Continuing the discussion from Stained Glass Class on 3-21-15:
A number of people have asked about a stained glass class using lead came. Lead came is the traditional stained glass technique used in making lead windows. Louis Tiffany pioneered the copper foil technique primarily for lamps and more details in stained glass panels, but lead came is used on many old stained glass windows and is the more common technique.
I would like to teach a lead came stained glass if there is enough interest. I envision a lead panel much like the one done in the copper foil class however, I am opening it up for students to design or select their own pattern if they choose. You will have to cut your own patterns, select your own colors for glass (from our selection or you can buy your own), and finally you will cut the glass, groze the glass and assemble the pieces using lead came.
This class will likely be on a Monday and continue on the following Wednesday night (Part 1 and Part 2) and be 2 1/2 to 3 hours each depending upon the complexity of the pattern chosen. The simple pattern from the copper foil class will be much easier, but will still require the student to cut the pattern and the glass.
The cost will be $25 or more per student depending upon your pattern and size. This is the materials cost. Lead is $6 a stick (6 ft long), glass is $8-$10 a square ft, then there is solder, whiting powder and cement. In general figure a materials cost of $25 a square foot with only 4-6 pieces. (The more pieces the more cost because of more lead)
New design stained glass panels sell for $100 to $200 per square foot or more retail. If you’ve ever priced a piece of stained glass for your home you probably know this. Here’s an example formula from the web for a commercial stained glass company:
Height in inches ____ times width in inches ____ equals .
Divided by 144 equals ____ square feet.
Your square feet ____ multiplied by $110.00 equals $ (A) Base price.
Your square feet ____ multiplied by 20 equals average number of pieces. ___ Your average number of pieces multiplied by $3.00 equals $(B) cost of pieces. If your piece has more pieces than average, then the price will be higher.
Add the base price (A) to the cost of the pieces (B) and you have an estimate for your window. $__
Please email me if you have any questions or if you have an interest in these classes at [email protected]