Learn the craft

Stained Glass vs. Painted Glass: What's the Difference

Stained glass vs. painted glass explained: how the techniques differ, what tools each requires, and how they're often used together.

How to Store Leftover Stained Glass Sheets and Scraps

How to store leftover stained glass sheets and scraps safely, protecting both the glass and yourself between projects.

Streaky vs. Solid Glass: Which Is Better for Beginners

Streaky vs. solid stained glass explained: how each looks, why one is easier for beginners to plan with, and when to use each type.

Where to Buy Stained Glass as a Beginner

Where to buy stained glass as a beginner, from local shops to online suppliers, and what to look for when ordering your first sheets.

How Much Glass Do You Need for a Beginner Project

How much stained glass to buy for a beginner project, how to read a cut list, and how much extra to account for mistakes and waste.

How to Choose Glass Colors for a Stained Glass Pattern

How to choose stained glass colors for a pattern, whether to follow a suggested palette or substitute your own, and how to test choices before cutting.

Cathedral vs. Opalescent Glass: What's the Difference

Cathedral vs. opalescent stained glass explained: how they differ in transparency, look, and best use, so you can choose confidently for your project.

While the videos are cooking

Where to learn, in the meantime

I'm working on a set of my own how-to videos for this page. Until they're ready, these YouTube channels are wonderful, generous teachers: the same calm, no-gatekeeping spirit we aim for here. (Sunlit Pane isn't affiliated with any of them; we just think they're worth your time.)

Video thumbnail: how I start a new stained glass piece: my process

Amaya Jade

Gentle, beginner-focused tutorials on the copper foil method: suncatchers, small panels, and the kind of calm, encouraging pacing that makes a first project feel doable.

Stained Glass DIY

Practical how-to videos covering the fundamentals: scoring and breaking glass, grinding a clean edge, foiling, and soldering. Great for filling in the steps between articles.

Art Glass Studio

Process videos and walkthroughs spanning both lead came and copper foil: helpful once you want to see how a whole piece comes together from cartoon to finished panel.

Video thumbnail: 2 Tips for Speedy Stained Glass Cutting

Milly Frances

Clear, cheering instruction from the Everything Stained Glass school: cutting technique, glass choice, and finishing touches, all explained with real beginners in mind.