Common Beginner Mistakes & How to Fix Them :: Stained Glass Beginner Tutorial

Hi everyone! In today's video I discuss five of the most common beginner mistakes and how you might be able to fix/improve them! I've created two demonstration pieces for this video so I hope they help you visualize what I'm referring to. As always, practice makes perfect and please don't get discouraged if you're just starting out :)
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Timestamps:
Intro - 00:00
1. Mismatched/uneven edges - 00:58
2. Uneven foil - 02:55
3. Wrong foil size - 04:42
4. Solder (not enough of it) - 05:18
5. Not using wax/polish - 07:45
Outro - 08:30
Patreon thank you - 08:56
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Track Name: "Pieces (Extended Version)"
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[@dennim3286]

I taught stained glass for many years. You should feed solder to the iron as you go. Less chance of getting a heat fracture and you will get a smoother bead in the long run.

[@makaylam947]

With the foil part you had trouble explaining- for anyone who didn't understand, this is commonly said as looking "past" something. A line may look straight in small fragments, but not go to the end point you wanted. Having a start and end point in vision at the same time helps you get it nice and straight

[@mirzahernandez2841]

Hi, thank you for the helpful tips! What do you use to polish your glass after soldering?

[@holliecurtis5824]

I just found you and this is about the third video of yours I have watched. Great info and I love you both showing and talking through the process. Thanks for the great info! 😍

[@JMeno-xy9cl]

Thank you so much for this video. I’m barely starting off in the stained glass art world and am super excited. Feeling more confident after those tips!

[@kaylamorris7381]

Watching this and seeing how excited you were over 2k followers 🥺 now you're at like 11k and I'm so happy for you ! Congrats 💖💖💖

[@katieshearer4067]

I love your videos!! Keep em coming!! Lol I like the way you edit them as well, they are easy to understand and follow along! Thank you 😍

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

I'm so glad to hear you like my videos! Thanks for watching ❤!

[@annelomer6774]

I love how you speak about your technique and then you show us what you mean by demonstrating. I am still working on figuring out how wide my foil needs to be to cover my piece. Still working on making that and will need more experience to become proficient. Always appreciate your upbeat, can do attitude.

[@lydiaadams2318]

Thank you!! I have not been using enough solder and I've been frustrated with my little dents/mistakes and now I know the issue!

[@Mandums77]

Thank you so much for all these tips and tricks! I recently inherited a pile of unfinished stained glass and I’m having a slight panic moment as I have no idea where to start! My dad started his own little business at home called Leftovers! He started making little angels out of all the little odds and ends that people couldn’t use and they’re so cute! There are little Christmas trees, puzzle pieces and soooo many other cute things he never finished. It’s my duty to keep his memory alive through his work so I’m determined to finish them! Wish me luck!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Aww that is so cute!! I wish you the best of luck and if you ever have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out! Stained glass is SO much fun and I know it can be overwhelming at first but I promise it'll get easier

[@RayAnneMarie]

thank you so much for creating and sharing this!! 10/10!! I am so excited to try this type of art out soon! I'm gonna need to get polish asap 😅

[@Jojo44138]

Thank you so much for the tips, I bought 2 kits that are stained glass. I'm really excited getting into this.

[@alicenh.5124]

I totally understand what you're saying about the foiling process and not hyper focusing on one spot, it's kind of like driving and how if you look at the road directly in front of your car you're going to be less steady than if you focus your gaze more ahead of you. That's a really helpful tip I've never thought of in this context, thank you!

[@funnybabbit550]

I love your videos!! Please keep them up. It’s so helpful. And your so talented and adorable.

[@kleineroteHex]

I stumbled onto your channel while looking for some video that would tell me how to fix an old piece, was a present 40 years ago. It looks as the parts are coming apart, I do not dare to hang it any more for fear of something falling apart. I have not ventured past your channel, so darn interesting! grateful for any tips! Much obliged!!

[@user-bq5np7bw5k]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent!

[@saltlifegull4091]

Oh heck yeah! I'm hooked and want to learn this. So exciting and thanks Rachael. I'll be happy to support any instructor and you're such a pretty one! Subscriber from NW FL.

[@mattolsen6068]

Your energy and content is incredible, Thankyou for your content and spirit .have a great day 😁

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Thanks so much, Matt! Happy New Year and thanks for watching ☺️!

[@0livercompany831]

Amazing! Loved this video! As a beginner, it is super helpful! Thank you!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Glad I could help :) Thanks for watching!

[@reneedaughtry1374]

Thank you for making this video, it was very helpful.

[@Annie-dm1tu]

I so appreciate your in depth videos! Hope you are having a happy new year

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Thanks so much Annie! I'm happy you find my videos helpful. Hope you're having a happy new year as well!

[@grey_moose1389]

Your videos are fantastic, thank you so much for de-mystifying the art of stained glass for the rest of us. I'm a little unclear on how much time I have between stages. How long do I have after I foil my pieces to get the soldering done? Acknowledging it depends on humidity (we have none), age of foil, etc., but in general terms, an I looking at a week? 3 days? Also, how long do I have after I solder it before I need to get the patina on it? As a beginner, these answers will help me determine when I need to purchase supplies, and which ones can wait a little. Thank you for your time and your contribution to the craft! You made it easier for me to get started.

[@hemavithlani863]

Lovely, awsome creation and all tips are very good, thank you so much 🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@teresagardner3774]

Another great advice video. Thank you very much

[@tomcanterbury7139]

Thank you for your instruction on technique. I received a beginner kit for Christmas and used a brand-new soldering iron. It started out great but eventually became too hot and seemed to burned the solder and had impurities. I have a rheostat coming but also heard it could be that I used too much patina. Would like to hear your recommendations on using a rheostat. Thank you so much! I learned so much already watching your videos and am learning more as I continue to watch them!

[@timeenuf4200]

Very informative thank you!

[@LorenaGonzalez-op8bt]

I truly enjoy watching your videos. you are extremely talented. I love your humbleness and your sweet mannerisms. This video is a great tool for us beginner. Also you Sharing you first piece let me know I can get better to. Look forward to your next video. Many blessing to you.

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

You're too kind, I'm so happy you liked the video :)!

[@unapologeticallyme8513]

Love this video! Thanks for the tips

[@JaneDoe-ij4ls]

Thank you for your videos. Also, I really like and appreciate your personality, it's light and pleasant, and easy to listen to.

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Thank you so much for your kind words, I'm so glad you like the videos :)!

[@JaneDoe-ij4ls]

@@sunbearglasscraft8065 👍

[@sarahpolk2450]

I’m just starting out. I really enjoy your videos. Thanks

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Thanks for watching and welcome to the stained glass world :)!

[@helenandrews9560]

Wonderful tips. Thank you so much.

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Thanks for watching, glad I could help :)

[@kristenholmes1]

Very helpful thanks!

[@loripeterson5403]

Awesomee, thankyou for sharing your first piece

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Thanks for watching :)

[@muffemod]

I watched all your videos and can't wait to start making projects!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Yay!! Thanks so much for watching, stained glass is just a hoot!

[@Swayzee68]

I think your first piece looks great. I kind of like the solder looking a little rough and bumpy sometimes. It just has that more folksy handmade look to it. I get that someone who does stained glass for a long time would probably be very picky about perfect solder lines but I don't think a customer would care as long as it doesn't look sloppy. I mean your first one doesn't look sloppy it looks beautiful. 💕

[@thedistractedmaker]

Great tips, thanks for sharing!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Thanks for watching :)!

[@dannykay4967]

very helpful indeed, we learn everyday! thx! what would you say about 'restoring' (refreshing?) patina on older projects, those that were done back a year-two? would that follow the process of going over with steel wool/magic gizmo thingie to clean up the residues/buildups, clean, wash, parina, dry, etc?

[@invisiblespirit5476]

The hyperfocus on foiling makes a ton of sense. Like when you learn to drive or ride a bike, if you focus on where your tire is or the road right in front of your car, it’s impossible to stay straight. You have to aim high and take in the big picture. Thank you!

[@laurynsicard4685]

Wow this was extremely helpful! I’m currently doing a stained glass class and sometimes the directions aren’t that clear because more than half of the kids have done it before. I was a bit scared about soldering my piece so thank you for making me a lot less nervous! (:

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

I am thrilled to be able to help! Stained glass is absolutely intimidating when you first get into it, but I promise it'll get easier

[@melissawhite9045]

This is a great video. What you were saying about how you make sure your foil is even reminds me of driving. You make sure you're even in your lane by looking ahead towards the horizon, not watching the lines right next to you. What you said makes sense.

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

I'm glad to hear you found it helpful! Thanks for watching :)

[@hollytibbetts2003]

Great video!!!

[@jennasteller3298]

I adore you and your videos!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

You're too sweet! So glad you like my videos ☺️!

[@joyous_times]

When you say polish, what polish do you use? Thank you for everything, I'm seriously looking into this thanks to you

[@rachellemoser6854]

Just starting to learn and I am so grateful that I found your videos! How do you add the circle glass nugget to the piece that you showed us is it just solder? Thank you for the time you took to make these amazing videos

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Hi there, so happy you like the videos! For some reason my youtube app on my phone doesnt allow me to see what video you commented on. If you're referring to the glass drop in the monster leaf, yes it's just like a normal piece of glass! I roughed up the edges, applied foil, then soldered as normal.

[@Wawafab]

Hi, loved the video, thanks for the tips! Any recommendations on what to look for in a polish? I'm a little lost with the options.

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Glad you liked the video! Usually any polish that is offered by a stained glass supplier is fine. I use Liva Polish, but I've even tested out turtle wax on a personal project and really liked it, so there are plenty of options :)

[@saftah0305]

Hello! What kind of polish do you use? Also, do you patina first, then polish your piece? Any tips on making copper patina go on better and staying bright looking? Thank you!

[@duckiemace]

Thanks for the videos! I can’t seem to find any good/consistent information on cleaning your piece before polishing.. what do you use?

[@Highvibin213]

Thank you 🙏

[@kaylynneburleson5372]

Loved your video! Do you think the next one w tips you could talk about how to get good beads on the edge? Mine always end up looking like I've just painted the edge with solder, but I can't really get a good bead, if that makes sense. Also sometimes my tape seems to come up on the edges I places, is there a way to prevent that?

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Absolutely! There's a lot of factors going into play here so I can definitely make a video on some more tips. I did address beading the edges in my soldering pt. 2 video but I'm not sure if I covered all aspects of beading effectively. What temperature are you using to bead your edges?

[@glasgowbeck]

Fabulous 😁 thanks

[@johannschickle2349]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Is there such a thing that the iron is too hot. I’ve had splatters and holes in connecting two pieces together. Again thank you.

[@billie869]

I love ur videos, ur just so cheerful and lovely. Love the tips u give. Maybe a close clooossse up of how ur foil should look...I need help. I feel like Im doin good TIL I solder and turns out like crud. And how do u build up those edges...I'd like them to look more uniform with the rest of the solder lines. Thanks!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Glad the video was helpful! The next video I have planned and am editing is "troubleshooting edges", where I'll be talking about how to make sure your foil is perfect before soldering :)! Plus I'll also cover beading and explain my process a little better

[@melissaeno8481]

Love your video 🥰Question what do you do if you have fine scratches after soldering a piece ?

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Thanks for watching ☺️ If theres fine scratches usually theres nothing you can do. Polishing might help a bit but most of the time you have to accept the tiny little scratches as they are!

[@davidtweddle1258]

Brilliant 🎉

[@momomensing204]

greetings from Germany ! great video, thank you very much for your work. Unfortunately, there are almost no such great videos in German 😬 I'm happy about your videos!👍😁

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Hello! I'm so glad you find my videos helpful but sorry there arent any in German!

[@ncgirl454]

I love your very informative videos and your fun personality. I have to say you seem like the absolutely sweetest person. I just can't watch because the ear thing, it hurts me just to see it!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

I'm sorry to hear that, but I hope the timestamps are helpful so you can skip to the information in the videos!

[@ncgirl454]

@@sunbearglasscraft8065 your videos are great! Love them! I had an earring ripped through my ear not long after getting my ears pierced. It hurt so bad and then the surgery afterwards... I was so traumatized I never did wear earrings after that. I keep imagining your ears getting caught in something! Be careful !!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

@@ncgirl454 That sounds very painful! Luckily I'm quite the homebody so I doubt anything like that will ever happen :) I've had my ears like this for over 11 years and so far so good. Thanks for watching, I'm so glad you find my videos informative

[@gabrielleraul488]

you're amazing, thank you for this video...!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

thanks for watching, I'm glad you liked it :)!

[@angelikasyarnstorellc4873]

Glass Eye is a great stained glass design program. They have a 30 day trial period. Can’t recommend it enough.

[@ApatheticBlogger]

Ooooooh, I'm gonna check it out. Thanks!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Wonderful, thanks so much for the recommendation! I'll absolutely be testing this out, I'd love to be able to compile a list of good programs to give people options

[@ericqualley6764]

Thank you

[@WhattaCat]

Thank you so much for your vids. I have learned so much from watching. Do you use foil scissors to cut out your pattern pieces? If so, what brand? When I use the foil scissors I seem to have a lot of gaps. Thanks

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Thanks so much for watching! I do not currently use foil scissors. I use an exacto knife to cut out all of my patterns. One of my livestream viewers actually got me a pair of foil scissors for my birthday so I'm going to try them out soon :)

[@ToyInsanity]

Love the alien scream shirt 👍

[@jessijohnson9894]

Hi! I've been following your account for a few months now and I find it very helpful, but I just recently started my stained glass journey and I'm having some problems with the soldering portion (though it may be attributed to other aspects of my process). The main issue I am encountering is that my solder doesn't seem to want to stick to my copper foil. I was under the impression that it would sort of adhere itself to the foil but mine almost seems to be repelling it. Disclaimer though, I left the flux that came with my kit at home and have been using petroleum jelly as an alternative, which I read online was okay. I would love your input if you have time! Thanks so much!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Hi Jessi! The first thing that comes to mind for me is, is your foil older or are you leaving the foil on for longer periods of time before soldering? I've found that in both of the situations, when I try and solder the copper has oxidized a bit and will repel the solder! I haven't really found a work around for this other than getting rid of the older foil on the roll (the foil that's been exposed to the air). I hope that helps!

[@darrylbarger5213]

when foiling, is your aim to have the same amount of foil on each side of the glass? Much appreciated.

[@Rick-st5ky]

Hello, what do you use for polishing when done?

[@kfirish44]

What is the board made of that you have under work that you are soldering on?

[@suzannebigras7071]

Awesome.

[@mdesmondvm2240]

I told you U u got this!!

[@roguepierogi1098]

Hey! Loooved the video. Question- I noticed on your “how you do it now” piece, the leaves have veins. Did you have each half of the leaf as separate pieces or did you somehow make a solder line on a single piece of glass where you wanted the vein? Thank you!! Keep up the amazing work, both with your glass work and your videos! 🥰

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Good eye!! So basically I wanted to make the lower quality demonstration piece as simple as possible (took me about 20 minutes start to finish). For the leaves on the other piece, I like to cut the whole leaf out, grind it to fit, and then cut in down the middle for the vein. Once I cut the vein I'll smooth it up and foil as normal :)! Doing it this way is a little quicker, makes it so I don't have to cut the pattern for the leaf and worry about the leaf halves not looking right together.

[@roguepierogi1098]

Amazing! Thank you!

[@sherryjones2640]

Thank you for your advise. I used to do stain glass years ago and just started getting back into it. A lot of new tips and products...what stain glass polish do you recommend?

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

I personally use Liva polish but will most likely be using turtle wax paste once my liva runs out since it's been on backorder forever

[@gaurin7374]

Highly helpful. Could you please guide what are the basic and must have tools for beginners and where can one buy these tools from. It would be really nice of you if you inform.

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZPck2isqbVkeNE

[@nstyle-jewelry524]

Hey! What polishing liquid do you use, please, can't find it?

[@tamimakesstuff]

I love your lil mooon! Sooo beautiful

[@andreaskews4575]

Do you use the black stuff after the patina?

[@plattehempcompany3896]

What is the drawing app program you mentioned that helps?

[@crystalpelletier3506]

With the foil-wrapping part, you described it well. Its kinda like how when you're driving, you're not supposed to look at the road super close, but more like where your headding and trying to go. Right?

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Exactly! That's a perfect way of saying what I meant.

[@reenejunod3288]

what were you using for polish?

[@jacquelinepuga8315]

Thank you for your helpful video. idea for new video how to keep your patterns from growing. my pieces are just too large and don't fit my pattern even after trying to stay in the lines and grinding down. It's shifting my overall pattern & this is a common beginner mistake. IDK how to fix it.

[@clarecribbes723]

Hey, your work is amazing, what kinda polish do you recommend??

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Hi Clare! Thanks so much :) I prefer Liva polish, although it's been out of stock for a while now. I will try to get my hands on some clarify polish and see what I think of it

[@petercangialosi3988]

What do you polish the piece with?

[@cvsisthedevil1898]

Thank you for this video! Quick question: how hot do your run your soldering iron for this piece? (the 6:00-7:00 mark)

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

I believe I was soldering at 410. I only recently (this year, I should say) started working at 460 more frequently

[@beckygore1511]

Loved your video, what soldering iron do you use?

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Thanks for watching! I have the Hakko fx601

[@ryleecrone2925]

What kind of polish do you use?

[@lillielavender652]

What polish do you use?

[@donnadavis7550]

what kind of polish do you use

[@shawnstrelecki-sn8eh]

Can you show me one on vases for soldering different shapes on them.

[@emanitta]

Can you fix an old piece in terms of soldering?

[@margaretevillanova7124]

Oi. Adorei seus vídeos. Queria saber qual o nome do líquido usado no pincel. Obrigada.

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Estou tão feliz que você gostou do vídeo! Estou usando um gel chamado "fluxo" que precisa ser aplicado antes da soldagem. Espero que faça sentido - usei o google tradutor!

[@lesliturnervance4982]

What type of polish do you use? Or can please explain that final process? Thank you for the video! It is very helpful!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Hi Lesli! I actually have a video about patina and polish where I cover all the basics of polishing :) It was the most recent video I posted

[@lesliturnervance4982]

@@sunbearglasscraft8065 Thank you!

[@lena990]

I have the same iron as you, what temperature do you keep it at? I have a hard time keeping solder on tip/picking it up. It just doesn’t stick

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

I prefer 410 for everything! I find 460 to be a bit too hot for me and 360 much too cool

[@KauaiDee]

Question- what is flux?? What is it made of and what is its purpose?

[@killz111]

Cool

[@kelistratton5798]

Where do you get patterns

[@haleighgordon2173]

What kind of polish do you use or recommend?

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Hi! I personally use liva polish and love it. I believe it's been out of stock for a while though! I believe turtle wax paste is a fine alternative

[@ylap1261]

Quick question, I am trying to get into this but don’t want to buy my glass from Amazon. What other stores sell the actual stained glass to get started? Thank you!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

Hi there! Delphi, anything in stained glass, and Franklin art glass are all wonderful places. You can also buy from small shops on Etsy :)

[@beefjerkmeoff]

thank you...video is top

[@irl441]

You raise Me uuuupp

[@irl441]

Nice video by the way

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

🤣🤣 thank you!

[@katherinedevlin7820]

What do you polish the solder with? Thanks!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

I used to use Liva but lately I've been using Turtle Wax hard shell finish. Cheaper and lasts longer!

[@katherinedevlin7820]

@@sunbearglasscraft8065 thanks so much!

[@allygallo9540]

What polish(s) do you recommend?!

[@sunbearglasscraft8065]

I've only ever used Liva polish, but I've heard it's sold out everywhere! I have used Turtle Wax paste and it works very well, plus it's like $8 for a giant tub of it

[@1dog2cats5]

I love your Edvard Munch The scream with a alien

[@jessieluce912]

What do you do to fix messy solder spots? I cannot get mine smooth

[@Vondarkstar]

More flux on spot.