"Ben Franklin Bridge" and "Manayunk Bridge" in Stained Glass

Stained glass, lead, copper wire 

Methods: The glass pieces are all scored and broken using hand tools and shaped to fit using an electric grinder and a water pump.  The Ben Franklin panel is constructed using the copper foil method with a wire overlay.  The Manayunk panel is constructed using a hybrid of the copper foil and traditional lead came methods.

Inspiration: In the early months of COVID lockdowns, I was struggling to come to terms with all the usual activities I was missing.  I needed something new in my life to feel excited about, and with encouragement from my partner, I decided to invest in a set of tools and supplies and teach myself how to make stained glass.  I've never thought of myself as a particularly artistic person but have always enjoyed working with my hands.  It's been incredibly rewarding to find a craft that "clicked" for me and makes me proud to share my finished work.