Stained Glassic reviews

Marilyn reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"The whole day was excellent. Jamal inspired me to go away and experiment with confidence. I would recommend this course to anyone interested In working with glass. Be prepared to be blown away by this mans expertise and passion for his art."

Wendy Lewin reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"If you want to learn from the master himself, then Jamal is your man! Charming and inspirational, we had a fantastic day getting a glimpse into the world of stained glass. We thoroughly enjoyed it and came home with a piece of work we can be proud of. Highly recommended!"

Alison Coles reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"We had a fantastic time on the one day leading workshop. We left with a lot more knowledge and a piece that we were pleased with. Thank you, Jamal, for sharing your skill and love of this fascinating subject with us!"

Conrad Nelson reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"A great course with a talented and dedicated professional artist. Do it for fun or to get an insight in tackling your own restoration project- either way by taking part you’re helping to promote the craft and support the artists who practice it."

Gary W reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I was given a day at one of Jamal's leading workshops as a birthday gift and had a really wonderful time. Jamal's own skill as an artist and craftsman is absolutely first rate and some of the high-end commissions he has fulfilled are breathtaking. It is to his credit that he manages to simplify the essentials into a single day in which we learned enough about glass cutting and leading to walk away with our own finished piece. I'm now seriously tempted to follow up with one of his glass painting workshops one of these days. Most highly recommended!"

Ellis Arch reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I bought this gift for my Dad for us to both attend a course by Jamal. Jamal is super talented and showed his knowledge of his craft and skill. It was a fantastic day, feeling comfortable from the moment we got there. I would definitely do this again. Thank you Jamal."

Jan Hudson reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"Great day. Jamal was enthusiastic about his craft and was very encouraging. He gave good instructions and wanted us all to succeed in making our stained glass. He had lots of samples to look at and equipment to use. It's a great course, thoroughly enjoyed it."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Thanks very Much Jan. It was great to see you in my studio during your course day. <3 x"

Emily Grace Williams reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I am very glad that I decided to come to Jamal’s workshop for a 4-Day intensive stained glass course. I needed to use up my holiday in 2019 and decided on learning a craft in this time. Myself and my mother came across this course and I went with it! I have always found the stained glass in buildings one of my most favourite aspects of it, so learning in the flesh the process of their crafting was fabulous. We received a bit of a history of both stained glass making and also of Jamal’s working time at the Hardman studios. Both of these factors was a great introduction to our time! We had to bring a design to make on the course, I had made one but also had created a tile design a while back from inspiration in the Jackfield Tile Museum in Ironbridge in the Arts and Crafts Morris style which he spotted and recommended doing as my first piece. I am very glad he did as it brought to life a concept I had made! It was a very effective design and also challenging! We learnt various things on the course ranging from cutting of the coloured pieces of glass to fit into the blocked out ‘panes’, to ensuring these were the correct size for leading. We also learnt using browns and blacks painting to both shade and block out some of the painted designs on our works. Mine had lots of naturalistic shapes including leaves and a squash on it where I successfully made it shaded so it looked 3D which I was amazed at by the guidance of Jamal. We also finally did the leading of the piece, which the other two had done previously on a 1-day course and practiced at home with own pieces between times. Jamal was very useful in guiding me on this, so I completed getting my 21 glass pieces together with few issues including successfully teaching me soldering and cementing techniques which I hadn’t done before either ever in my life. It was fabulous also to see Jamal’s work as inspiration including a commissioned piece for someone’s private collection of Sikh devotional items. It was a beautiful sight in the flesh! I am currently working on some designs of pieces to create before I venture into buying kit to make it with, I think it may become an addictive pastime! I would like to thank both Jamal and his wife Somia for making us welcome in their home alongside the rest of their family including on the weekend with plenty of cups of tea! As I typed to Jamal after the course “Tumhara duniya ek rangeela duniya hai! Bohat shukran ke liye meri duniya bohat rang bana, aur nahin andhera!” meaning “Your world is very colourful. Lots of thanks for making my world more colourful and not dark!” This has been fabulous in a difficult year for me, a good hopeful end to 2019 and a start of new colourful hobby for 2020! Thank you very much Jamal and family!"

Stained Glassic responded:

"Hi Emily, This is one of the most detailed and longest review I have ever received! Thanks so very much. I am so humbled. Thank you for writing in-depth details of the course. It will help many others to know what to expect before choosing a course. Thanks again for booking a course with me and for coming all the way. Cheers. Lots of love and all the best for your new hobby and for 2020!"

Ruth Crawford reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I completed the four day glass painting course with Jamal. It was fabulous. Jamal was able to meet the individual needs of all three of us. I learnt so much, it was a great experience. Jamal is probably the best in the country in this area of glass workmanship. I was able to transform the Crawford Clan emblem into a piece of beautiful glass to put in a panel over our front door. Thanks Jamal!!"

Stained Glassic responded:

"Thanks very much Ruth! It was great to have you in my studio again!"

Marc Weston reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I had a fabulous 2 days with Jamal. Jamal is very knowledgable/professional and very friendly. The course was not pressured at all. Jamal managed easily to be able to spend lots of time with all 3 of us over the 2days. Answered all of my questions. I learned loads. And was chuffed to walk away with my stained glass project that I never realised I could make. Highly recommend this course. And hope to come back again soon. Thanks!"

Jane reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"It was a privilege to spend time with such a talented person."

Anna reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"We really enjoyed Jamal’s course on stained glass windows. It was very informative and we were thrilled with our windows. Great workshop and Jamal is a very patient and knowledgeable teacher. Thank you."

Sarah Frend reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"A privilege to be taught lead work by a true artisan. I came away from the day confident and inspired to continue with my stained glass work at home. Jamal was a patient and talented tutor and gave me many valuable tips on how to cut glass and use lead."

Helen Richards reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"It was such a good day we booked to do a 2nd day . Thanks Jamal ."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Thanks very much Helen! looking forward to see you again!"

Graeme Bakker reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Dear Jamal, I want to express my gratitude to you for allowing me to attend your stained glass painting course in Birmingahm in September of this year. It coincided with my need to travel from New Zealand to the UK, but it was actually the high-light of this particular trip. I searched carefully well in advance for a teacher in the UK before coming for quite some time and have to say I made the right choice. As an experienced watercolourist, I found the new medium of glass painting had a number of similarities to watercolour; though I admit that I was hugely challenged by the differences in technique. However, I am so enthralled by this new medium that I have spent a good deal of time studying its historical beginnings, methods and applications - including visiting and photographing the beautiful stained glass works in many old churches in the UK. This week I received shipment of a glass kiln from the USA which though not inexpensive marks the beginning of what I know will be a long-term obsession. You are a master artists and master teacher- so patient and so passionate about fidelity to technique and clearly dedicated to keeping alive this lovely, rich, historically significant art-form I hope to return next year to learn some more. Kindest regards Graeme Bakker"

Stained Glassic responded:

"Dear Graeme, Thank you very much for taking your time out and leaving me such a detailed and positive review! Once again thank you for booking a course with me especially when you were travelling all the way from New Zealand. I am really happy that you have enjoyed your course!!! You are MOST welcome to come again next year. All the best with your new work.Take care!"

Denise Martin reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"My (adult) daughter and i did this course together...it was such a treat and an enriching experience for us both. Jamal made us coffee and began with a summary of his personal journey as a glass artist, giving a fascinating history of the classical stained glass and glass painting profession. I hadn't anticipated a history lesson, but on reflection, it gave us interesting historical information and a meaningful context for the process we were about to learn. Jamal is a really good teacher. He explains all the tools and techniques with plenty of help in handling the tools and materials when needed. You really get to grips with the process, it is very physical and takes some strength to score the glass. Jamal was with us every step of the way and it was great to have him all to ourselves! Our finished pieces were small and (almost) perfectly formed! This course is excellent value and a solid introduction to the technique of traditional stained glass construction. I recommend it as a beautiful way to spend time with someone special. It changes the way you see stained glass thats for sure! Thankyou Jamal."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Dear Denise, Thank you very much for leaving me a positive review! Thank you again for booking your course with me. I am really glad that you have enjoyed your course!!!"

Kevin McHale reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I bought the stained glass workshop experience for my wife’s birthday and attended with her. Booking and information was very easy and clear. Jamal was very welcoming and soon made us feel relaxed and ready for the challenge ahead. He started with a short and most interesting history of stain glass making in Britain and showed us examples of his recent and current projects. Jamal is a very organised and precise tutor. He took us through each stage with great patience and helped us achieve without ever having to take over, himself. At all times he emphasised good practice and safety, was encouraging and congratulatory. The day flew by. We took a picnic lunch but couldn’t wait to get back to the task in hand. We left, at the end of the day, with a small but very attractive panel and a reminder of our fascinating and rewarding time in Jamal’s studio. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who feels in anyway artistic of who loves English stained glass and would like to get a fuller appreciation of this magnificent art form. With many thanks, Kevin."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Dear Kevin, Thanks very much for your lovely review! And Thank you for booking a course with me. I am so happy that you enjoyed your course!!!"

Jayne McHale reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I spent a fascinating day learning about Jamal’s work with Stained glass and the amazing projects he has worked on. He helped myself and my husband to make a small plaque which now hangs proudly in our hallway. We both learned new skills and I wholly recommend the experience. It is always lovely to learn new skills from someone who has such amazing talent! Thank you Jamal."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Dear Jayne, Thanks very much for your lovely review! And Thank you for booking a course with me. I am so happy that you enjoyed your course!!!"

Eva reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Very informative and practical. We learned about the history and background as well as how to do it. A lot of encouragement and support. I was a complete novice with very if any art skills and was able to make a small stained window. We have since applied these skills and have made some further stained glass art."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Dear Eva, Thanks very much for your lovely review! And Thank you for booking a course with me. I am so happy that you enjoyed your course!!!"

Simon & Helen reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"We really enjoyed learning how to make our first leaded stained glass panel. Jamal guided us through each step in a relaxed and comfortable garden studio."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Dear Simon & Helen, Thanks very much for your review. I am so happy that you loved your stained glass course. Best Regards, Jamal Rafay"

John Shaw reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Absolutely loved the experience of the 2 day stained glass course - I learnt so much. Jamal is an excellent tutor and thoroughly nice man. He is very helpful and understanding. I was very pleased with what I made. I'd definitely recommend this course!"

Stained Glassic responded:

"Thanks very much John for booking a course with me and thank you for your kind review!"

Dawn reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Thank you Jamal for a super 2 day workshop. You were a wonderful teacher and I would encourage anyone considering an introduction to the craft to treat themselves and book a course."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Thanks very much Dawn for booking a course with me and thank you for your kind review!"

Mark Baird reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Jamal gave me and my friend an exellent and enlightening course on making leaded stained glass panels. His extensive knowledge and experience with these materials is second to none and I would happily recommend anyone with an interest to him. An inspirational day."

Christian Payne reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I arrived knowing nothing about stained glass or leaded lights and Jamal delivered a fantastic day of hands-on learning so that I left with new knowledge, new skills and a beautiful object to take home! Thank you!"

Laura reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"We had a great day with Jamal last week. He was super informative & made the whole thing really wonderful. He gave us a detailed history of Stained Glass in the UK & how a giant window is made from start to finish. We were then walked through all the tools & equipment needed and then walked us through our own piece. We all love our final products & the course has given us more confidence in giving it a go at home. His knowledge is expansive & makes for a great tutor! Would highly recommend!"