. I bought this from Borders online.
The photos were clear, numerous, professional. Sometimes 9 photos to a page going step by step thru a project. He covers foil and lead came panels and a few other projects. The projects have a "shopping list", too. The book is spiral bound and lies flat. There are 10 practice shapes to cut and directions on how and in what order to accomplish the task. My only question is he uses one hand to hold the cutter and the other hand to "steady" the scoring hand, so who's holding the glass?
How To Work in Stained Glass 3rd Edition by Anita and Seymour Isenberg (1998) 347 pgs. I checked this out of my library. I plan to read it thoroughly. Packed with some great information but the black and white photos are sooo muddy! The only color plates are in the center of the book and used to showcase finished pieces. I wish they would update the book and use a pro to do the photos. Did I mention I hate the photos?
Stained Glass Basics - Techniques, Tools, Projects by Chris Rich/Martha Mitchell/Rachel Ward (1997) 144 pgs. Bought at Borders online. They do the same pattern in foil and in came plus other projects. There are a couple of projects incorporating geode slices. As a beginner I want more emphasis put on instructions and techniques.
Eventually, ok- real soon, I want to do my own patterns but recently I've been looking at 390 Traditional Stained Glass Designs by Hywel G. Harris (1996) 78 pgs. They are black and white illustrations (kind of like a nicer coloring book format) copied from the windows of English houses built around 1890-s to 1920's. If anyone knows of something similar covering from
1920's-30's, especially USA based, please pass it down to me.