Kicking Glass: A Creative Guide to Stained Glass Craft

by Neile Cooper

Creative and practical, Kicking Glass is a step-by-step guide for those wanting to practice the popular craft of stained glass.

From simple suncatchers and boho lamps to exquisite 3D constructions and delicately-poised glass butterflies, experienced artist Neile Cooper guides you through the magical world of stained glass with a creative handbook for both the novice and more experienced crafter alike.

Beautifully illustrated with photographs of Neile's own work including her glorious glass cabin in the woods as well as pieces from some of today's most stylish designers, Kicking Glass is packed with ideas to guide and inspire.

This book provides comprehensive technical instruction in the copper foil method, covering everything from tools and supplies to exploratory techniques such as including foraged and found objects into your work. Skills are demonstrated through tutorials with photos, instructional drawings and 16 stunning patterns. Whether you're looking to decorate your windows, create lovely gifts for friends and family or design your own epic masterpiece, Kicking Glass is the essential modern guide to stained glass making.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published May 24, 2022

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that convinced me not to take up a hobby I've always wanted to take up, but not through any fault of the author's. After reading it, I've realized I don't want to invest that much money and effort into learning it (it's a lot!) but I love the craft all the more.

Kicking Glass will give you all the tools you need to start glass making as a hobby, with plans, supply lists, projects and tons of information. Full color photos add to the book, along with interviews with a diverse range of glass artists. I highly recommend the book if you're serious about taking up this art. I'm just a little too scattered and flaky to put this much into it since I am always doing 30 other things. For those serious about taking up this skill, this book will be a wonderful resource.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably need to buy this for my own collection so that the public library can have theirs back …

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Kicking Glass is a well written and curated instructional guide for stained glass technique with tutorials by Neile Cooper. Released 24th May 2022 by Bloomsbury on their Herbert Press imprint, it's 176 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.

The photography is stellar with lushly colorful clear pictures and tutorial explanations. The author provides project lists with tools and supplies and step by step instructions. The book feels like a small, well organized workshop with a well spoken and competent teacher. The projects are varied and attractive and are a mix of more traditional looking and modern.

There is a significant outlay in tools and supplies for stained glass work, but Ms. Cooper does a good job of listing the necessities as well as some more optional (but handy) tools. Safety is emphasized throughout.

This would be a good introduction for home hobbyists, as well as a useful addition to maker's spaces, studio libraries, group/guild studios, or for gifting.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Carey’s Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!! This book has everything you could possibly want to know about stained glass making, and then some. It has tons of pictures and sketches so it’s easy to visualize what the author is explaining. I was interested in getting into stained glass making but never really knew what was involved or the dangers involved in the process. If you’re serious about trying stained glass making, I’d say this is 100% a must read!! I don’t know if it would be good for people already knowledgeable on stained glass making but for beginners, this is highly recommended!
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

[Shauna C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kicking Glass can be divided into two halves. The first half includes chapters on the basic tools and supplies that any stained glass artist will need, as well as a chapter on the basic information one might need to know about the different types of glass used in stained glass work, including advice on selection and storage. The author gives a thorough discussion on cutting and grinding glass in another chapter, with several photos sprinkled throughout, and even includes a practice example for making a more difficult shape: a crescent moon. Short chapters cover the basics of using patterns, foiling the glass, and soldering. A chapter on finishing covers the use of caming to edge pieces and wire loops for hanging, while a separate chapter discusses cleaning, polishing and adding patina to your projects. The author finishes the first half of the book with a chapter on pattern design. The second half of the book includes brief artist bios and several projects with patterns and instructions. The projects are divided into suncatchers, found and foraged objects, 3D construction, and reclaimed windows. The book as a whole provides lots of useful information for anyone just getting started, and the projects in the second half include some very lovely patterns, a few of which I plan to try myself.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book borrowing a digital copy from the library. Then I placed the hard copy on hold so I could slowly flip through each page. A friend heard me talking about it, and bought a copy for me for my birthday. Now I can turn to my shelf for some inspiration anytime I need it.

This book doesn't just cover the how to cut, foil and soldier. It inspires. Cooper's style is unique, and she highlights other stained glass artists with their own flare that inspire me to not just copy free patterns, but make my own.

I love her stained glass cabin that she created using savage window sashes! She has a how to reuse window sashes for you work in the book, something I would love to try. She also incorporates items from nature in her work. Finally, something to do with all the seashells gathered at the beach and feathers found on walks!

The book contains exercises for your cramping hands because you're going to be creating so much stained glass after this inspiration that you will hurt.

[Novel Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Kicking Glass, Neile Cooper has provided readers with basic how to instruction guide to start creating with stained glass. The book is full of beautiful, full colour illustrations, and instructions are easy to follow, if not easy to master. This is great guide for anyone considering starting in the hobby.

Disclaimer: A copy was provided by the publisher.

[Sara Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear thoughtful explanations and visuals. Beautiful photos and patterns that left me brimming with inspiration. I can't wait to try out some of these techniques. Neile Cooper are so generous for writing this book.

[TheTellMeLady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of beautiful images and informative enough to get you started, OR to help you realize that perhaps the cost of beginning a stained glass adventure may be out of your reach. Either way, very interesting and enough lovely pictures to dream on

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I can tell I will come back to it again and again. Beautifully written with amazing photos and clear explanations. I started learning stained glass with an in-person class, but this will help take me to the next level.

[Mary Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! A must for anyone serious about modern stained glass, whether or not you create it.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous, instructional book that inspires both newbies and experienced stained glass artisans. I love this book and return to often for inspiration.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned more about proper technique from this book than the in-person class I took! And I was so delighted to have access to some of Neile’s beautiful patterns!

[Audrey Dombroski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best stained glass book out there! Perfect descriptions, clear photographs, creative ideas - I love this book and will have it for forever reference.

[Taunya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love her style! I like the step-by-step guides. Can't wait to try some of these projects.

[Dail Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ideas and instructions about stained glass projects.