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Suncatchers

1. The first type is the real thing (in my book anyway). It's made up of little pieces, connected with foil. It can have many colors and quite a bit of detail. The prices can usually be a bit higher, but it's worth it. It's the quality you want.
2. The next is made with came. They're certainly not one of my favorites. They're much choppier looking. Came just doesn't take well to small pieces or graceful curves. I've also noticed the colors are rather...well...disgusting...repulsive...ugly, I don't know why, but it seems ugly colors are just naturally attracted to came. And since they're kind of small, they're usually not cemented, so they tend to rattle. And of course, there's the lead factor. Generally there's more lead in lead came than in lead based solder.
3. Now there's another type of came suncatchers, "the one piece, wire coated thing from another planet". This has got to be the most insulting thing to real stained glass artists. You're lucky if you get 2 colors in the catcher. Usually it's one color, has a ton of soft wire detail, and a lot of times, is chrome or gold plated.
4. Then there is an entire other section of stained glass sun catchers, "The stained plastic sun catchers". You'll find these in flea markets and cheapy stores. They're really cheap and they add a small touch of color in your pathetic home. They're the stained glass wanna-bee's. They are light weight and come only in clear colors; no dazzling iridescence, no shaded portions, no originality. Don't buy these, they are evil. As I understand it, in one case, one of the things jumped right off the window, and strangled someone to death....spooky.
5. There's of course the paint on type. These are the ones mostly sold on TV as "simple stained glass" that "any moron could do". Now, I'm not trying to insult anyone by saying that, just don't call it stained glass. Stained glass isn't gooey and trapped in a bottle. Though I guess it's good for a kid.
6. Then there's the "magic sticker type". They stick onto the window, like magic. They're good at protecting you windows from stray birds but they're still not real stained glass.

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Started on 9-22-98