Stained Glass and Fused Glass Classes

I’m offering some stained glass and fused glass classes out of my studio in Hartsel, Colorado. I’m posting the initial information below for each. Feel free to reach out for more information! 773-297-5975

Class Policy as of 5/18/21- Please note that the class deposit is non-refundable without a minimum of 7 days notice and depending on ability for GAD to engage a replacement member.

Stained Glass 101- Introduction Course

$200/ 4 classes/ 2.5 hours each 

Stained glass (cold glass) is the process of choosing or creating a pattern, transferring that to different colors and textures of glass to achieve your goal, cutting, copper foiling, soldering, and zinc edging the glass, and then finishing the project by applying a patina of your choice. 

The above is an example of a large (27” x 27”) stained glass (Window Art) copper foiled piece that was framed in zinc and then inserted into a wood frame for final display. This included a bevel cluster which could be part of an intermediate/advanced class/open studio. There is also a “leading” technique that is completely different and a bit more complex.  This will be available as an intermediate/advanced course if desired. 

Class 1- Patterns and Cutting Glass- tools, glass and patterns will be included in the overall price. You’ll have a choice of 4 beginner patterns and a variety of glass samples. You’ll learn how to cut and “run” (break) the glass, and how to prepare for class 2.

Class 2- Cutting and Fitting Glass- the pattern of choice will be traced, glass choices made, and the process of fitting the glass together will be completed.  The grinder process will be introduced to custom fit your class pieces. You’ll put your glass cutting/running skills to work from Class 1. You may continue to work on this process at home or during class 2.

Class 3- Copper Foil- the project will be copper foiled and prepared for soldering. You’ll learn the technique for wrapping each of the individual glass pieces and burnishing them.

Class 4- Soldering and Finishing- the project will be soldered together, zinc edge applied and patinaed.  You’ll learn and practice soldering and making the project a final whole!

Tools are available for purchase (see tool kit sheet) if at the end of the first class, you think you’d enjoy having these with you at home and you can continue working on your skills between the classes. Tools can be purchased as a kit (everything you’d need for a complete project) or individually.

 Fused Glass 101- Introduction to Fusing

$230/ 3 Classes/ 2.5 hours Each 

Fused glass or warm glass, involves choosing/creating a pattern, transferring that pattern to coefficient compatible glass; 90COE Bullseye or 96COE Oceanside.  The pattern is cut and pieced together for placement in the kiln for fusing.  Fusing is a more complex and more expensive glass process as it can involve multiple kiln firings; creating the “blank” and then shaping/slumping into the desired shape. It’s recommended that you take Stained Glass 101 to become comfortable with cutting glass and pattern use, but not required if you have some previous experience. 

The above is a decorative bowl (Table art) piece (13.75” D x 2.75” H).  It’s made with 90COE Bullseye glass in tangerine orange, sunset coral and a dichroic (changes color based on how the light hits it) center.  It had 2 fusing, one to create the “blank” or flat pieces fused together, and the a second to shape into a bowl. The firing schedules are something we will learn and a bit about the chemistry of the glass (heating and cooling).

Class 1- choosing a pattern, shape options for the finished project, cutting the glass and beginning the process of fitting together.

Class 2- Continuing the grinding and fitting process so the glass is an exact pattern match.  You’ll learn the techniques of placing the project in the kiln and how to choose a firing schedule (Full fuse, tack fuse, slumping) appropriate to the project. The firing takes between 9 and 14 hours so this will take place between the end of Class 2 and start of class 3. 

Class 3- Confirming your decision on an appropriate mold to shape your glass, techniques of loading into the kiln and more information about appropriate firing schedules.  You’ll also learn about the different types of kilns (tabletop, small, and large) depending on your interest in pursuing as a hobby. We can explore jewelry making at this point for those who have an interest.