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Color Key
Included in each MagicStrip™ Pattern Packet is a color key
which lists the suggested color, type, and amount of glass needed
(Glass Manufactures Guide), color and glass selection is similar
to the original antique lamps. The Glass Manufactures Guide is
a getting started guide. There are hundreds of colors, combinations
of colors, color densities, and textures from which to choose.
Most of the glass used in lamp shade construction is opalescent.
This opaque glass masks out the light source and glows from any
angle viewed. It also shows color when not lighted. Select rough
or smooth backed opals in single or multiple colors. Select lighter
density opals and cathedrals for highlights. Substitute other
colors if desired.
Do not hesitate to mix glass from different manufacturers to
achieve the effect you want for example: use a light colored
smooth machine rolled opal for background; mix textured, mottled
glass to give the illusion of depth for leaves and flowers; use
rippled cathedral for borders and highlights; select rough textured
cathedral glass for tree limbs, stems and flower centers.
How Stained Glass is Sold
Stained glass is manufactured in color mix batches, rolled out,
annealed, cut into rectangle sheets and placed in large wooden
cases that weigh hundreds of pounds. Stained glass wholesalers
purchase the glass in case lots. The cases are broken down to
fill the needs of the thousands of large and small retail dealers,
studios and craft stores.
How to Purchase Lamp Shade Stained Glass
Try to purchase your glass and supplies from a stained glass
dealer. Most reliable dealers have sample swatches supplied by
the glass manufacturers. They can answer any questions you might
have. Retailers have lighted tables so you can arrange the beautiful
colors as they would appear when lighted. If a dealer doesn't
have your glass selection in stock, they can easily get it for
you from their wholesale supplier.
Other Types of Opalescent Glass
Hand rolled mottled and full ring mottled opalescent glass have
areas of other colors or intensities appearing in small irregular
rings like islands of lighter color in a sea of darker or more
intense color. The color variations create the illusion of depth
and add character to a lamp shade allowing the picking of colors
for a dramatic effect. Full ring mottled opalescent glass available
today is similar to the glass used in the original antique Tiffany
lamps.
NOTE: Art glass with two or more colors is also referred
to as opal by the trade.
Cathedral Glass
Very translucent - light source can be seen through it. Can be
used as highlights in flower designs, borders, etc. A lamp made
from rough backed cathedral and hung near a window will show
its colors like a stained glass window. If a cluster of clear
light bulbs are used, it will burst into diamond-like colorful
glitter when lighted.
Rippled Glass
Borders and backgrounds made from rippled glass require the glass
to be cut from the backside with paper pattern reversed.
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