New to stained glass

[Chet]

Hello and thanks for taking the time to read this.  I have been in the window installation/construction business for 10 years, but I have always wanted to do more artistic work.  I recently moved to Chicago and have noticed the amazing stained glass in lots of the old homes and also how lots of it needs repairing and or replacing.  I have absolutely zero experience with stained glass but I have two years at my disposal while my girlfriend finishes her Masters.  I was wondering what the best way to go about getting involved in stained glass.  There are a couple of 5 week classes that meet once a week but I was hoping to delve in a little deeper a little faster.  If anyone has any information at all on how to get started with stained glass, how to become an apprentice, or anything at all would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you very much

[Vic Rothman]

Go to the local stained glass studios and ask for a job

[thebeaner]

Ask around about the different shops. Find one that has a good reputation and has been around awhile. The teacher will be your mentor you want to find a good one who will allow you to learn from their mistakes.
If you have space at home to make up a small workshop you can work/practice anytime. There are a ton of books out there, most have sections in the begining dedicated to teaching the basics.
Buy the right tools and buy the good ones, they'll last you a long time with good care.
Ask if they allow you to work faster than the 5 weeks. When I took mine they saw how much I loved it and allowed me to come in and work on off-class times. Once they got to know me, they allowed me to work around the shop in trade. I can not tell you how much I learned just being around while different artisans worked. Ask a ton of questions and practice practice practice.
In older homes used the lead came method was used so you'll want to make sure that you learn that so you can get jobs fixing old pieces instead of just the copper foil method which is ever so popular now. Lots of shops have you begin with copper foil then learn the other.
You'll need to learn specifically how to repair old style windows so make sure your instuctor can help you with that....
ALOHA

[mmezalick]

I would also add a suggestion to attend the many stained glass conferences that are scheduled for this year.
Meeting with other stained glass people, expecially after the days presentations are over, allows you to learn in a social arena.
Much nicer, in my opinion.
Michael

[alyson]

You know, you could probably also ask the studio if they have any "totaled" windows.  If someone brings in a panel for repair and it would cost far more than it's worth historically or sentimentally to fix it, they sometimes just leave it for the studio to dispose of.  You could get one or two of those and have yourself a good bit of practice.  Remember that part of the goal of the repair is for the panel to fit back in where it used to be, so measure it before you take it apart!

[mouchette]

First thing first-  Definitely take the class and learn the basics.

It is very time consuming for a studio owner to train a person with no experience, so build as many windows and gifts as possible and get a some experience under your belt.   Your previous job could be to your advantage.  You'll probably pick this up quickly.

Make friends with your local stained glass shops.  I'll probably get some disagreement here- but in my opinion (20 years in the industry)  stained glass studios are notoriously cagey and nepotistic, so the more they see your friendly face and see that you are serious, the more likely you'll be hired.

Offer to putty windows and do basic repair work.  Lots of studios don't like doing it are are more likely to invest time training you if you are willing to do grunt work.  You can actually learn a LOT by repairing broken things.

When all else fails- bribe them with cookies. (I've actually been "bribed" and she works for us now. LOL )

[alyson]

I have to agree with mouchette re: taking the class and practicing. 

I also agree about studios' attitudes--at least the caginess.  I've worked at three shops around the country over the last fifteen years, and although they were perfectly willing to hire "outside the family," they were fairly to extremely unwilling to give up table space or allow students to distract the fabricators from their work.

I think her advice was spot-on.

[Chet]

Thank you all so much for your informative responses.  I am headed to the library/book store this morning and I am going to head to the shop later this week.  I really appreciate all the posts and I will be checking back here often. If anyone thinks of anything else I should know or good "newbie" books please email me or post it up.  Thanks again for taking the time to help.