H. L. Worden Lamp Crafting System
Introduction

This lamp construction book has been tailored for persons new to stained glass crafting. The basic illustrated information once learned opens up all types of crafting with stained glass.
The name [Tiffany style lamp] has become a generic word describing all small piece rounded stained glass lamps using the copper foil method of construction.
Lamp shades constructed on WordenSystem forms are assembled the same way that Louis C Tiffany, founder of the Tiffany Glass Co., used to make famous small piece stained glass shades in the early 1890's.
Tiffany lamps and other Tiffany style shades manufactured at that time, such as Handel, Wilkinson, Chicago Mosaic, Duffurner & Kunberly and other small studios. Tiffany style lamps are variations of round, flattened globes and cones. These round shapes lend themselves to the construction of strong, durable family heirloom type fixtures.
The stained glass parts are held together by wrapping a very thin copper foil strip around the edge of each glass piece, copper foiling allows intricate, delicate designs to be made. A special solder alloyed for a low melting point will then adhere to the copper foil to encase each part. The solder makes a durable frame work by welding the many pieces together.
Making small piece lamp shades can be a very satisfying hobby. The proper tools are simple and inexpensive. Much enjoyment can be found in this easy-to-learn craft.
 

 H. L. Worden Lamp Crafting System
Brief History
Antique Tiffany style lamp shades were constructed of an opaque mixture of colored glass commonly called opalescent or opal. Opal masks the light source from lighted bulbs and shows color in reflected light. Cathedral glass, with varying density of transparency, was sometimes used for highlights.
In 1895 the Tiffany Studios started marketing lamps and windows using their own special Tiffany glass. Prior to that they purchased glass from other manufacturers. Starting in 1888 the Kokomo Glass Company supplied glass to the Tiffany Studios and other studios who also made lamps. Kokomo still makes glass similar to glass they made at that period, as well as the Paul Wissmach Glass Company, established in 1904.
The Tiffany Glass Company closed shortly after the first World War and it wasn't until around 1968 that stained glass crafting swept the country and new glass companies started up. Several of these new companies specialize in Tiffany type glass in a host of new color combinations.
Today opal stained glass is available to the novice and experienced lamp craftsman in a huge selection of color mixes, textures, color densities and price ranges.

Next - WordenSystem home page