Stained Glass Course

Lesson 1 • Essential Tools and Their Functions

Identifies and explains cutters, pliers, grinders, and soldering irons. Proper tool knowledge reduces waste and improves precision from the start.

Lesson 2 • History and Styles of Stained Glass

Survey stained glass from medieval cathedral windows to contemporary art. Contextualizes design choices students will make throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Studio Setup and Safety Essentials

Covers workspace organisation, ventilation, and personal protective equipment. Safe studio habits prevent injury and support consistent productivity.

Lesson 1 • Colour Planning and Glass Selection

Guides colour palette decisions using colour theory and light behaviour. Selecting glass before cutting prevents costly mismatches in the finished panel.

Lesson 2 • Drafting a Full-Scale Cartoon

Teaches drawing a full-size working pattern with accurate dimensions. The cartoon becomes the master reference for all cutting and assembly steps.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Stained Glass Design

Covers lead line placement, balance, and structural integrity in design. Good design integrates aesthetics with the physical constraints of glass and lead.

Lesson 1 • Cutting Specialty and Textured Glass

Addresses scoring strategies for rippled, streaky, and thick glass. Specialty glass requires adapted technique to avoid cracking or chipping.

Lesson 2 • Grinding for Precision and Fit

Teaches grinder use to refine edges and achieve pattern accuracy. Grinding bridges the gap between cut glass and a perfectly fitted panel.

Lesson 3 • Breaking Glass Along Score Lines

Covers hand-breaking, running pliers, and tapping techniques. Each method suits different glass thicknesses and score geometries.

Lesson 4 • Cutting Curves and Complex Shapes

Introduces curved scoring paths and relief cuts for concave shapes. Mastering curves expands the range of patterns students can execute.

Lesson 1 • Copper Foil Selection and Application

Covers foil widths, backing colours, and application to glass edges. Correct foil choice and application are the foundation of strong solder joints.

Lesson 2 • Fluxing and Tinning Foiled Pieces

Introduces flux types, application methods, and initial tinning of foil. Tinning creates a uniform solder base that ensures strong, even bead formation.

Lesson 3 • Tack Soldering and Panel Assembly

Teaches positioning pieces and tack soldering to hold the panel layout. Accurate tack soldering locks the design before full soldering begins.

Lesson 4 • Building a Rounded Solder Bead

Develops iron control and solder feed to create smooth, rounded beads. A consistent bead is the hallmark of professional copper foil work.

Lesson 1 • Soldering Lead Came Joints

Develops flat soldering technique for lead came intersections and borders. Properly soldered joints give the panel structural integrity and longevity.

Lesson 2 • Cementing and Cleaning Leaded Panels

Introduces glazing compound application to seal and stiffen the panel. Cementing is the final structural step that weatherproofs and rigidifies the work.

Lesson 3 • Understanding Lead Came Profiles

Explains H-came, U-came, round, and flat profiles and their structural roles. Selecting the right came profile affects both appearance and panel strength.

Lesson 4 • Building a Panel on a Work Board

Covers setting up a work board with stops and assembling pieces in sequence. Systematic assembly prevents misalignment and keeps the panel square.

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Vitreous Glass Paint

Covers paint composition, grinding, and mixing for consistent application. Understanding paint chemistry ensures proper adhesion after kiln firing.

Lesson 2 • Kiln Firing Painted Glass

Covers kiln loading, temperature schedules, and annealing for painted glass. Correct firing fuses paint permanently and prevents cracking or devitrification.

Lesson 3 • Silver Stain Application and Effects

Introduces silver nitrate stain applied to the back of glass for yellow tones. Silver stain expands the colour palette without adding a separate glass piece.

Lesson 4 • Brush Techniques for Tracing and Matting

Teaches tracing lines and matting washes to create shading and detail. These two techniques form the core vocabulary of traditional glass painting.

Lesson 1 • Assessing Structural Needs of a Panel

Teaches evaluation of panel size, weight, and design to determine reinforcement requirements. Proper assessment prevents sagging, cracking, and long-term failure.

Lesson 2 • Framing Options for Stained Glass

Introduces wood, metal, and zinc channel frames for different installation contexts. Frame choice affects both aesthetics and the long-term stability of the installation.

Lesson 3 • Zinc and Steel Reinforcement Bars

Covers attaching zinc came borders and soldering steel reinforcement bars. Reinforcement bars distribute wind and gravity loads across the panel.

Lesson 4 • Installation in Windows and Openings

Teaches measuring, fitting, and securing panels in existing window openings. Safe installation protects the panel and the surrounding architectural structure.

Lesson 1 • Client Communication and Commission Management

Develops skills for briefing, presenting, and managing client expectations. Clear communication prevents scope creep and builds long-term professional relationships.

Lesson 2 • Estimating Costs and Pricing Work

Covers material costing, labour calculation, and pricing strategies for commissions. Accurate pricing ensures sustainable studio practice and fair client agreements.

Lesson 3 • Designing Complex Multi-Panel Works

Guides design of large-scale compositions that span multiple panels. Coordinating panels requires consistent colour, line, and structural planning across units.

Lesson 4 • Combining Techniques in One Project

Teaches integrating copper foil, lead came, and painted glass in a single work. Combining methods expands creative possibilities and demonstrates advanced mastery.