Stained Glass

Stained glass is the art of cutting colored glass and assembling it into decorative panels. When light passes through, the colors come alive in ways no other medium can match. The tradition stretches back over a thousand years, yet remains fresh and contemporary.

Working with stained glass combines technical precision with artistic vision. You learn to score and break glass along curves, grind edges smooth, and join pieces with either traditional lead channels or the copper foil method popularized by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Stained glass windows adorned medieval cathedrals, telling biblical stories to congregations who couldn't read. The great rose windows of Notre-Dame and Chartres remain masterpieces of the form. For centuries, the craft was primarily architectural and religious.

In the late 1800s, Tiffany revolutionized stained glass with his copper foil technique, enabling the creation of lamps, decorative panels, and intricate designs impossible with traditional leading. Today, stained glass artists work in both traditions, creating everything from window installations to jewelry.

Stained glass classes teach safety first—you're working with sharp materials. You'll learn to handle glass confidently, use the right tools, and create clean cuts. Most beginner classes use the copper foil method, which is more forgiving than lead.

Expect to complete a small suncatcher or panel in your first class. Studios provide glass, tools, and safety equipment. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Sessions typically run 2-3 hours.

The learning curve is real but rewarding. Your first piece might not be perfect, but there's magic in holding finished glass up to the light.