Beginners Stained Glass Class -
3d Copper Foil Projects
Learn the basics of foiling stained glass and make a lovely 3d project - hummingbird, spinner, cactus, butterfly, candleholder, kaleidoscope or succulents.
"The course and surroundings were very inspiring " - Margaret
This special workshop is a one-day or weekend introduction to the foiling method of 3-dimensional stained glass construction - going beyond making a panel or suncatcher!
You'll gain a grounding in the essential techniques of foiling with plenty of hands-on experience with the tools we use, and lots of tips, tricks and a little history of modern stained glass.
One of the more recent developments in stained glass is the use of copper foil as a way to join pieces of coloured glass together - and that' what makes these projects achievable, and in less time than you might think necessary!
One-day or Weekend 3d Copper Foiling Stained glass class for up to 6 people
This course is offered in two structures:
One-day course - make a main project like a hummingbird, spinner or butterfly, curved candleholder or two succulents in just one day.
Two-day course - make a main project like a kaleidoscope (two day project for most students), or a hummingbird, spinner, butterfly plus a succulent or two, depending on time available on the second day, or two main one-day projects, subject to completing the first project on the first day.
This course goes far beyond basic copper foil stained glass (sometines called the Tiffany method) by introducing the concept of creating pieces with multiple surfaces - like the projects shown here. The kaleidoscope project is a full two-day project, while the spinners, hummingbirds and butterflies can be completed in one day by most students.
If time allows on the second day of the weekend course we'll offer you a succulent project to enjoy, or you can make two succulents in one day if you prefer.
- Hummingbird - usually takes one day
- Butterfly - usually takes one day
- Spinner - usually takes one day
- Succulents - students usually complete 2 in one day
- Candleholder usually takes one day
- Kaleidoscope - usually takes two days
Course Structure - 3d Copper Foiling (Tiffany) Stained Glass
We start out by looking at the basic processes and tools we'll be using:
- Considering the requirements of 3d projects as distinct from simpler 2d pieces
- Scoring and breaking glass, using oil-cutter, grozing pliers and cut runner
- Preparing the glass for soldering using the grinder, copper foil and crimping tool
- Ensuring the sides will all fit together properly!
- How to use a jig to hold the pieces together while soldering - essential for 3d designs!
- Soldering using a high-power soldering iron and fluxes
We'll take you through a demonstration of how we score and break glass and then you'll then practise cutting and breaking glass!
Once comfortable with scoring and breaking the glass, we'll ask you to choose your project design and the coloured glass you'll use.
You'll cut all the glass for your project and then grind the pieces to fit accurately. When we're all ready for a break, we'll have lunch brought in from the nearby Cafe..
All the pieces will then be foiled and soldered together in to sub-assemblies, and then we'll share the special techniques we've perfected to join the sides together and complete your project!
We'll provide you with a choice of designs like the ones shown here and a selection of coloured glass to work with.
The course cost of £165 inc VAT (one-day) or £249 inc VAT (two-day) per person includes:
- All materials, choice of starter designs and glass
- Use of tools and protective gear
- Refreshments during the session including herbal teas, decaffeinated drinks & gluten-free biscuits and lunch from Bell Cafe on 1-day workshops
- Maximum class size 6 people
- Info pack to keep with information on getting started, where to buy glass and tools, plus reminders on techniques - emailed as PDF
- Your projects to take home
- Eligibility for our Project Day Programme
- Class runs from10am to (approx) 6-30pm each day at our Northants studio near Towcester
How to book your place - 3d Copper Foiling for Beginners and Beyond
If you're ready to book, choose the date you prefer and use the PayPal buttons to make your booking. You can pay by card or PayPal. We can also take bookings in the studio or you can buy this class as an emailable gift voucher.
All bookings are subject to our class bookings Terms And Conditions.
We've updated our workshops-related COVID-19 fact sheet - find it here.
If you have any questions or concerns get in touch and we'll do our best to help.
Contact us to buy this workshop as a gift voucher here.
2024 Classes
- Thursday 17th October - 3d Copper Foiling - 1 place available
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2025 Classes
- Saturday 18th January - 3d Copper Foiling - 6 places available
- Saturday 15th March - 3d Copper Foiling - 6 places available
- Saturday 19th July - 3d Copper Foiling - 6 places available
- Friday 19th September - 3d Copper Foiling - 6 places available
- Join our newsletter subscription to receive updates on all classes directly
More information
Watch Mike introduce this workshop. Cookies must be enabled.
We pride ourselves on creating a fun, stimulating and supportive environment for you to enjoy discovering new skills. Our one day classes are suitable for anyone over 18, although we do advise that anyone with a medical condition that limits their hand strength or control, or their ability to stand for periods of time contact us before booking to discuss.
Due to the use of lead this workshop is not suitable for expectant mothers.
With a maximum of 6 students you can be sure of plenty of attention and guidance throughout the class.
Why not subscribe to our email newsletter to receive details of new courses and classes planned for this year? Join us here..
- Click for details of our one-day Foiling Lanterns class
- Click for our one-day leading garden panel class
- Click for info on our 5-day course in Northants
- Click for our class FAQ
You Might Also Like...
Stained Glass Lantern Workshop - suitable for beginners and above - make your own foiled lantern with a choice of designs.
Make your own colourful foiled stained glass hummingbird! 
Enjoy learning to assemble 3d glass projects like this spinner 
Succulents are very popular right now - make your own with us! 
