Introduction

Crafting exceptional Mission Lighting is both an art and a discipline—one that requires time, skill, and a deep understanding of materials. Our fixtures bring together the warmth of hand-finished wood and the vibrant character of stained glass, creating lighting designs that are timeless, elegant, and truly distinctive.

The beauty of our work begins with the thoughtful selection of materials. Each wood species offers unique grain and depth, while stained glass comes in a wide spectrum of colors, textures, and translucency—each choice adding to the character of the final piece.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the construction methods and material selections that define our Arts and Crafts, Mission, and Craftsman Lighting Collections. To give you a deeper appreciation for our process, we’ve outlined four essential elements of our craftsmanship. Here’s a preview of what you’ll discover.

1. Material Selection

2. Staining Process

3. Stained Glass Process

4. Wood Construction

Material Selection - Wood and Stained Glass

Wood Selection – Oak

We put a lot of time into choosing superior wood for our products, giving us our Craftsman Style Lighting design.

We’ve chosen oak for its enduring beauty and widespread appeal in both classic and contemporary American homes. Its natural grain and strength make it an ideal match for Craftsman and Mission-style designs.

 

Wood Selection - Cherry Wood

Our other wood option is Cherry, finished exclusively with a clear natural oil that enhances the wood’s beauty without adding color. This finish is applied in four coats, with each coat allowed to dry for 12 hours to ensure durability and depth. One important note: Cherry wood develops a rich patina over time, gradually deepening in color—typically two to three shades darker within the first year.

Stained Glass Selection - Hand-Rolled Glass

Stained glass comes in a wide range of textures, thicknesses, and transparencies. For our Mission-style lighting, we exclusively use Wissmach stained glass, celebrated for its hand-rolled, artisan quality.

Each sheet of Wissmach glass is one of a kind, with subtle variations that give it a distinctive character. What sets it apart—and why we love working with it—is its perfect balance of transparency and texture. Light passes through beautifully, while the softly swirled, hand-melted patterns bring a warm, artistic touch to every fixture.

Staining Process – Mission Craftsman Style

In the early 1990s, we introduced a line of Mission-style furniture and developed a signature staining process that highlights the wood’s natural grain and deepens its richest tones.

Keep reading to learn more about our approach.

Step 1: Sanding the Surface Thoroughly

Begin by sanding the wood with 80-grit sandpaper. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and allow it to dry for 30 minutes. Follow with a second sanding using 100-grit sandpaper. Once again, dampen the board and let it dry for another 30 minutes. Finish with a final sanding using 180-grit sandpaper.

At this point, the wood is fully prepped and ready for staining.

 

Step 2: Applying the Water Stain

To achieve the desired tone and depth of color, we blend multiple water-based stain shades. Our technique involves wiping the stain on and off before it dries, creating a rich, layered effect. (Watch the video below to see the process.)

Water stain can drip or run, so it's important to wipe all sides of the wood thoroughly to prevent streaks or mess.

Allow the water stain to dry for 12 to 24 hours before moving on to the next step: applying the oil stain.

 

Step 3: Applying the Oil Stain

When applying the oil stain, we wipe it on and off promptly—avoiding extended contact with the surface, since the water stain has already added a base layer of color. Allow the oil stain to dry thoroughly for 12 to 24 hours before proceeding.

 

Step 4: Applying the Finishing Coat

For the final finish, we use a Gel Top Coat Sealer from General Finishes.

Using a cloth, apply a thin layer and wipe off any excess. Allow it to dry for 12 to 24 hours.

Repeat this process two more times for a total of three smooth, protective coats.

 

Summary:

1. Sand with 80-grit sandpaper, wipe with a damp cloth, and let dry.

2. Sand with 100-grit sandpaper, wipe with a damp cloth, and let dry.

3. Sand with 180-grit sandpaper.

4. Quickly wipe water stain on and off; let dry for 12+ hours.

5. Quickly wipe oil stain on and off; let dry for 12+ hours.

6. Apply first finish coat; wipe on and off, then dry 12–24 hours.

7. Apply second finish coat; wipe on and off, then dry 12–24 hours.

8. Apply third finish coat; wipe on and off, then dry 12–24 hours.

 

Stained Glass Process – Mission Style

For our Mission-style Craftsman lighting, we use the copper foil method because it delivers a more handcrafted, artistic appearance.

Below, you’ll find a summary of our stained glass foiling process in three simple steps.

 

Glass Cutting

Cutting glass is straightforward: simply score it with a glass cutter and snap it along the line (see video below). The challenge lies in achieving precise cuts. Many of our Mission light fixtures contain 20 to 80 pieces, so the glass must be cut with exact accuracy to fit together seamlessly. To assemble the glass shade perfectly, each piece needs to be cut within a tolerance of 1/16 of an inch.

Glass Foiling  

Copper foil is supplied in thin rolls, with one side adhesive and the other side coated in copper.

To wrap the edges of stained glass with copper foil, we use a foiling machine (see video below).

After foiling, we apply solder. The advantage of this method is that the molten solder adheres to the copper foil—not the glass—ensuring a clean, secure bond.

 

 

Soldering - Building the Stain Glass Shade

Soldering is the technique that joins the glass pieces to form a complete shade. It involves melting metal at around 400 degrees onto the copper foil. The molten metal bonds to the foil while avoiding the glass itself.

Mastering soldering requires many hours of practice, as it’s easy to apply too much or too little solder. Achieving the perfect flow for each piece takes time and skill. After soldering, we clean the metal and glass with a damp cloth, then use a clean brush to apply a black patina, giving the metal a rich, dark finish.

Wood Construction

The goal is to create tight, strong joints that will endure for years. For this step, we use the traditional wooden dowel technique. This method of wood joinery has been trusted for over 70 years, known for its exceptional durability and long-lasting strength.

 

 

Conclusion

In our 20 years of business, we have prided ourselves with building authentic Craftsman and Mission Style light fixtures to match your home. The foundation of our products is a result of our carefully selected hand-rolled glass and specially selected wood.

Our unique staining process enhances the wood grain’s definition and beauty while preserving a vintage charm. The copper foiling method used in our stained glass technique is reminiscent of the early 1900s, adding an antique feel to our lights.

With every handcrafted product, our goal is to satisfy the customer while showcasing our craftsmanship. You’ll notice the attention to detail, hard work, and experience that go into creating these elegant designs.

We hope this insight into our unique assembly process helps you understand how we create our handmade, USA-crafted light fixtures. With a variety of styles and colors to choose from, we know customization is the best way to match your home.

You won’t regret investing in our handcrafted products. Explore your options today!