| We have done some research to determine whether | | | | this from a book? The gentleman who I have met |
| or not taking a stained glass course would benefit | | | | did just that. Now his thoughts are that if you really |
| the beginner. | | | | really want to learn something, you can. His |
| Learning how to make stained glass art can be a | | | | determination to follow through on projects is |
| challenge and going from the idea of starting this | | | | amazing and it is the reason I call him "The Wizard." |
| wonderful hobby to actually making that first stained | | | | He does have a background working with his hands |
| glass pattern is the toughest part. | | | | and found it easy to move his past experiences into |
| There is a multitude of steps to take to get from A | | | | stained glass. Personally, I think I would have a tough |
| to Z. Taking a course would definitely cut down on | | | | time trying to learn from a book, but it can happen. |
| the learning curve. | | | | To me it is like learning karate from a book, but he |
| Below are our pros and cons to taking a live course, | | | | said that it was a lot cheaper and he was able to |
| learning through a book, or studying stained glass art | | | | form his first piece this way. He did say that you |
| otherwise. | | | | must keep at it, you will make mistakes, and to keep |
| First, everyone learns differently. Some people pick | | | | going and learning with each mishap. |
| things up after one shot. Some (like me) it seems to | | | | You can also learn from the Internet. Lately I have |
| take a bit longer. People learn visually, from sound, | | | | seen a number of tutorials and websites devoted to |
| touch, and many other ways, so it is tough to say | | | | the art of stained glass. One thing I have found |
| that one way is the best. | | | | challenging and others have told me the same is that |
| Budget plays a big role as well as I have found | | | | trying to do this after watching a video on your |
| people that were self-taught by picking up a few | | | | computer made it tough. |
| books at their local library to those who had to have | | | | The Wizard gave it a shot and had a tougher time |
| the couple hundred dollar course. | | | | than utilizing a book. One thing I like about the web is |
| Live courses at local shops: These are great. You can | | | | that if you run into issues you can find others in |
| take a few hours here and there and spend time | | | | groups and forums who are more than willing to help. |
| with others who share your passion. You'll get to use | | | | Finally, if you are on a stained glass budget or aren't |
| their tools (most of the time), tap into more | | | | sure if you want to follow through with this hobby is |
| experienced stained glass enthusiasts, have instant | | | | to find an expert and order a DVD course. Now, a |
| critiques and the ability to make changes before you | | | | good DVD course will allow you to visually see the |
| make mistakes. | | | | creation process from A to Z. It will also provide a |
| Note though that these courses can get quite | | | | manual that you can follow in and perhaps provide |
| expensive as I've seen some going for upwards of | | | | great resources for finding tools cheap and setting up |
| $300 in some areas. There is a difference between | | | | your stained glass patterns. |
| the basics of making stained glass and more | | | | In fact, The Wizard set up a 13" T.V. on his |
| advanced techniques. | | | | workbench so that he could watch as he hacked, |
| This comes down to how serious you are to pursue | | | | cut, and formed amazing stained glass designs. He |
| stained glass creation. Remember you must buy the | | | | started with a book and when he wanted more |
| tools, set up a workspace, buy the supplies, and | | | | advanced techniques and tips turned to a DVD. |
| spend the time enjoying your fun, new hobby. So | | | | This allowed him (and I've heard others say the |
| perhaps dropping a couple hundo on a local course | | | | same) to learn in the comfort of his own home for a |
| isn't going to work. | | | | fraction of the cost. |
| On the other side, if you are one who gets | | | | These are a few ways to get started making stained |
| frustrated easily and needs someone to turn to, then | | | | glass. Factors such as budget, time, commitment, and |
| taking a few classes to get you rolling could be a | | | | more play a big role in determining how you want to |
| good idea. | | | | take this beautiful art. |
| The other side of the spectrum is could you learn | | | | |