Ellie Bee's Stained Glass News

At L.E.B. Glass Studio (as well as every stained glass studio in the country), Spectrum stained glass is our number sell. Available in all colors, intensities, and translucencies Spectrum glass is reasonably priced and easy to cut.
If you have access to the internet please visit their web-site. The address is www.spectrumglass.com. One of the most helpful topics is the explananaton of their numbering system. For example, Spectrum manufacturing numbers that begin with 100 are the cathedrals– the 200 series are opal glasses. The colors are numbered 1-9, plus 0 and 00. The intensities are measured from 0.1 through 9 and the translucencies are measured 5—9. So a S-121– means “1” a cathedral, “2” a green, and “1” a light green. There is also a description of the suffixes and prefixes. For instance, S-136A, refers to a cathedral blue, fairly dark and of ARTIQUE texture.
Also, on the site are free patterns, a dictionary of terms, information on fusing and slumping and much more!

Visit www.spectrumglass.com
Also. come in the studio soon and see the wonderful new exciting SPIRIT glass that Spectrum offers!

****** Beginning Stained Glass Classses ******

So you’re interested in learning to do stained glass! There are a couple of different options for you to learn at L.E.B. Glass Studio.
One way is to take private lessons. These classes are taught at a convenient time for you and one of our instructors. A class session is 2 hours and costs $30.00. Glass is extra and depending on which colors you choose you will spend $15-20. All other tools and supplies are provided for your use. To make a small window students usually need three sessions.
The other way to learn is through Greenville Tech. Classes meet at the studio on Tuesday evenings for 6 weeks. This is a more comprehensive class and students are required to have their own tools. The next beginning stained glass ( SG I) class through Tech starts in January . Call 250-8800 to register.

The Silliest Stained Glass window I have Ever Made

If you have been working in stained glass and have made some different, weird or silly pieces perhaps you would like to share those your creations with us. Please e-mail your experience to us at lebglass@ bellsouth.net. Let me tell you about mine-
Many years ago, in 1983 I worked for The Palmetto Mirror and Art Glass Co., a stained glass studio once located in Greer, SC. For a short time I was “the artist". I had a request for a small window to include a Volkswagon, three crosses, mountains and I can’t remember what else. All of this detail in a small window about 14” x 12”!! What a challenge ! I thought about my resources– and remembered my dad had given me car emblems from his General Motors insurance work. So I found the round Volkswagon emblem and after building the piece we soldered it on to the stained glass window to make a cute Volkswagon beetle! What a special touch! Frankly,thought it was the silliest thing I have ever made but the customer loved it and that’s all that mattered!

What is Fusing?
The question asked most about our classes is “what is fusing”? Fusing is melting glass in a kiln. The class on Fusing discusses the technique and allows time for students to make some pins/pendants and a small bowl or plate.

The class is fun and great for beginners of all ages. At L.E.B. Glass we offer two different classes on fusing. The first  is called Fusing for Beginners. After you take this beginner class you can come back for more fusing by taking the class called—Fun with Fusing. Fun with Fusing is non-instructional ( of course, I’m there and if you have a question and I’ll be glad to help you).

If you have not taken Fusing please do! It is great fun and will give you a better understanding of glass and how it reacts under heat!

Garden Stepping Stones & Sand Topping Mix

‘Tis the season to be working in the yard or maybe not since it is so HOT! If you love to work in the yard but can’t stand the heat work on the yard indoors! Let’s make some garden stepping stones…Follow me!

1)First you will need a pattern and some glass. Cut your glass to the pattern that will fit into the mold.

2)Next, you’ll need the  mold and contact paper. Cut a piece of contact paper and place in the bottom of the mold. Place your glass on the contact paper.

3)Then, you’ll need sand topping mix. Mix and pour into the mold…

Yes– one, two three. It sounds so easy. But you know, I think it’s all in the mix!

At L.E.B. Glass Studio, we prefer sand topping mix. Not only because it is “dirt” cheap but because it does not fade or make the glass crack like many other grouts. And unlike the colored grouts, sand topping  mix, a form of concrete, hardens with age. So when you make your garden stepping stones, make them to last—make them with sand topping mix.

Not sure about what to do?  Take one of our Garden Stepping Stone classes!

The Garden Stepping Stone class can be taken as a private lesson