Brief History about Stained Glass Use in Lamp Shades
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.
Selecting and Purchasing Glass
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.
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