Stained Glass - Beginners & Improvers

Course intent

Beginners will be introduced to this lovely art form and will build a small stained glass panel (or mirror) to hang. Improvers will use these 5 weeks to work on a bigger or more complex project.

What will we cover?

This 5-week course is designed to give you the skills to hand cut glass and assembling the panel with copper foil (Tiffany technique), soldering, and applying a patina (optional). Your project will have between 15 and 20 glass pieces. Improvers can work independently and develop new knowledge and techniques such as painting on glass or building in 3D. NB: The Tiffany technique is not suitable for architectural stained glass (house windows, doors, etc.) so if you prefer to create a piece which is leaded you will need to allow for at least 10 weeks and enrol on a follow on course) as the leading process is labour intensive and much longer to complete. This course will build on past learning, week by week, to develop new abilities. 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 beginners with no previous knowledge and for learners with stained glass experience who wish to expand their glasswork skills. This course is not suitable for pregnant or lactating mothers or those on blood thinning medication as there is a small risk of cuts when handling glass.

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 and tracing paper (on sale in the classroom)
• A piece of greenhouse glass, exactly 3mm thick (not toughened or safety glass) and about 1 sq. ft., the shape is irrelevant, this is to learn and practice cutting on.
• Masking tape
• Vaseline – a small tub (or lip balm stick).
• Safety Goggles*

Glass is not included but can be purchased from the centre. 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 market fluctuation.

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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