An approachable guide to making beautiful and creative stained glass. Beginners and more advanced glass artists alike will find something useful, from suncatchers and butterflies to full windows. Lots of color photography to help and inspire.

I have always loved stained glass, and have friends and family who have been stained glass artists. So this book intrigued me. I really enjoyed reading the author's introduction--I was in awe of her talent and determination, but also impressed with the idea that this sort of art doesn't happen overnight. Definitely don't skip over that intro.

The book begins with a section on studio setup and safety, a list of supplies/tools, as well as some suggestions for self-care. I was particularly impressed by the latter, as so often "how-to" books ignore the pitfalls of repetitive tasks. This is followed by a primer on glass and how to cut it. I liked that there were "practice cutting" instructions so one could get used to the concept before doing a real project.

The author uses the Tiffany (copper foil) technique, and this is the focus of the next section. The instructions are illustrated with photos of each step and I found them very easy to follow. Layout, soldering and finishing techniques are also nicely illustrated and clearly described. There's also a nifty section on making your own patterns, and instructions for creating custom windows.

Other interesting parts of the book: interviews with glass artists (including photos of their work), instructions for projects (suncatchers, jewelry, 3D pieces), how to incorporate non-glass items into the piece. Projects are not overly ambitious--there are plenty of easy ideas to start with.

I was so impressed by the review copy of this book that I pre-ordered the book for myself! It's definitely a keeper!

In Kicking Glass, Neile Cooper has provided readers with basic how to instruction guide to start creating with stained glass. The book is full of beautiful, full colour illustrations, and instructions are easy to follow, if not easy to master. This is great guide for anyone considering starting in the hobby.

Disclaimer: A copy was provided by the publisher.

Kicking Glass is a well written and curated instructional guide for stained glass technique with tutorials by Neile Cooper. Released 24th May 2022 by Bloomsbury on their Herbert Press imprint, it's 176 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.

The photography is stellar with lushly colorful clear pictures and tutorial explanations. The author provides project lists with tools and supplies and step by step instructions. The book feels like a small, well organized workshop with a well spoken and competent teacher. The projects are varied and attractive and are a mix of more traditional looking and modern.

There is a significant outlay in tools and supplies for stained glass work, but Ms. Cooper does a good job of listing the necessities as well as some more optional (but handy) tools. Safety is emphasized throughout.

This would be a good introduction for home hobbyists, as well as a useful addition to maker's spaces, studio libraries, group/guild studios, or for gifting.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This is one of those books that convinced me not to take up a hobby I've always wanted to take up, but not through any fault of the author's. After reading it, I've realized I don't want to invest that much money and effort into learning it (it's a lot!) but I love the craft all the more.

Kicking Glass will give you all the tools you need to start glass making as a hobby, with plans, supply lists, projects and tons of information. Full color photos add to the book, along with interviews with a diverse range of glass artists. I highly recommend the book if you're serious about taking up this art. I'm just a little too scattered and flaky to put this much into it since I am always doing 30 other things. For those serious about taking up this skill, this book will be a wonderful resource.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

5 Stars!! This book has everything you could possibly want to know about stained glass making, and then some. It has tons of pictures and sketches so it’s easy to visualize what the author is explaining. I was interested in getting into stained glass making but never really knew what was involved or the dangers involved in the process. If you’re serious about trying stained glass making, I’d say this is 100% a must read!! I don’t know if it would be good for people already knowledgeable on stained glass making but for beginners, this is highly recommended!
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

Pros: My dad has recently adopted working with stained glass as his newest hobby. I was interested to read this book to learn more about his hobby and to see if it is a book he might like to read as he develops his skills (it is!). This book is very practical and approachable for hobbyists new to the craft, and it also includes projects for the advanced stained glass workers. I loved the photographs throughout--the art form is beautiful and inspiring. I was also pleasantly surprised by the self-care note for repetitive actions. I had never seen this in a crafting book before and loved that it was included.

Cons: None that I can think of!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA, Herbert Press for the opportunity to read this book.