Arts and Crafts Stained-Glass Window
Central Dining Room Window Detail - 1/2" scale

Diane Echnoz Almeyda,, IGMA Artisan

Materials fee:  $85

The mid-late 1800s brought innovation and change to stained glass as regards its use in the decorative arts. No longer were beautiful and elaborate colored-glass windows used solely to adorn churches, but were finding themselves the center of attention in homes of the well-to-do. This ensuing period, from the late 1800s through the early 1900s, would come to be remembered as the heyday of stained-glass windows in America.

At this time, men, such as Louis Comfort Tiffany and John La Farge, were developing new types of glass that were translucent and multi-colored, contrasting with the traditional monotone transparent glass of the preceding centuries. This new glass afforded privacy, yet still allowed transmitted light to illuminate the intricate patterns of design. Also, new techniques in the process of joining the pieces of glass allowed for more fluidity than the straight lead channels of the past.

The Gamble House exhibits wonderful examples of this new direction in stained glass. From lighting fixtures, windows, and its magnificent front door--stained glass was incorporated and truly epitomized the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Students in this class will focus on replicating, in 1/2" scale, a panel from the central window in the dining room. As the glass pieces will need to be small and thin, we will use an enameling technique known as plique-a-jour (loosely translated as “light of day”). Students will saw out a framework from sterling silver and then melt ground glass into the various cells. Work will be accomplished with a jewelers? saw, flexshaft, and kiln, and students will learn various metal and enameling skills. Students will be able to frame their miniature treasure at home or construct it so that it can be hung from a chain. Most tools and supplies will be provided for student use, although a short list of personal items the student should bring will be provided upon registration.

Although only a portion of the window is planned for the class project due to time constraints, a pattern for the complete window will be available for students who wish to further their learning at home.

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