Our one-day introduction to the traditional method of stained glass construction using lead cames will give you a grounding in the essential techniques, plenty of hands-on experience with the pro-grade tools we use, and lots of tips, tricks and insight into the history of this 1300-year-old craft.
We call this class our 'Garden Panel' class - you'll make a stained glass panel you can show off in your garden, or display indoors! This class is suitable for complete beginners!
We'll introduce you to all the key techniques and tools used in the traditional method of constructing stained glass - using lead cames.
As this class demands more strength in hands and wrists, we recommend the foiling beginners class to those with limited strength or control.
We start out by demonstrating how we score and break glass.
You'll then practice cutting glass to a design until you're ready to start cutting the coloured glass for your main project. This will take us up to lunchtime. Lunch is taken in the nearby tea-rooms and is included in the class price.
In the afternoon, you'll work on your project piece which you'll finish in time to take home!
We'll demonstrate the process of constructing a panel using the leading method. At each stage we'll discuss the tools and techniques being used and point out common difficulties. You'll then build your panel with the coloured glass you've just cut.
You will learn how to cut, grind, lead-up and solder all resulting in a finished piece of artwork for you to enjoy for years to come.
Our one day classes are suitable for anyone over 18, although we do advise that anyone with a medical condition that limits their hand strength or control, or their ability to stand for periods of time contact us before booking to discuss.
Due to the use of lead this workshop is not suitable for expectant mothers.
With a maximum of 5 students you can be sure of plenty of attention and guidance throughout the class.
Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts. Start dates may be amended on request.
The course cost includes:
• All materials, choice of starter designs and glass
• Use of tools and protective gear
• Refreshments during the day and lunch from the nearby Bell Cafe
• Maximum class size 5 people
• Info pack to keep with information on getting started and where to buy glass and tools, emailed as PDF
• Your piece to take home
• Eligibility for our Project Days Programme
• Class runs from 9-45 to (approx) 6-30pm
And of course your piece to take home at the end of the day!
8 hours (9:45am to 6:30pm)
This craft course provider has been awarded Gold status for receiving 10 or more 5 star ratings from previous students.
The Students' Choice award ensures that course providers get recognised for their efforts in the teaching and practice of UK craft.
They also allow tutors to gain valuable feedback on their courses and for new students to find the course that's right for them.
A thoroughly enjoyable day. We did exactly as described bar eating our lunch in the workshop rather than at the nearby tearooms! At the end of a very long day we did all go home with items of which we were all justifiably proud and could legitimately say we pretty well did it all!
We were encouraged to proceed and complete and both Mike & Jenny would encourage us to do, make mistakes and learn! They were very patient and prepared to repeat whatever was required to get to the end! As we all exceeded the course time, they still did not try to take over to speed the proceedings and I would like to thank them for their diligence. I would certainly recommend giving this course or any of the others a go if you fancy it!
Response from Vitreus Art:
Many thanks for your review Jenny - we’re pleased you enjoyed the workshop!Excellent value for money. Busy all day and kept well supplied with drinks and treats by Jenny. Mike's tuition was clear and the small class size meant that he was always available to help.
Response from Vitreus Art:
Many thanks for your review Hilary - it was a pleasure to teach you (and the rest of the group).The course was very well packaged from booking through to completion. I was made very welcome on the day. The course was thorough and left me with the confidence to be autonomous and develop my skill independently in the future. I would happily recommend this course to anyone interested.
Response from Vitreus Art:
Many thanks for your review Tim - we're glad you enjoyed making your stained glass panel!My Husband and I had a really good day learning about stained glass. The course was enjoyable and well organized/run. Neither of us had worked with stained glass before so it was a very interesting day. Mike and Jenny are very friendly and helpful. There was a good supply of Tea/Coffee and biscuits plus the lunch menu and food was lovely. Thank you.
Response from Vitreus Art:
Thanks for your review Janice - we 're pleased you both enjoyed it!Myself and my husband John attended a full day workshop (10 hours) creating a leaded glass panel and acquiring new skills on both glass leading and using tools relevant to complete a project. We are really proud of our end works and are now hanging in the garden. We were total beginners and impressed with the professionalism of the tutors' training style, knowledgeable and patience during the whole day. Fantastic tutors who are an asset to the art world. Thank you so much for all your help.
Response from Vitreus Art:
Thanks for your review Mandy - it was a pleasure working with you both!Mike and Jenny were very welcome and attentive throughout the day. Mike was clear with all his step by step instructions and Jenny efficiently served plenty of refreshments and also offered her knowledge to the group.
I would certainly go back to them to try some of the other courses that they offer.
Response from Vitreus Art:
Many thanks for your review Brenda - it was a pleasure working with you.Mike and Jenny's garden panel workshop was the first of many classes I've taken with them. They are great teachers delivering step by step tutorials with individual support and guidance as required. Tea and biscuits are always in plentiful supply and the background music sets the mood for a most enjoyable, creative time.
Response from Vitreus Art:
Great to hear you enjoy the music Sue. Looking forward to seeing what you create in the studio next time.I bought this as a Christmas present for my husband and I to do together. Neither of us had worked with stained glass before, but the support and tuition received meant we came away with pieces we were really proud of.
Mike and Jenny are great fun to work with and are always very welcoming, keeping you well supplied with tea/coffee and biscuits all day and provide a great lunch at the cafe next door.
Response from Vitreus Art:
Hi Brooke,Leaded Garden Panel Workshop - did this workshop on a really hot day last summer. It was just brilliant with lots of one to one instruction, help with colours and unlimited tuition and patience. Am so pleased with the finished panel and love the way it catches the light in the late afternoon sun. Will certainly be signing up for more classes in 2020. Bring it on!!
Response from Vitreus Art:
Hello Libby, It was great working with you then, and since. And looking forward to the next creation you make under our guidance. Best regards,Thoroughly enjoyed the day, went so quickly despite staying late to finish my panel. Very clear instruction from Jenny and Mike, and well timed help when I needed it. Totally enjoyed it all, fab lunch too!
Response from Vitreus Art:
Hi Ann, Thank you for taking the time to right a review for us. It was a pleasure working with you and we hope you are enjoying your panel very much.