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When beginning the cutting process I always get all the tools I will need out and within reach beforehand. I have a pencil grip and pistol grip score cutter, they use the same scoring heads but pistol grip works best on straight cuts where curves I have an easier time with the pencil grip. I always take small swoops with deeper curves, as if slicing small strips until I find my grinding point. I also use two different types of splitting pliers. One for straight and one for curves to semi-circles. I use a flat snapping pliers for any type...

Cutting patterns is an important part of process, and it requires a steady hand and an eye for colors to blend for art's sake.  Finding the best part of the glass for each piece of your design really makes a difference in the finished piece. In addition to the glass you're working with and the pattern itself, the tools for this process are pattern shears and double-sided tape.   Before I begin, I number all areas of the pattern, and make a copy of the numbered pattern for reference. I carefully label the entire pattern, so that each individual part has a number and...

After drawing and sizing up or down my patterns I will label each area of the pattern to keep continuity of color and flow to each Stained Glass art piece. In this image of a large knotted art you can see I have given each line it's own letter so when cutting the pattern I do not accidentally put the wrong glass in the wrong spot hence changing the image or pattern while creating. I suggest while cutting a pattern one should have all the glass intended for the piece be ready, cut one pattern at a time and adhere...

Drawing patterns is fun and meditative for me. I try to go to a quite place mentally and physically to draw. All patterns are drawn on 8.5 x 11 piece of copy paper, if needed I enlarge my patterns at the local print shop. I use rulers and markers to create my designs. Most pattern ideas come from my outstanding customers and friends. Mandala designs are created starting with just a circle, sometimes that simple circle becomes 107 bits of glass to play with. All Agate patterns are free form drawn from the shape of the agate being used in...