Oak Tree Stained Glass Studio brings us Beginnings, a information-packed CD for the entry-level stained glass artist. Designed like an Internet Web site, the CD may be viewed using your favorite browser.
Set up to be a teaching companion, navigation is handled by clicking on word links at the left of the screen. Each page is topical and includes photos and illustrations. A table of contents (marked TOC) gives an overview of the information layout and provides quick access to specific areas.
“About Glass” brings up an introduction to glass selection and types and features a handle table of styles such as baroque, beveled, ring mottle, stippled, hammered, etc. A swatch accompanies each example.
You will find a copper foil cabinet insert and a lead channel window hanging under the “Projects” link. Each leads you step by step with detailed explanation, illustration, and tips through project completion.
Moving on to the “How To” link, this section covers the basic techniques. It is the entry page to specifics such as: Design A Pattern, Cut A Pattern, Cutting Glass, Breaking Glass, Grinding Glass, Foiling Glass, Using Lead Channel, Soldering, Building A Frame and Cementing A Panel. Each of these break down further to detail the tools and supplies required. For the beginners, we would recommend jumping to this area first to familiarize themselves with trade lingo, tools, chemicals, and compounds and their uses.
“Photo Gallery” is an interesting “walk” through photos of completed projects. You will find windows, hangings, and suncatchers galore to stimulate your imagination and plan the series of gifts you will soon be making!
Along those lines, “Patterns” brings you precisely that. Organized by theme and shape, it is a good idea to take some time and browse these. The beginning hobbyist can learn the fundamentals of good glass art design, its simplicity of line, and how to use color to build the overall visual appreciation.
“Tools” will show the wide variety available and explain which ones are most necessary to begin simple projects. This section includes a helpful “Tool List,” which is a printout for your personal shopping list.
“Dedication” and the requisite “FAQ” sections come next, the latter concentrating on many of the small tips and explanations that don’t fall automatically under the preceding categories.
The tutorial concludes with “Materials” and the ever-important “Glass Safety,” which go hand in hand to explain the many chemicals and compounds used in the process, along with their safe use.
Overall we found Beginnings to be an all-inclusive explanation of the process, tools, materials, and their use aimed at the novice, although undoubtedly mid-level skilled hobbyists will find in-depth content that will improve their skill level. Any computer user familiar with a browser will catch on to the flow of information, although they should pay special attention to the manner in which the CD is organized and use their “back” button to control its navigation.

This article can be found in Glass Pattern Quarterly's Spring 2003 Issue

Learning To Lead

Hi Rob
Again, thanks for sending the new "Beginnings" CD. I am finding Beginnings a fantastic program. this CD is loaded with valuable information on how to prefect my art .I am finding the section on glass cutting, and soldering to be loaded with information I need. I have been using this program for about a week, and already my skills are improving. Each piece is better than the one before it .I am finding "Beginnings a source of so much useful information on how to improve my craft. When I come upon a problem or have a question, I just go to that particular section and easily find the information I need.

Thanks, Rob for creating this program.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Thanks for shipping so quickly, I have only spent 30 minutes using your CD, so far it's great

Medinah, IL

Dear Sir;

I am returning the 2nd CD you sent me to correct my problem. I installed a new program and was able to view the patterns I wanted to see, so my problem was my problem and not the quality or your CD. Thank you for your patience and concern in the resolution to this problem.

White-Oak, NC