Using light and colour to depict images and tell stories, stained glass has illuminated our lives for centuries. In this one-day workshop, you’ll discover the traditional techniques of stained glass making and create your own leaded panel, roughly the size of an A4 sheet of paper.
This workshop is a great introduction to the craft, whether you’re completely new to stained glass or keen to build on previous experience. You can create a simple design using coloured glass to let the light shine through, or, if you join us for our Painting on Glass workshop on 15th April, you can incorporate your own painted glass into your panel, combining the two techniques to create something truly personal.
You’ll be guided through the process step by step, learning how to:
- Choose suitable types of glass and develop a workable design
- Make templates and cut glass safely
- Assemble your panel using traditional lead and soldering techniques
With just one day to complete your panel, we recommend aiming for a design with around 5–7 pieces of glass, depending on your experience and working pace. Keeping your design simple will allow you to focus on learning the techniques and enjoy the process.
If you discover a passion for stained glass and would like to take your skills further, we’re also running a more in-depth two-day stained glass workshop later in the year, giving you more time to explore intricate designs and work with a greater number of pieces of glass.
Please note: Lead-based products, including lead and solder, will be used during this workshop. These are toxic substances, and pregnant women are advised not to handle lead or breathe in fumes.
There is a £30 materials charge payable on the day.
What to expect
Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all and provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas and experiences. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
Arrive in time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning your session at the appointed time. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a homemade 2 course lunch. The main course will be delicious but don’t overdo it as the puds are usually worth waiting for! There will be a further afternoon break with the most wonderful cakes from Roots & Fruits Home Bakery, a North Yorkshire micro-bakery producing handmade bread and cakes. All food and refreshments are included in the price of the workshop.
Finish time is given as a target – there are occasions when the session may overrun so do let us know if you need to be away promptly.
We aim for your day to be a real treat… of course you could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make it a day being looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
What you’ll need to bring with you
Please wear sturdy clothing like jeans rather than anything that may get snagged on glass. Much of the work is messy, we have aprons but you may wish to make sure you wear old clothes or do bring your own apron or overalls.
No heels and no open toed shoes or sandals - your feet will need protection!
If you have any design ideas or any examples of work that inspires you, please do bring them along.
We use latex gloves for handling lead when making the panels. If you are allergic to this type of glove please supply your own version.
All other materials and equipment will be supplied for this workshop.
