Stained Glass Projects for Beginners

Thirty-one step-by-step projects that teach you stained glass from scratch. Wrigley covers both copper foil and lead came techniques, walking you through everything from simple lightcatchers to leaded window panels with clear photographs and full-size patterns at every stage.

Why Start Here

Wrigley’s teaching comes directly from her experience running beginner workshops. The 31 projects are graded by difficulty, so you start with small, forgiving pieces and build toward panels and frames as your cutting and soldering improve. Both copper foil and lead came methods are covered, which means you get a broader foundation than books that focus on only one technique.

Every project includes a materials list, full-size patterns, and detailed photographs showing each step. The instructions assume no prior knowledge, and Wrigley is honest about common mistakes and how to avoid them. Published in 2019, this is one of the most recent beginner stained glass books available, with contemporary designs and high-quality photography throughout.

What to Expect

At 160 pages with 31 projects, this book moves quickly from basics to finished pieces. The range of projects is wider than most beginner guides, covering lightcatchers, candle holders, mirror frames, picture frames, and both copper foil and leaded window panels. If you want variety in your first stained glass projects and a teacher who has guided hundreds of beginners in person, this is the right starting point.