How Tiffany Stained Glass Is Made

A Tiffany piece comes together from a sketch to a finished, light-catching object in a handful of clear steps.

Step by step

  1. Design. A sketch is divided into pieces, like a template.
  2. Cut the glass. Coloured glass is scored and broken to match each shape.
  3. Grind. Edges are smoothed so pieces fit together neatly.
  4. Copper foil. Each edge is wrapped in adhesive copper tape.
  5. Solder. The foiled seams are joined with molten tin.
  6. Patina & clean. The seams can be darkened and the piece is polished.

Most small pieces, such as a suncatcher, can be finished within a single workshop.

Try it yourself

The best way to understand it is to make something with your own hands. Join our Tiffany stained glass workshop in Moscow — beginners welcome, all materials included. Questions? Email glassbaker.art@yandex.ru, WhatsApp or Telegram or MAX.