Pre-Cut Stained Glass Kit Review - Flop?

Enjoy my review of a big box store stained glass kit. Spoiler alert - it's a little frustrating, but the end result is cute.

If you're looking for quality stained glass tools and supplies, I have compiled a list of everything that I use in my studio. (*As an Amazon influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases)

Social Media Links:

[shortliner]

The sad thing is, someone completely new who wants to try their hand at stained glass art might start out trying one of these kits and get so frustrated if/when it doesn't turn out well they'll give it up altogether. Potential stained glass artists could be lost who could have excelled in the craft and carried it on to the next generation. You're right....the kit should have at least included a full size pattern to match the glass pieces to and a simple method of smoothing down the glass edges for a better fit up and secure foiling, along with a little better quality in the materials.

[KpopOrigami]

I did this kit a couple of days ago. It was my first stained glass! As a newbie, it was a blast! Mine came with grinding paper, which I used on maybe 2 pieces. I will say, the 1/16th gaps made my solder lines super fat. I figured the instructions knew what they were doing, but your thin lines look much prettier lol. I'm happy my intuition was to put the rings in the cracks. I didn't look at the picture when I did that part. Looks like I made the right choice! Anyway, my piece definitely doesn't look as pretty as yours, but I'm proud I even did it. Stained glass is intimidating. I'm hoping to do more!

[CharlieChapman-uh]

I really enjoyed watching this. I think I just found my new hobby. Thanks so much for sharing.

[ritachovan]

I just received this kit as a birthday present from my husband. I'm one of those crafters who like to try everything. I did wreaths years ago and started pour painting during Covid. I love it, but have about 100 canvases (opening an Etsy shop soon). We recently did a couple glass blowing classes, and since it's a little cost prohibitive, my husband thought this might be fun for me.
Thanks for the video. I've watched it through every step of the process. Glad to know that this isn’t what I should expect if I really get into it. I wanted to let you know that my pattern was the right size, and the price at my Hobby Lobbyis mow $24.99.

[sallybratn]

I am glad I watched your video! I want to start doing stained glass and was going to purchase this kit as a maybe I will just create my own little design and start that way

[lyndarandall]

I find I personally don't like kits. You did a great job on this one. 🤗

[lilqueeniescraftingismypassion]

Great Job, what do you use under the glass when grinding? 😊 thanks for the demonstration because of you I will give it a go for the heck of it. 😅

[karinvail]

your soldering is amazing - what iron/tip do you use?

[AlyBelden]

This was really helpful. I purchased a kit from JoAnn's (a different brand) and had some frustrations and haven't yet finished it. Now that I've watched this I feel like I can go back to it & get it done fairly decently (& know not to follow their placement for the rings if they aren't on a seam, lol). I wish I had seen your video before I started, would have saved me some frustration & self doubt because the pieces weren't fitting together super well.

[jonsmachineshop]

I can't believe that is hand cut. The pre-cut kits I've bought were cut on a water-jet. They still needed grinding though. I wondered about the solder too. It didn't look like 60/40, but didn't act like lead-free either. The one time I used lead-free solder, it didn't flow well at all. In the end, you were successful. That piece does look really good.

[mavourneenholden]

You do need to buy a soldering iron to do these kits and it helps if you do have a grinder. And I think the flux is like bacon fat or crisco, or it was last year. It looks like they might have changed it. The $20 at least covered the cost of the glass, but I personally didn't like the glass they provided.

[scottmorris]

The matte spots are from impurities in the solder. Thnk of it like not all 14K gold is alike, the other metal from one piece of jewelry to another can be different.

[coneyandfriends]

I've watched different videos of people trying these kits and yours turned out so much better. I think a few things in the box were different, like a more liquid flux, and a lead mixed solder. Overall, I enjoyed watching your video more, since you didn't just whine and complain the whole time.

[carlalakins]

Hey Samantha, what temp do you set your Hakko at?

[carbyxi]

Where can these be found in hobby lobby