I'm interested in stained glass (sun-catchers) but I don't know where to begin. I have many questions.

How much of a work area would I need?
How much would it cost to get started?
How messy is it? (broken glass)
How long does it take to finish a piece?

I usually get my stained glass at art fairs.
Any answers would be appreciated. Thanks.

I don't know if this is what you'd want, but several years ago I got a glass-staining kit at a hobby shop. It had paints and a tube of black goo that was used to make the lines of the design. There was no specific area that it took up - just depended on how messy I was! I painted various glass objects - I still have a large brandy glass in the bathroom I use as a hairbrush holder.

I've also gotten "Mak-It & Bak-It" kits that come with a metal design and tiny plastic beads for the colors. You've probably seen those - you fill the design in and bake it to melt the beads.

Don't know if any of this sounds interesting, but they were fun doing. Or maybe a hobby shop could give you some good advice.

I suggest you take a beginner course in stained glass. Many high schools have adult evening classes for all kinds of crafting, also check out your town or county recreation dept. for classes.

Check out 'Getting started in stained glass',

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/5104/45437

Oh I just LOVE stained glass! Thank you so much!
I saved the site in my favorites and I'm gonna check out a hobby store this week.

Hampstead House Books has a complete course book for $20 Canadian. It explains all the techniques, leading, copper foiling, and project plans for e.g. a tiffany-style lamp, cathedral mirror, etc.
This would be a good way to start to get an idea of materials and tools needed. You only need a work space the size of a desktop.
www.hhbooks.com

I don't know if this is any help, but my dad used to make stained glass. He started out with a kit with precut glass. Since it was a gift from us, I guess he felt obligated to make the lamp! He went from that to simple square designs. The more curve, the more difficult to break the glass. It takes some practice before you can imitate one of those floral lampshades you see in the store. Actually, they aren't real glass. It's called "hobby glass". That eliminates the problem of difficult cuts. It can be a bit of an expensive hobby too.

If you are really interested you will need glass cutters and all the respective breaking tools, a good diamond grinder , copper tape, solder and a soldering gun, saftey goggles, patinas etc, etc, it can be expensive but it is a wonderful hobby I have made many beautiful designs for people and have gotten to the point where people ask me to make them this or that.

My sister also does this elaborate yet beautiful type of artwork. She designs her own designs and has done some very beautiful work. It doesn't take much actual room, but it takes a steady hand and a determined mind-set.