Stained Glass - Beginners & Improvers

Course intent

Hand cut glass and assemble your first project with copper foil using the Tiffany technique, soldering, and applying a patina to make a beautiful, decorative glass piece.

If you are an improver you will develop new knowledge and techniques such as leading, painting on glass or building in 3D.

What will I learn?

.You will learn:

• design
• hand cutting glass
• assembling - your first panel will use copper foil (Tiffany technique),
• soldering
• applying patina and polishing

As the Tiffany technique is not suitable for architectural stained glass (house windows, doors, etc.) if you prefer to create a practice piece which uses leads instead you will need to allow for at least 10 weeks and enrol on a follow-on course as the leading process is labour intensive and much longer to complete.

Improvers will work on their project (any size, any complexity) at their own pace with tutor guidance. For more advanced learners, tuition can be given for

• 3D copper foiling
• complex leading
• glass painting with grisaille
• enamels and silver stains (a kiln is available for firing).

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

.This course is suitable for all abilities from beginners to those who wish to expand and consolidate their glasswork skills, for example introduce fused highlights in their leaded or foiled project.

This course is not suitable for pregnant women or lactating mothers due to potential conflicting chemical exposure which is best avoided. People on blood thinning medication should inform the tutor at the start of the course.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

.You need to bring:

• A notepad, pencil, pen and rubber
• Waterproof fine or very fine marker pens (ideally a Sharpie in a metallic colour and a very fine black)
• Graph or squared paper to the size of your project (on sale in the classroom if needed)
• A piece of greenhouse glass, new or reclaimed (not toughened nor safety glass), size about 1 sq. ft., the shape is irrelevant. This is to learn and practice cutting on. (on sale in the studio if needed)
• Safety or over spectacles goggles (on sale in the studio if needed)
• Wear old clothes/apron and sensible, closed toe shoes (absolutely no open toe sandals)

Glass is not included but can be purchased from the studio. Expect to pay from £25 to £30 for glass depending on project size and choice of glass colours. These prices are subject to change depending on current market prices.

All other specialist tools and materials are provided and are for classroom use only.

If you choose to work on a technique that requires a specialist face mask, you will be provided with one Face Fit Protection (FFP3) mask and you are expected to take this home and bring it back for all subsequent classes. Should you forget your mask, a replacement will have to be purchased.

Access to the Stained Glass studio is via the Harvey Road entrance.

What can I do when I finish the course?

.You can take this course as far as you wish to go, from a very simple first project to a larger more complex one. In time, you have the opportunity to learn and develop the use of traditional painting techniques and by also enrolling in glass fusing workshops to learn the basics; you have the opportunity to produce fused glass pieces that can be included in the making of a stained glass panel or object (intermediate and advanced projects).

Additional information

.We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class.

How to enrol

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

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