Classes & Workshops

We’ve recently wrapped up our teaching schedule for the summer. Check back in mid-July for our Fall 2006 class schedule, or e-mail us and ask to receive our e-flyers automatically through the year.

Below are some of the classes we'll be running in the Fall 2006 season.

"Comprehensive Beginner’s Course" ~ 4 Nights

The panel illustrated below is completed during the four week "Comprehensive Beginner's Course". This panel measures 17" x 23" and can be hung horizontally, as pictured, or vertically if desired. This panel was designed in-house and was chosen since it is easy enough to complete in the time allotted, yet challenging enough to keep the student occupied.

The project employs all cuts utilized in stained glass: straight, inside & outside. The project also introduces the student to simplified framing and working with bevels. The overall design is simple, yet elegant and is sure to fit into any existing decor. Of course, the student selects their own colors so each project is individual. Once complete, this project is something of which to be truly proud!

Once the class is booked, a deposit of $100.00 is required (no later than one week prior to the first night of class) to secure your place in the class. We accept cash, check, Debit Card, Visa or MasterCard.

Please note that the course is taught in four successive evening sessions of 3 to 4 hours per session. The course content is comprehensive and each week's instruction is built upon the prior week's instruction. Therefore, students must attend all sessions.

Classes are kept small to increase the ease of interaction between students and instructor. Students are encouraged to ask questions throughout the entire course, and remember no question is too trivial.

There are certain materials you must purchase in order to work in stained glass, however, we have included the use of all necessary tools for all of our beginner's courses and workshops. During these classes, all students will have the opportunity to use the studio's soldering irons, glass grinders, oil fed cutters, hand tools and more. Throughout the instruction we will advise you on the purchase of these items, should you decide to continue in stained glass, as well as discussing maintenance tips in order to get a lifetime from your investment.

Working in Lead Came ~ 3 Nights

Lead came techniques have literally 100's of years of history over copper foil techniques. Nothing quite embodies the tradition & old world charm that caming does. Lead's storied history began long ago and bears few similarities with its copper foil "cousin". Take the opportunity to round out your skills with this informative workshop and add lead caming to your stained glass repertoire.

Instruction includes: history & design application of lead came; safety considerations when using lead came; the different types of lead came; pattern considerations & modifications; assembly tools & techniques; soldering considerations; and finishing leaded projects.

During this intense hands-on three session class students will have an opportunity to make their own 15" x 18" beveled "Victorian Style" leaded panel. The class will run approximately 10 to 12 hours in duration - 3 to 4 hours per session. Fees include glass, supplies, notes & taxes. Limit 8 students.

Introduction to Fusing ~ 1 Night

Fusing is an art unto itself. Many people who try this highly addictive art form become smitten and tend to concentrate fully on fusing due to its beauty, artistic potential, creative flexibility and instant gratification. This course cues on the academics of fusing with lots of hands-on playtime.

Topics will include a brief discussion of the history and design applications of this fabulous art; a discussion of the specialized, yet necessary equipment required to fuse glass; followed by a discussion of the all important compatibility and temperature issues.

During the class students will have the opportunity to create our popular 6" x 12" "Butterflights” fused glass panel and a seasonal sun catcher. The class will run approximately 3 hours and includes all supplies & notes. Although the students will assemble a fused panel in class; the actual firing of the panels will be done by the instructor. Limit 8 students.

Creating a Fused & Slumped Bowl ~ 1 Night

If fusing is an art unto itself. then slumping & draping is an art unto an art! People who dabble in this addictive art form are continually amazed by its unending potential. This course will build upon the basics covered in the "Introduction to Fusing" course, but is lighter on the “tech-talk” and heavier on the playtime.

During this class students will have the opportunity to create one of our colorful & popular 12" round or 10" square slumped bowls. Class will run approximately 3 hours and includes all supplies and notes. Again, though the students will assemble a project in class; the multiple firings of the projects will be done by the instructor. Limit 8 students.

Precious Metal Clay (PMC) ~ 2 Nights

You’ve seen the ads in all of the glass magazines, now learn to work with this amazing precious metal clay (PMC). Squeeze, fold, mold, stamp & sculpt this pliable clay. Then kiln-fire and polish to reveal it’s pure silver luster. It’s perfect for jewelers and crafters of all ages and skill levels.

This class will run two consecutive Saturdays - one day to create your works and another day to polish & finish your works. Instruction will include working with the different types of PMC, working with non-PMC inclusions, firing guidelines, adding patina, polishing & finishing your works. Kiln firings will be conducted by the instructor. Limit 8 students.

Fused Glass Boot Camp ~ 1 Day

Drill Sergeants Darren & Joanne are looking for a few good fusers! Instruction will cover glass compatibility (COE), temperature guidelines, firing schedules, choosing a kiln and much more.

Tons of time will be devoted to play and students will have the opportunity to select from a number of great projects including: flat panels, bowls, vases & candle cups. Limit 8 Students.

Fused Glass Jewelry Boot Camps ~ 1 Day

Nothing catches the eye more than a sparkling piece of dichroic jewelry. Now imagine the admired looks you’ll get when wearing such finely crafted works after having made them yourself!

Due to the depth of the subject matter and number of projects that can be completed, the jewelry boot camp will be separated into two sections. The first class will deal with pendants & brooches, Students will spend time creating some interesting pieces, then spend the afternoon learning the different wrapping & baling techniques to display their art.

The second class will deal with kiln formed bracelets, buttons & earrings. Once again, students will spend time creating some interesting pieces, then learn the art of bending bracelets and displaying earrings, etc.

Throughout the class students will be able to experiment with dichroic glass, enamels, powders and many more novelty fused glass items. Limit 8 students.

Basic Glass Beadmaking Boot Camp ~ 1 Day

Join the fastest growing hot glass craze … glass beadmaking! Students will learn, then practice the basic techniques including: round beads, pressed beads, marvered beads, as well as lots of decoration and variations. Plenty of time will be devoted to practice and playtime. Limit 8 students

More Glass Beadmaking Boot Camp ~ 1 Day

Once you’ve mastered the basic bead shapes it’s time to move on to the more advanced techniques. Students will learn over wraps, multi-coloring, dotting, feathering, trailing, making your own stringers and twisties, encasing and more. We’ll also introduce oxygen mixed burners and marble making. Limit 8 students.

Visions of Light ~ Creating a Kiln Crafted Kaleidoscope ~ 2 Nights

Nothing quite embodies the joyfulness of childhood like the ever morphing images created by a kaleidoscope. Spend two evenings with us to create a kaleidoscope that will embrace the child within whenever it’s viewed.

On the first evening students will create an embellished fused glass housing and stand for the kaleidoscope. The second evening will be spent soldering our creation and assembling the optical components.

During this two-night session students will have the opportunity to make their own fused & embellished oil wand kaleidoscope. Fees include all glass, supplies, kaleidoscope hardware, notes and taxes. Limit 8 students.

Mixed Media Mosaic Mirror ~ 3 Nights

Our kilns never seem to get a break! Once again we’ll fire up the chamber to create embellishments for a lovely mosaic mirror.

Students will learn how to create kiln-fired media, proper preparation of mosaic mount, transferring the design, creating a “cullet” background, selecting adhesive and grout, mounting the mosaic and proper hanging of the project.

During this three-night session class students will have the opportunity to make their own mixed media mirror from a variety of instructor provided patterns and ideas. Fees include all glass, supplies, notes and taxes. Limit 8 students.

Improving Your Cutting ~ 1 Night

It all starts with cutting. If you “dog” this phase it will haunt you through out the entire project. Spend two short hours with us and let us help you get it right the first time.

Topics of instruction will include a discussion of the proper tools used in the cutting process; a demonstration of the proper techniques, followed by hands-on application of the techniques. The class will run approximately 2 hours. Limit 12 students.