Any Advice for Starting out in Stained Glass?

Thanks!  I actually already took the plunge and did finally find a local place that sells glass and even do classes, but it was cost plus supplies for the class and I just didn't have the money for both.  Of course I say this after buying a grinder, but I hadn't found the place before I got it ordered.  All I really need now is a better soldering iron since the only one we have is for electronics and too low a wattage.  I'm hoping I can pick up what I'd have learned in a class through youtube videos and online how-tos.  I did meet someone through a friend on Facebook who does stained glass and is there for my more specific questions, too, so I'm hoping that'll be enough to start.  I'll probably take some classes later if I find myself out of my depth.

Since it always irks me when I do a Google search for something and see people asking a question I have on a forum then just posting "I figured it out!" without giving the solution they found, my start-up gear is as follows.  I'd list prices next to the items but I don't relish seeing it all tallied up.

Glastar All Star G8 Grinder
Glastar 7/32" Hand Foiler
Studio Pro 1" Running Pliers
Studio Pro 3/8" Breaker/Grozer Pliers
Studio Pro Foil Pattern Shears
Studio Pro 7/32 1.25 Black Back Copper Foil (I would have preferred Venture, but shipping was as much as the foil itself.)
CRL Toyo Thomas Grip Pattern Glass Cutter (Most prefer pistol grip, but this seemed like it'd have better maneuverability.)
CRL Glass Cutter Oil
Old Master's Flux
60/40 Solder
Weller 100PG 100 Watt Soldering Iron with 700° 3/8" Chisel Tip (I still need to get this bit, budget is getting tight though!)

The list kind of took a life of its own and grew over the past week, but I had already made the initial jump into it so I just kept adding items on to what I needed until I ended up with enough kit to probably set up a professional studio ><  Now all I need is glass... I do have a few pieces to work with, but it was mostly bought for practicing the cuts.  I may see if I can find a nice pattern to use with the colors I picked out so I don't waste money on scrap.

There are still two more items I'll probably need eventually.  I would also love to pick up some Pebeo Glass Marker Pens that let you oven bake to set the paint because I refuse to buy a kiln on top of all of this just to put lettering on glass.  I will also need a bottle of Black Patina for the solder eventually since I chose the black backed copper foil... plus I feel black solder looks better in a lot more applications than the natural color.  And last but by no means least, gotten a demo of a program called Glass Eye 2000 which I am loving... I'm trying to get all my ideas down within the 30-day trial because it'll be a while before I can justify the $150 they want for it ($295 - $1295 for the professional versions!).

Wow!! That is quite a start.  You have pretty much more than what u will need. Here are some tips:
1.  Remember:  Glass tends to want to break in a straight line. Working curved cuts takes time. Turn over and tap along the cut; work your rubber runner slowly n evenly along the cut before snapping the line.
2. Make sure you cut the pattern pieces precisely; removing all black outlines. If you don't you will have a piece too large to fit the planned space (ex: cabinet insert) and allow 1/8" around for expansion.
3.  Large pieces need metal support every foot or so. Your piece will break from the weight.
4.  Over fluxing will cause a lot of spitting/sputter. Also, iron too hot will cause lead to blacken or "cook" SLOW STEADY pace when soldering.
5. Always grind in the proper direction. Going against the spin will cut the life of your diamond heads in half ($$).
6. Keep sponge wet, keep reservoir full and use coolant.
7. Eye wear a must. Keep the guard on your grinder. NEVER run your hand over your grid; shards will get you.
GOOD LUCK!!

I hadn't planned on anything with mirror yet, but that sounds interesting.  I'm currently Kindling through stained glass for dummies and getting some more tips from that, so hopefully I'll be decently set when it comes to my first project.  I keep procrastinating for some reason, but I figure once I'm through the book I'll dive in regardless of how ready I feel.  Money is the biggest issue right now, though... I've invested in all the bits and bobs and not left any for the actual glass!  I do have four sheets I got from a local place, though, so hoping I can kind of find something fun to do with that.  I'd like to find some cheap clear glass for practicing the cutting, too.

By the time I'm ready for it I'll likely be able to fit the iron into my budget.  I'm so bad at wanting to invest in the best, but it seems silly to not only handicap yourself but to set up the potential of needing to upgrade later when you could have just spent an extra 30% or so in the first place.  That starts to add up, though!