Whether you are looking for a great hobby or just wanting to learn something "artsy," working with stained glass may be perfect for you. But you might have some reservations about trying it. Here are 7 reasons we heard for folks not taking a glass class, and our responses. Hope they change your mind!
1) I’m not "artsy" or creative.
2) I don’t have much hand-arm strength for cutting glass.
3) I’m afraid of getting hurt.
4) I’m too busy.
5) It looks complicated–I’m not sure what I’m getting into.
6) I’m too old to start now!
7) I tried it once before but didn’t get it.
Objections Answered
1) I’m not "artsy" or creative.
A: You don’t need to be. Can you put together a puzzle? It’s the same principle. Patterns for all sorts of projects are readily available online and from local studios. Once the pieces are cut and ground to shape, they are assembled like a puzzle. No need to come up with designs yourself.
2) I don’t have much hand-arm strength for cutting glass.
A: New tools have been developed to address this issue. The pistol grip cutter has replaced the old pencil style cutter. It is more efficient and even helps relieve fatigue when you are working long hours. The Cutter’s Mate adds weight to allow for those with strength issues. Check them out at your local studio. Besides, you don’t need a lot of pressure to score glass!
3) I’m afraid of getting hurt.
A: You may get cut–after all, your aim is to break glass! But if you use proper safety precautions (as you would when baking, cleaning or engaging in any hobby) the chances are slim. Even if you get cuts, they are generally like paper cuts from an office. They aren’t deep and they heal quickly.
4) I’m too busy.
A: Stained glass work is easy to do in steps. You can work when you have a little time, then put it down and come back to it any time. Each step can be separated from the next to cut the length of any given session.
5) It looks complicated–I’m not sure what I’m getting into.
A: It’s not any more complicated than most hobbies–less so than some. Go to your local studio and ask them to give you an overview of the steps. Most artists are glad to share their art with you!
6) I’m too old to start now!
A: Come on now–it’s never too late to start a fun new hobby. (I started at 54.) Creativity at any age is good for the mind. We had an 85 year old take the class and go on to make many gifts for his family members. If you have health problems, you can still make wonderful pieces: If you can’t see well, try mosaic work. If you have arthritis, try the new cutters. Stained glass art has a lot of off-shoots that are fun and easy to master.
7) I tried it once before but didn’t get it.
A: There are so many new tools and new techniques coming out every year that you owe it to yourself to take another look at the art. The problem may also have been the teacher or the class (too many students for individual attention?). See if there is another studio offering classes and try again–you’ll be glad you did.
What's stopping you?
Now that all your objections have been answered, what’s keeping you from finding a teacher? If you have other questions or issues, let me know and I will try to answer them. In the meantime, get going!