Traditional leaded stained glass course in beautiful Kent

Description

Join us for a creative stained glass course in our studio in the Kent Downs AONB. On this two-day course in leaded stained glass, you'll get to discover the traditional techniques needed to construct your very own stained glass panel. What's involved? You'll be welcomed with tea, coffee & pastries while we have a quick look at health and safety. We want you to go home in at least as good shape as when you arrived, after all! We'll then move upstairs into the studio, where you'll learn (if you're a beginner) how to cut glass with confidence and use the different tools. If you have previous experience you'll have the opportunity to brush up on your skills and pick up new tips, or dive straight into designing your panel. Once you've learned the basics, you'll design your own panel. You're welcome to take a look at what other people have made if you're short of ideas, & we can help too wherever needed. You'll then choose your coloured and textured glass from our extensive selection and cut your pieces, using a special grinder where necessary to ensure that the pieces will fit together. The next step is to cut the lead for the outside edges of your panel and start to assemble it. This will take the rest of the first day & much of the second day. When your panel has been assembled, you'll solder the joins, where pieces of lead meet. Then it'll have a good clean. Then you'll be able to attach a hanging chain if desired, before standing back to admire your handiwork! Can I make a big window for my house? Yes but... In a two-day course you'll have time to make a panel up to 20 x 20cm & containing no more than ten pieces of glass. It takes longer than you think, especially for your first panel. If you want to make something more adventurous than this, you can either start it on a two-day course and then complete it on our weekly classes, or finish it at home. If you're interested in doing this, please do give us a ring or drop us a line beforehand. Can I bring my son or daughter? Provided that they're over 18 & that neither of you are pregnant, yes of course. Just book a space for each of you. Under 18s and pregnant ladies shouldn't work with lead, so they can't join our stained glass courses, but they're welcome to come to a glass fusing or glass appliqué course instead. To allow plenty of room for all attendees, only paying guests may come to the course. We don't offer spaces for spectators, sorry. Can I get to you by public transport? Yes; Chilham is served by a regular train service and buses. Check out the "where are we" page on our website for more details. (Sorry, we can't include a link here.) Do you offer vegan / vegetarian / pescatarian / dairy-free / gluten free lunches? We can cater for most special diets if asked in advance. Please ring us or drop us a line and let us know what you do & don’t eat or drink.

What's included in the price?

The cost of £190 includes materials and use of all necessary tools, together with free on-site parking, lunches and refreshments both days. Special diets can be catered for if you let us know in advance.

Cancellation policy

Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Creative Retreats and Holidays

with Craft Courses since 2015

Message the tutor

I'd been working with glass for over 30 years before starting to teach glass art in 2014. I've exhibited with the Contemporary Glass Society and at the International Festival of Glass as well as taking part in masterclasses in glass fusing and glass casting. There are few things I love more than sharing my passion for glass art with other people, whether complete beginners or people with years of experience under their belts. Come, try a course and see if you love it as much as I do! If you'd like to book more places than are shown on the site, please get in touch. Not all availability is shown on here, as I also take bookings through my own website. So there might be room for a larger group. Mattt