The tools are designed for working with glass and make the job easier to do. It's the same reason you use a hammer to drive a nail instead of your hand. The two basic methods of of stained glass assembly are lead came and copper foil. Copper foil, attributed to Tiffany, involves wrapping the glass pieces with copper foil tape and soldering them together, front and back. Most beginning classes teach the copper foil method because its used in many different kinds of of stained glass projects.
Many retailers offer a variety of advanced classes, instructional books and videos.
See the Store Finder for the store nearest you. Many people have turned their hobby into a paying enterprise. There are many outlets for selling stained glass including craft shows, bazaars, consignment shops, and taking on commission works. You'll save money too by making your own stained glass gifts. The best place to learn is at your local stained glass Retailer or Studio .