01
Design
Every piece begins as a drawing. The lines establish the structure, balance, and path that light will take through the finished work.
- Pattern lines set the structure.
- Scale is checked before glass is cut.
Inside the Trochu studio
From first line to living light.
Stained glass is a sequence of exacting, hands-on decisions. Follow a piece through six stages, from the first drawing to the final polish.
The method
Six stages. One finished work.
No artistic experience is needed to begin learning the craft, but every stage rewards patience. New studio films will be added here as they are completed.
Stage 01 of 06 · Design
02
Glass cutting
Individual shapes are traced, scored, and carefully broken from sheets selected for colour, texture, transparency, and movement.
- Each shape follows the pattern.
- Colour and texture are chosen in the light.
03
Glass grinding
Cut edges are refined against the grinder until every piece settles cleanly into the pattern and the composition fits as intended.
- Edges are refined for a clean fit.
- Water keeps the glass and bit cool.
04
Foiling
Copper foil is wrapped precisely around each edge. This creates the surface that will accept solder and join the separate pieces together.
- Foil wraps every glass edge.
- Even seams prepare the piece for solder.
05
Soldering
The foiled composition is joined into one strong panel with carefully built solder lines on both sides of the work.
- Solder joins the separate pieces.
- Both faces are built for strength.
06
Finishing details
The completed piece is cleaned, inspected, and finished by hand. Patina and final polishing bring depth to the lines and clarity to the glass.
- Patina deepens the lead lines.
- Final polish returns clarity to the glass.
Try the process
Make stained glass in the Trochu studio.
Private studio access, materials, tools, and one-on-one instruction are included. You take home the stained-glass artwork you complete.