Common Beginner Mistakes & How to Fix Them :: Stained Glass Beginner Tutorial

Hi everyone! In today's video I discuss five of the most common beginner mistakes and how you might be able to fix/improve them! I've created two demonstration pieces for this video so I hope they help you visualize what I'm referring to. As always, practice makes perfect and please don't get discouraged if you're just starting out :)

**this is not sponsored by any company, these are just the products I mention**

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Timestamps:

Intro – 00:00
1. Mismatched/uneven edges - 00:58
2. Uneven foil - 02:55
3. Wrong foil size - 04:42
4. Solder (not enough of it) - 05:18
5. Not using wax/polish - 07:45
Outro - 08:30
Patreon thank you - 08:56

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Music used:

Opening and closing song:
Music Credit: Homie Cat
Track Name: 'Downtown Cafe'

Mid-video music:
Music By: "After The Fall"
Track Name: "Pieces (Extended Version)"

[dennim]

I taught stained glass for many years. You should feed solder to the iron as you go. Less chance of getting a heat fracture and you will get a smoother bead in the long run.

[Mandums]

Thank you so much for all these tips and tricks!
I recently inherited a pile of unfinished stained glass and I’m having a slight panic moment as I have no idea where to start! My dad started his own little business at home called Leftovers! He started making little angels out of all the little odds and ends that people couldn’t use and they’re so cute! There are little Christmas trees, puzzle pieces and soooo many other cute things he never finished. It’s my duty to keep his memory alive through his work so I’m determined to finish them! Wish me luck!

[alicenh.]

I totally understand what you're saying about the foiling process and not hyper focusing on one spot, it's kind of like driving and how if you look at the road directly in front of your car you're going to be less steady than if you focus your gaze more ahead of you. That's a really helpful tip I've never thought of in this context, thank you!

[makaylam]

With the foil part you had trouble explaining- for anyone who didn't understand, this is commonly said as looking "past" something. A line may look straight in small fragments, but not go to the end point you wanted. Having a start and end point in vision at the same time helps you get it nice and straight

[katieshearer]

I love your videos!! Keep em coming!! Lol I like the way you edit them as well, they are easy to understand and follow along! Thank you 😍

[mirzahernandez]

Hi, thank you for the helpful tips! What do you use to polish your glass after soldering?

[kleineroteHex]

I stumbled onto your channel while looking for some video that would tell me how to fix an old piece, was a present 40 years ago. It looks as the parts are coming apart, I do not dare to hang it any more for fear of something falling apart. I have not ventured past your channel, so darn interesting! grateful for any tips! Much obliged!!

[grey_moose]

Your videos are fantastic, thank you so much for de-mystifying the art of stained glass for the rest of us.
I'm a little unclear on how much time I have between stages. How long do I have after I foil my pieces to get the soldering done? Acknowledging it depends on humidity (we have none), age of foil, etc., but in general terms, an I looking at a week? 3 days?
Also, how long do I have after I solder it before I need to get the patina on it?
As a beginner, these answers will help me determine when I need to purchase supplies, and which ones can wait a little.

Thank you for your time and your contribution to the craft! You made it easier for me to get started.

[laurynsicard]

Wow this was extremely helpful! I’m currently doing a stained glass class and sometimes the directions aren’t that clear because more than half of the kids have done it before. I was a bit scared about soldering my piece so thank you for making me a lot less nervous! (:

[lydiaadams]

Thank you!! I have not been using enough solder and I've been frustrated with my little dents/mistakes and now I know the issue!

[holliecurtis]

I just found you and this is about the third video of yours I have watched. Great info and I love you both showing and talking through the process. Thanks for the great info! 😍

[livercompany]

Amazing! Loved this video! As a beginner, it is super helpful! Thank you!

[joyous_times]

When you say polish, what polish do you use? Thank you for everything, I'm seriously looking into this thanks to you

[kaylamorris]

Watching this and seeing how excited you were over 2k followers 🥺 now you're at like 11k and I'm so happy for you ! Congrats 💖💖💖

[LorenaGonzalez-opbt]

I truly enjoy watching your videos. you are extremely talented. I love your humbleness and your sweet mannerisms. This video is a great tool for us beginner. Also you Sharing you first piece let me know I can get better to. Look forward to your next video. Many blessing to you.

[RayAnneMarie]

thank you so much for creating and sharing this!! 10/10!! I am so excited to try this type of art out soon! I'm gonna need to get polish asap 😅

[Jojo]

Thank you so much for the tips, I bought 2 kits that are stained glass. I'm really excited getting into this.

[JaneDoe-ijls]

Thank you for your videos. Also, I really like and appreciate your personality, it's light and pleasant, and easy to listen to.

[kaylynneburleson]

Loved your video! Do you think the next one w tips you could talk about how to get good beads on the edge? Mine always end up looking like I've just painted the edge with solder, but I can't really get a good bead, if that makes sense. Also sometimes my tape seems to come up on the edges I places, is there a way to prevent that?

[saltlifegull]

Oh heck yeah! I'm hooked and want to learn this. So exciting and thanks Rachael. I'll be happy to support any instructor and you're such a pretty one! Subscriber from NW FL.