Northern Shades: 25 Full-Size Patterns for Stained Glass Lampshades
Date Published 1/1/1991
Ratings
Rated By: A reader
From: Unavailable
Rating:
Comments: Most attractive shades! The proportions of the shades are really beautiful. One of the best shade pattern books on the market.
Rated By: Esther Schindler
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Rating:
Comments: Attractive stained glass patterns, none of them dorky I'm just finishing the first lamp that I've made using a pattern from Northern Shades. Overall, I'm very pleased with the pattern and its instructions -- though I'm glad that I made my *first* lamp with a live teacher demonstrating the techniques.
That's not to say that you're on your own. While the book has only a single photo of each of the 25 lamps, the pictures are large and clear enough for you to get the details. The first part of the book explains the steps in lamp construction, with many black and white photos to demonstrate the process. It might have been daunting if that's all I had, however! (Or maybe I just prefer personal instruction.)
None of the designs are lame, and most of them are really pretty. The lamps range in size from an 8" diameter to 21". It's convenient to have the patterns in full size, too; you don't have to worry about inaccuracies creeping in from photocopies.
Most of all, however, I appreciate the clear shopping list for each lamp; each one is rated for difficulty, has technical specifications (such as all measurements and the number of pieces), and a materials list. You can walk into the glass shop knowning that you need 3.25 sq ft of dark green opal, 1/2 sq ft of light green, and a 2.5" vase cap.
My only caveat -- and it's not really the author's fault -- is that you have to pay attention to the availability of supplies. The lamp I chose called for kite-shaped bevels in a size that is no longer available. I did just fine by cutting kites from textured glass, but I confess that I stamped my foot in frustration, a few times, before I chose that alternative.
Northern Shades: 25 Full-Size Patterns for Stained Glass Lampshades 
