The 5-day Stained Glass and Fusing Course with Vitreus Art in Northants

"The week was so well organised...more, more, more!!! " 5-day course attendee

The five-day course - optional structure at Vitreus Art, Bell Plantation NN12 6GX

Although we offer an optional structured course for the week, students are invited to create their own designs or work with us to develop a project that will stretch and excite.

We will review your designs in advance by email, so that we can discuss their size, complexity and transport considerations with you before the week begins.
We also offer a design session on the Sunday before the course begins, in the studio.
We're always happy to tailor the course to the ambitions of each student!

For beginners or those looking to develop their capability in the key techniques, our course begins on Monday with an introduction to the two fundamental methods of constructing stained glass. We'll cover how to choose the appropriate method for any project, and the physical aspects of each.

After a safety discussion we'll begin by looking at the tools and processes required for the foiling method.

Foiling (aka the Tiffany method) - Day one (for beginners)

On Monday , we'll be working on foiling projects for the beginners.
This helps to develop the accuracy of cutting and the control with the soldering iron that will allow you to work on all kinds of projects in the future.

After practising cutting, grinding, foiling and soldering, you'll select a design to work with and create a piece to take home.
Those with some experience may proceed to this stage after the safety briefing.

Leading with cames (traditional stained glass) - Day two (for beginners)

On day two students have the option to develop their skills with a larger, more complex foiling project, or work on a leaded piece - we have plenty of designs to choose from.

We'll look at how a leaded panel is built, and begin working on a leading project.
Group members with some experience can bring their own design or adapt or create one
at this stage if they wish.

As leading is messy, we suggest group members bring scruffy clothes for this day,
although we do provide aprons for the week.

Day Three - options

On Wednesday we can spend some time on looking at etching glass with etching cream.
Alternatively, we can run a garden panels session or design and make stained glass mirrors.
If you'd like to discover the pleasure of glass fusing we can teach you the basics today. This gives us time to run the kiln before the week's session finishes!

Day Four - working on your project

On Thursday we'll continue working on more complex projects - from one of our designs, or a design you've brought with you or designed earlier in the week.
This can be eitther a leaded or a foiled panel or a piece of fused glass - it's up to you.
There's no fixed finishing time each day so if students want to put some extra time in on their projects they can.

Day Five - completing your project

You'll have plenty of time on Friday to complete your project work, and towards the end of the session we'll share some of the techniques of designing and mounting larger pieces.
We'll also give advice on transporting your pieces, displaying or mounting them and lighting them.

Partners are welcome to call at the studio any time and Mike is always on hand to discuss matters of woodwork or metalwork!

Often students will find time to make extra pieces on Friday afternoon - we encourage you to explore your new-found skills and experiment - etching, our circle cutters, 3-dimensional designs, Christmas decorations - it's your choice.

What to do next

If you have questions about the course content, the materials used or finding accommodation, get in touch and we'll try to help.
If you're ready to book your place, you can do so online using a credit or debit card.

Book your place with a deposit now - return to the Stained Glass courses main page

More information

Click here to return to the main 5-day workshop page

We look forward to meeting you at our studio-gallery!
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What attendees have said about our classes:

"A great opportunity to try many different ways of using glass! Very exciting if you like to create in a supportive and very knowledgeable environment. Great fun!"

"Inspired me with confidence & enthusiasm to continue working in stained glass. Will recommend to others."

"Brilliant! The course was as stretching as you wanted it to be."

"...good humour and encouragement enabled us all to produce our own pieces we were delighted to take home."

"You both made it a really interesting and stimulating experience..."

"I’m so chuffed with my pieces, which we got home safely...hope to see you again at another course!”