You need to take both classes. Lead came is more forgiving, covers more "sins", cuts don't need to be quite as precise as with the copper foil method. The lead came comes in lengths and you cut to fit the pieces, they have a channel in the middle for the glass to fit into. You solder at each juncture where the came meets. Copper foil allows for more intricate detail in a pattern. The foil covers all the edges of the glass, then you solder over the entire foiled area. Now, this is probably all as clear as mud...I'm at work so I can't send pictures to explain. Take both, then decide which you like best...you will use both depending on the projects and sometimes you will use both in the same project.

Ramona

I took a leaded stained glass class first. In a leaded stained glass class, I learned to select, cut, and fit the glass together using lead "H" shaped came. The lead came holds the glass together and is soldered at the joints of the lead. Leaded stained glass, while a smidge more forgiving of inaccurate cuts than foil, still requires precise cutting. The lead provides a uniform lead line that is very attractive for larger panels.

Foiled stained glass requires wrapping each (accurately) cut piece of glass in sticky backed copper foil, fitting it together like a puzzle, soldering front and back and finishing the edges.

Personally I like both methods and use them both regularly. Larger panels with larger pieces I chose to lead. Smaller, more intricate panels I chose to use foil.

Cost and time wise I think they are about the same. Cleaning a leaded panel takes longer when you consider puttying, whiting, scrubbing, etc. On the flip side, the copper foil process takes longer because wrapping each piece in copper foil, burnishing the edges well, and soldering is time consuming.

Both have their strengths and weaknesses and I recommend you learn both. I'll be happy to answer any additional questions you have.

Enjoy!!

Rosemary, I learned the foil method and have only used came to frame my projects. Icheer has a good knowledge of both methods. I think of lead as for more formal projects such as large windows.

Below is a link for short Vicki Payne videos on SG. Also this website has some good technical tips. Another great resource is at inlandcraft. They have a free booklet on SG methods. I printed that out and used it for reference when I was learning.

Here is a link that might be useful: Videos

Wow - you ladies are a wealth of information! I never knew the differences either and am glad someone asked the question.

Can anyone tell me is the copper foil method a 20th century method rather than the older leaded style??

The copper foil technique was invented in the 19th century, and is attributed to Louis Comfort Tiffany, although there is some debate as to whether it was invented by Tiffany or John La Farge....the lead came method has been used for centuries.

I only do copper foil, but given the chance, I'd like to learn lead too.

The class I took, we did cutting practice first, then a small foiled suncatcher, then a larger foiled project (like fan lights, window ovals) from their pattern books. Those of us who wanted to continue then did larger leaded projects. One thing we had to do when beginning, was to only use a carborundum stone for grinding any mistakes in our cuts. She wanted us to appreciate accuracy in cutting instead of being lazy and just figuring "I'll just grind it to fit"!

I had to quit the class before they got to lamps, and somewhere I have the pattern I bought for a lampshade. Now I'm going to have to go dig it out and give it another look.

LADIES, you are the fountain of knowledge! I really DO appreciate the info. I'm looking forward to the copper foil class and hope I enjoy it enough to take an intermediate class. She also has a Lead Came Panel class but don't think I'm up to that, YET! The reason I like the gal in Longview is that SHE provides the TOOLS! The other place requires you to purchase your OWN tools. The last time I was there w/DH buying glass, I spied a large stained glass hanging piece in her front window. STUNNING! If I had had an extra $600 or so bucks, I'd walked away with it. The owner made it--I walked away wiping drool from my face!

Well, Rosemary, I'll bet you'll be making your own stained glass hanging by this time next year.

I think that is great to have a teacher that provides the tools. You get to try tools before you buy.

Stained glass tools are quite an investment, especially to learn about a craft you don't even know if you'll like or not before you take the class! I think providing the tools is an excellent incentive to go with that instructor - what a cool idea!

(Before I ever walked into my first class I had already spent $250 on the class fee and the very basic tools - money that would have gone down the drain if I didn't like it! Luckily I feel head over glass in love :-)

I went to a very basic class that was 4 saturdays long, we learned both lead and foil, tools where provided, but I ran out and bought everything after the first class!!ha! Even for lead work but still haven't done it!!! 7yrs ago!! And no we won't talk about my peacock!!! (copperfoil) Oh yes, it will get done!!! I say take the course, you will love it!! And you can make that window you saw for $600 yourself for $150 worth of supplies!!!