| Did you know that you can find stained glass deals if | | | | the total transaction may cost more. |
| you look hard enough? There are a number of places | | | | Some glass manufacturers sell "sample sets." These |
| to buy stained glass - let's look at a few of them. | | | | are exactly what they sound like: packages with a |
| The easiest and least risky way to buy glass is in a kit. | | | | variety of glass types and colors enclosed. Many |
| You can purchase kits online: simply search for | | | | smaller sample sets cost less than $15 or $20 at online |
| "stained glass kits" and you'll see dozens of online | | | | supply stores. Typically larger craft stores like Ben |
| suppliers. Or you can buy kits at Michael's Arts and | | | | Franklin carry very few glass sample sets; if they do, |
| Crafts, Ben Franklin, or your local craft store. Many | | | | their selection will be limited, but if you check they may |
| smaller craft stores may not stock kits, but they will be | | | | have just what you need. In general the sheets of |
| glad to order what you want. | | | | glass are smaller than what you'd normally buy, so |
| The kit will only include glass you need for the project; | | | | you're not stuck with a lot of glass you may never |
| you don't have to worry about leftovers. If you're new | | | | use. If you're new to the hobby, aren't sure what you |
| to the hobby, start with a kit or two - that way you | | | | want to make, and are interested in experimenting, a |
| won't invest in glass inventory you may find you don't | | | | sample set can be an inexpensive way to try out |
| need. | | | | different colors and techniques. |
| If you decide to buy glass in bulk, the first place to look | | | | If you stay alert you may find great deals from local |
| is your local glass shop or craft shop. There are | | | | artisans or hobbyists. For instance, many hobbyists will |
| advantages and disadvantages to dealing with your | | | | sell glass if they're preparing to move - glass is hard to |
| local store. The advantages are clear: you can build up | | | | pack up and move, and many people won't want to |
| a business relationship with the store, you can inspect | | | | bother. You may not find an opportunity like that often, |
| the glass before you purchase it, and you can ask | | | | but if you do, you can usually pay twenty-five percent |
| questions and get advice from a knowledgeable | | | | or less for glass compared to what you would have |
| source. The disadvantage is their selection may be | | | | paid retail. |
| limited and their prices may be higher than you can get | | | | Sometimes glass shops will also sell partial sheets at a |
| from wholesale or discount glass companies. Of | | | | large discount. If the partial sheet is large enough for |
| course, your local shop can order glass, but you lose | | | | your intended use, great! (Buying partial sheets is like |
| the advantage of pre-inspecting the glass, and the | | | | buying carpet remnants.) Glass shops often also have |
| price will probably be a little higher since the store will | | | | "For Sale" bulletin boards for hobbyists to use to |
| need to mark the glass up in order to make a profit. | | | | advertise leftover glass they want to sell - keep an |
| If your store orders glass for you, ask if you can | | | | eye out for pieces you can use. |
| inspect it before you actually make the purchase. The | | | | You can also find supplies and tools at yard sales - |
| color or texture in the catalog may not be the same | | | | make sure you have a wish list of tools with you and |
| as the color or texture you eventually receive. | | | | you may find exactly what you're looking for. You can |
| There are a number of glass suppliers that can be | | | | also buy used tools on "For Sale" bulletin boards at |
| found online. Simply search for "stained glass supplies" | | | | glass shops; if a local craftsperson has upgraded to a |
| or "stained glass" and you'll see hundreds of | | | | more expensive grinder, for instance, they may be |
| possibilities. If you decide to try an online supplier, make | | | | more than willing to sell you their used grinder for a |
| a small purchase the first time so you can evaluate | | | | fraction of its original cost. |
| their quality, professionalism, and service. When you're | | | | There is much more to this story than written here. |
| comparing price with your local shop, make sure you | | | | Stained glass can be incredibly interesting once you |
| take into account shipping charges; the raw glass may | | | | learn all about it... |
| be cheaper, but when combined with shipping costs | | | | |