Basic Stained Glass Making

A thorough, technique-first introduction to stained glass that covers both copper foil and lead came methods. Eric Ebeling’s guide prioritizes understanding the craft’s fundamentals over jumping straight into projects, making it the stronger choice if you want a solid technical foundation before you start building.

Why Consider This One

Where Allison’s book teaches through projects, Ebeling’s approach is more systematic. He starts with a detailed overview of tools and materials, explains how to set up a safe workspace, and then walks through each core technique with clear color photographs. The book covers both the copper foil method and traditional lead came construction, which gives you a broader view of the craft than most beginner books offer.

The section on Tiffany-style lamp construction is a highlight that you will not find in many other beginner resources. If lamp making is what drew you to stained glass in the first place, this book will get you there.

What to Expect

At 144 pages, the book is well-organized and reads like a course. First published in 2003, the techniques remain completely current since the tools and methods of stained glass have not changed. The photography is detailed and the explanations are clear, though the design aesthetic reflects its era rather than current trends.