The Stained Glass Copper Foil Method
The stained glass, copper foil method was first made popular by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Many people who create stained glass art, try their best to recreate Tiffany’s work, but many have issues. However, if one is educated in this method that was popularized by this man, then one will have a better chance of creating breathtaking masterpieces like he did. One of the best places to research about this method is on the internet at www.warner-criv.com. Here one can find all they need to know about copper foiling.
The copper foil method was invented in the 19th century and enabled three dimensional works. The basis for this method is when foil is used, instead of lead, on the edges of the glass, after which they are soldered together. This method is much stronger than lead. According to warner-criv.com, "it also needs no putty, is waterproof, and allows you to do intricately detailed projects where the bulk look and weight of lead would detract from the aesthetics of a delicate design." Tiffany was the first to see the importance of this technique and, thanks to him, stained glass lamps are more beautiful than ever.
A very general description of the copper foiling method is as follows. First, the edges of all the glass pieces are wrapped in the foil. The foil is then burnished or put onto all three sides. Instead of putty, flux is applied very sparingly to all of the visible copper. The pieces are then soldered together. Solder is put across every visible spot of foil. A patina is then put on to finish the piece. This also allows for the black edging look to occur, which would normally take quiet a bit of time with lead. One can find a more in depth look at this method at warner-criv.com. Here, one can also find and purchase glass supplies that will be needed for a project.
The copper foil method may have been created by Louis Tiffany, but it is widely recognized today as the premier way to make intricate pieces. Little did Tiffany understand the influence he would have on the stained glass art world of today. He was a man of many talents, but his revolutionary ways of working with glass have become the standard by which artists today create.
By Crafts Editor
