Choosing
glass is very crucial to the end result. You can have the
most beautiful pattern in the world, but if you don't choose
your glass carefully, your piece may not live up to its
potential. When going to the local stained glass supply
store, you'll hear and see many different terms associated
with glass. Here's a list of descriptions to help you understand
what's what.
Cathedral glass Is simply a glass that
is just one color. It is transparent and is the type most
often used in, you guessed it, cathedrals. Cathedral glass
is machine or hand rolled to a single thickness.
Opalescent glass Is machine or hand rolled to a
single thickness like cathedral glass. However, opalescent
glass starts with a white base and has colors added into
it.
Streaky Is a type of glass where many colors
are blended into a clear base. This provides for bright,
vivid colors.
Wispy Is a combination of both clear and
opalescent glass. It can be made with various colors.
Ripple Is glass that undergoes a process that produces a
texture of highs and lows.
Seedy Is glass that is made with tiny air
bubbles in the glass.
Glue Chip Glass that is sandblasted on
one side then treated with animal glue to create a frosted
appearance.
Iridized Glass that has a thin metallic
coating on top of it that changes color under different
lights.
Baroque Glass that has a swirly texture.
Sometimes is compared to the lines that make up a fingerprint.
It also consists of a texture that is raised in swirls.
Water glass Has a broader texture than other glasses
to give it the effect of moving water.
Each piece of glass that you will find is unique. Examine
it carefully and imagine it in your pattern. What you can
do is take your pattern to your local store and place different
pieces on your pattern to see how it will look in the whole.
Enjoy!
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