Stained Glass - Beginners & Improvers

Course intent

The aim of this course is to learn the skills needed to create an individual stained-glass panel that is either leaded or copper foiled.

What will we cover?

Beginners will design and build a small stained-glass panel (for their home or simply to hang). The course will cover designing, hand cutting glass and assembling the panel with leads, soldering, cementing and polishing. Improvers will work on their project (any size) at their own pace with tutor guidance. For more advanced learners, tuition can be given for 2D or 3D copper foiling (Tiffany technique), glass painting and enamelling (a kiln is available for firing).NB: a project bigger than 20 glass pieces is likely to take longer than one term to complete.

This course will build on past learning, week by week, to develop new abilities and new skills. You will find your own progress much easier if you can attend every lesson.

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

Suitable for all abilities and those who wish to expand their glasswork skills and introduce fused highlights in their leaded or foiled project.

This course is not suitable for pregnant women or lactating mothers. People on blood thinning medication should inform the tutor at the start of the course. If you have any queries, please email adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk

As our courses are taught in English, please contact us if you have any concerns about your level of English.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

Wear old clothes/apron and sensible, closed toe shoes (no sandals as glass splinters could be a problem).

For the first session you will need:

• A notepad, pencil, pen and rubber
• Waterproof fine marker pens (ideally a Sharpie in a metallic colour and a very fine black)
• Graph paper (on sale in the classroom if needed)
• A piece of greenhouse glass, exactly 3mm thick (not toughened nor safety glass) and about 1 sq. ft., the shape is irrelevant, this is to learn and practice cutting on. (on sale if needed)
• Safety Goggles* (on sale if needed)

Glass is not included but can be purchased from the studio. Expect to pay from £20-25 for glass depending on project size and choice of glass colours. (these prices are subject to change depending on current market prices)

All specialist tools and materials that are provided are for classroom use only.

If you choose to work on a technique that requires a specialist face mask, you will be provided with one Face Fit Protection (FFP3) mask at the beginning of the course and you are expected to take this home and bring it back for all subsequent classes. Should you forget your mask, a replacement can be purchased from Reception.

Access to the Stained Glass studio is via the Harvey Road entrance.

If you have any queries, please email the tutor at adultlearning@surreycc.gov.uk

What can I do when I finish the course?

Learners can take this course as far as they wish to go. In time, they have the opportunity to learn and develop the use of traditional painting techniques and by also enrolling in glass fusing workshops to learn the basics; they have the opportunity to produce fused glass that can be included in the making of a stained glass panel or object (intermediate and advanced projects).

Additional information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class. Surrey Adult Learning values and supports equality and diversity by promoting fairness and respect at all times.

How to enrol

You can't currently enrol online for this course, so please call 0300 200 1044 to express your interest or to make an enquiry for further information.

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