How to Make Baroque Stained Glass Really “Move” in the Background

An easy trick to avoid “bizziness” in baroque glass when using it for the background glass is to lay the pattern out in place.  This keeps the background “moving” in the proper direction and avoids a “confusing” look to your panel.  In other words, it keeps the background IN the background and not an “eye-catching” part of the panel.  Having the pattern beneath the glass is an easy trick when the panel is small, like the one we’re doing for the ASGLA 2015 calendar charity quilt panel, but it is an essential technique due to the size of the panel itself.  Larger panels (depending on the size and how much glass you have on hand) can and should be accomplished using the same method of layout for the best results. If you’re losing track of the direction/swirl of the glass from piece to piece, draw arrows and match the swirl patterns on larger pieces to make sure that all will create a beautiful flow and direction when assembled.

This does not only apply to baroque glass but to any glass which needs to have a continuing pattern for the width/ height of the panel you are creating.