Teresa Anne incorporates traditional leaded glass techniques and copper foiling, using standard and lead-free solders, in her artwork and creative projects.

Copper foiling is a technique used in stained glass work to join pieces of glass with smooth, polished seams, allowing for intricate and delicate designs. In this process, the edges of each glass piece are wrapped with a thin, adhesive-backed copper tape, which creates a uniform surface along the edges. The tape is carefully burnished, or smoothed, to ensure it adheres tightly to the glass, leaving no wrinkles or bubbles. Once the pieces are foiled, flux is applied to the tape, preparing it for soldering. Using a soldering iron, molten solder is applied over the copper foil, creating strong, seamless connections between each glass piece. This method, also known as the "Tiffany technique" after its popularisation by artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, is prized for its ability to handle small, detailed glass pieces, making it ideal for intricate designs, jewellery, and decorative artwork like lamps.

Copper foiling differs significantly from the traditional leaded glass technique, which has been used for centuries in stained glass windows, particularly in churches and historical buildings. In leaded glass work, instead of using copper tape, glass pieces are fit into channels of flexible lead “came,” which are slender strips of lead with an H-shaped cross-section. The channels, or grooves, on either side of the came hold the edges of adjacent glass pieces, allowing them to fit snugly together. This lead came is carefully cut and shaped to match the design, then soldered at each joint to secure the glass pieces in place and create a sturdy, cohesive structure. The lead provides both flexibility and strength, making it well-suited for larger stained glass panels and traditional windows, where it also adds a bold, classic outline that enhances the overall design. However, the came is typically wider and more rigid than copper foil, which limits the level of detail achievable in the design. In contrast, copper foiling allows for thinner, more flexible lines, enabling artists to create complex, delicate patterns and smaller, finely shaped pieces of glass that would be too fragile in leaded glass work. While leaded glass offers a more traditional, bold appearance, copper foiling allows for intricate, modern designs and a refined, smooth finish, making it a favorite for detailed decorative projects and contemporary stained glass art.

In copper foiling, lead-free solder is often chosen for projects that will be handled frequently, such as jewellery, decorative boxes, and small items like sun catchers. Traditional stained glass solder typically contains a blend of tin and lead, which flows smoothly, bonds well to copper foil, and is durable for stained glass panels that are primarily decorative and remain out of reach. However, for items that people will hold or touch often, Teresa Anne uses lead-free solder. Lead-free solder is typically made with alloys like tin, silver, and copper, which create a strong, lasting bond similar to traditional solder.

In copper foiling, lead-free solder is an option for projects that will be handled frequently, such as jewellery, decorative boxes, and small items like sun catchers. Traditional stained glass solder contains a blend of tin and lead, which flows smoothly, bonds well to copper foil, and is durable for large panels and pieces that are mainly decorative and kept out of reach. However, for items intended to be held or touched regularly, Teresa Anne uses lead-free solder made from alloys like tin, silver, and copper. These materials create a strong, lasting bond that is comparable to traditional solder without the presence of lead. Lead-free solder is more expensive than standard solder and requires slightly different handling—including higher soldering temperatures and a lot more patience. For Teresa Anne, lead-free solder is the preferred choice in her smaller pieces.