THE COURSES

 BEWARE: WORKING WITH GLASS IS ADDICTIVE!

Beginner Lamp Course - 6 wks - $210.00

                                     - Thurs  7p to 9p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: Glass cutting or Weekend Window and Pattern workshops

Tools & supplies needed: All glass working tools, supplies, & glass for lamp

You will need to come in prior to the course to choose the design you would like to make, buy your glass & tools, and have your pattern corrected, with templates ready to go for the first class.

A very satisfying course! You get to hang or place your new lamp shade on a table in 6 weeks! The student will create an 8” to 14” lampshade with the copper foil method. You can expect to spend approx. 30 hours to complete your lamp, so homework is essential to get 100% value for the course. Tools & supplies are extra because of this, and you will spend anywhere from $200.00 to $300.00 depending on tool kit, colours of glass, and size of project. These are all personal choices. Some students make a small window as well, but this depends on the tools purchased and the time available to do so. As the course progresses, approx. 80% of the students also purchase their own glass grinder (a machine to fit the glass better & quicker). It is pretty much a necessity if you want to work at your own pace. The prices for grinders range from $180.00 to $325.00, again a personal choice. This course will give you the knowledge to continue on creating beautiful stained glass lamps, windows, suncatchers, boxes, vases, gifts……. You get the picture! Oh yes, picture frames too!

As with other classes, students have the option to extend the course for 1 or 2 more weeks for an additional fee of $35.00 per night, per student.

There are more workshops, and other courses to perfect your skills and take you on that wonderful journey too.

Intermediate Copper Foil Course - 6 wks - $210.00

                                                    - Tues  7p to 9p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: Beginner Lamp Course and/or Weekend Copper Foil Window Workshop

Tools & supplies needed: - All glass working tools & supplies- Glass, pattern, templates, etc.

This course takes you to the next level of stained glass, where our focus is to improve your skills in the fitting of glass pieces, as well as new techniques. We teach you the all important “attention to detail” to achieve a more professional looking work of art.  You will create a larger window, or maybe a true Tiffany style lamp on a mold, or a more complicated panel lamp. You pick what you want to do. If you aren’t sure what to make, we will help with that too!

Students may want to do a “Working with Bevels Workshop in this class, and make the bevel project as well as design it.

Students may want to do a “Finish It” or “Repair It” workshop in this class, along with other things. We are open to what you would like help with.

Students also come to this course to refresh their skills by making a small project before tackling a larger one - highly recommended for those who have been away from glass for awhile.

Some students come to every course, using it as motivation to keep creating, instead of losing the time to do stained glass to other obligations. It is a social night out too!

We can get into installing came borders, handy hangers, & adding restrip. It all depends on what comes up with each student’s choice and how the weeks progress. With everyone working on various projects, you will learn something different for sure!

As with other classes, students have the option to extend the course for 1 or 2 more weeks for an additional fee of $35.00 per night, per student.

The journey into stained glass continues! (I really like that line, can you tell?)

Master Pattern & Template Workshop - $75.00

                                                            - Sat 1p to 4p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: none

Tools & supplies needed: Pencil, eraser, ruler, scotch tape, we supply everything else!

Glass Cutting Workshop - $100.00 - Sat 1p to 5p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: none

Tools & supplies needed - Glass cutter, groziers, straight edge, & marker if you have them

- Otherwise we supply everything

- Safety glasses and/or gloves if you feel you need them

We pretend you do not know anything about glass cutting, and walk you through all of the techniques to achieve various shapes - freehand, straight edge cutting, inside curves, and circles, just to name a few. We explain the layouts for cutting and for saving time and money. We supply the glass for the course and will have all of the tools for you to use, but it is recommended that you purchase them, as you need to get familiar with your own “stuff”. Glass cutters are explained, with different types for you to try before you buy. There will be mosaic cutters for you to try too. Demos on the glass ring saw, strip & circle cutters, and running pliers will introduce you to those wonderful tools! Students will learn “English cutting”, template cutting, and a graphic demo on cutting background from one piece of glass. The proper use of groziers and the “chewing” technique will be taught, as well as the techniques for using a carborundum stone.

We will do a walk about the store showing and explaining all different kinds of glass, their prices, uses, if hand made or machine made, opalescent, cathedral or mix of both! This knowledge will give you some help when you choose glass for your projects. We will go over glass handling safety issues as well.

It is recommended that the student purchase 2 sq. ft of clear glue chip glass (approx. $6.00) to take home and practice after the class to reinforce techniques and increase confidence.

Glass Foiling Workshop - $75.00 - Sat  1p to 4p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: Some knowledge of stained glass techniques

Tools & supplies needed: Glass cut and ground in the following approx. sizes & shapes:  1 each - 3" circle, 2"x2" bevel; 2 each - 3"x3" squares with a deep inside curve cut out, 2"x3" rectangles, long skinny points & 2"x2" squares; 3 each - 1 1/2" x 10" strips

                                         : 7/32 copper foil, burnisher, razor blade, & clean tea towel

                                         : Magnifier or reading glasses if required

Lots of info and a “great hands on” course! The student will learn regular foiling, with tips and tricks including dealing with splits on inside curves, long tapered points, foiling thick to thin glass, strong wider foil borders, custom cutting foil for jewels & making “fake” corners. You will also do foil overlays with sheet foil onto glass. Discussion on sizes, types of foil, & how and when to use them is really informative! Foiling machines, tools and accessories will also be discussed and available to try. We will supply the unusual sizes of foil needed. As solder follows foil so perfectly, this class will help the student achieve better results in foiling which will reflect on the soldering results for strength, aesthetics & longevity. Less frustration too!

Please do not bring a project!

 Soldering Workshop - $75.00 - Sat  1p to 4p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: Beginner window and/or lamp course

Tools & supplies needed - Glass cut and foiled in 7/32 foil in the following approx. sizes

- 8 strips of glass 1½”x 10”

- 8 strips of glass 1½” x 5”

- Soldering iron, iron control (if you have), sponge, brush, flux, 50/50 & 60/40 solder & a 3” or 4” vase cap if you want to tin

The main focus of this course is to learn to get a consistently smooth bead with both 50/50 and 60/40 solders, and learning the different techniques for both. We will go over your equipment & supplies to see if they are causing you problems, as poor quality solder and some fluxes do not perform well. We will show and/or discuss: how to properly tin metal, foil overlays, decorative soldering, beading edges, 3D seams and joins, small solder castings, inserting glass beads, solder claws, little artsy additions with sheet foil, wire work & using filigree overlays. We play with solder sculpturing – Way fun! It is very important that the student goes home and practices as soon as, so the techniques learned are reinforced.

Please do not bring a project – we need to play too much!

Stained Glass & Bevel Box Workshop - $100.00

                                                            - Sat  1p to 5p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: Beginner Copper Foil Window or Beginner Lamp

Tools & supplies needed - 2 x 2”x4” bevels, 2 x 2”x 6” bevels, 1x 3” x 5” diamond bevel

- 1 sq ft art glass of your choice

- 4 box feet, 1 set tube hinge, 1 ft. box chain

- All tools, 7/32 foil, 50/50 solder, flux, small box with some balled up newspaper, small jig to fit lid (min. 6” x 8”)

 Another often requested class! You can read how to make a box, but it doesn’t always make sense until you see it & on top of that, some of the books show the wrong way to construct a box aesthetically & strength wise! This workshop walks you through making one from scratch. The addition of bevels for the sides saves time and looks great. We teach you how to determine the size of the lid for different looks and styles. The principles of 3D construction are also learned and are applicable for all 3D construction. We have a trick for the hinge that is worth the course if only in terms of frustration! Using a hinge isn’t just for boxes and is very useful info to have under your belt. We will add feet, attach chain to hold lid when open and show decorative ideas for the lid. The design possibilities are endless.

Etching Workshop - $60.00 plus $25.00 for supplies

                              - Sat  1p to 3:30p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: none

Tools & supplies needed - Magnifier or reading glasses if required

As with most of the workshops and courses offered, good eyesight or good glasses are essential to this course. Two methods of design cutting will be taught, one for clear glass & one for mirror. Cutting the resist to pattern, removing pieces and deciding positive or negative areas will be covered as well as applying the etching crème, removing, reusing, and double application. We will play with freehand designing applications too. Many tricks and tips included. For those who are interested, the basics for sandblasting, & the different resists that are used will be explained as well. Purchased precut designs and rub on photo resist designs will be explained, along with 3D applications & tips. When you have etched a window on the outside and it rains, interesting effects are created as it dries! Did you know some acid etch can help hide a broken seal in a thermal window? Or help give some privacy? Beware though, it is permanent! A fun and informative course.

"Finish Or Repair It” Workshop - $50.00

                                                  - Sat  1p to 3p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: The applicable course for the project in progress

Tools & supplies needed: Your unfinished or damaged art work

                                       : All applicable tools & supplies

This is a good one for those of you who haven’t the time for a weekly class, but still would like help &/or encouragement to finish glass work already in progress or to fix a broken piece. If you have never replaced a broken piece, it is a little daunting the first time around. Sometimes one needs a little push to get over the hump! Maybe you need a mini refresher on technique to finish? Maybe you are stuck on what to do next? Maybe you just need reassurance that you are on the right track? Projects could include stained glass windows, lamps, boxes, mosaic work, cutting resist for an etching, or? Projects will vary I am sure!

If the two hours isn’t enough time to accomplish what you want done & you feel you need more help, you have the option to extend the course for another hour or so for an additional fee.

Man oh Man this was a toughie to work out as every one works at a different speed!

Proper Care & Maintenance of Tools - $35.00

                                                          - Sat 11a to 12:30p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: none

Tools & supplies needed:  glass cutter, grosiers, straight edge, lead knives & dykes, glass grinder, soldering iron, sponge, flux brush, medium steel wool, small wire brush, flux, WD-40, & anti-seize

You have the tools and machines, but you want to get the best value for your money. This mini course is for you! Hands on demos on deburring grinder shaft, lubricating & anti-seize applications & cleaning bitsert on tabletop of grinder, as well as best use of a diamond bit. Soldering tip – plated or not plated? Re-tinning an iron tip & cleaning shaft for ease of removing & for longer life. How to cleaning grosiers& lead dykes, checking straight edge, glass cutter & lead knives for problems. We go over best ways to store equipment, and preventive measures. I will check all tools as well to see if they are performing okay, as they may be the cause of some frustration.

Designing with Bevels Workshop - $100.00

                                                     - Sat 1p to 5p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: any of the stained glass courses or weekend workshops

Tools & supplies needed: - Bevel cluster of your choice, large enough graph paper, pencil, eraser, ruler, tape measure, masking tape, marker

                                         - Ceiling tile, aluminum pins & paper or clean towel

                                         - Glass grinder, if you have, would be helpful

Often requested, I am finally holding this basic design course! Bevel clusters are beautiful but can be incredibly frustrating. They can be used in copper foiled or leaded windows or even in lamps. I will walk you through fitting them, designing with them, and adding a straight line bevel border with different options and/or special corner bevels, or jewels for effect.

The size of the finished design will reflect the size of the cluster, so there won’t be a large background area. With your input, I will help you design a basic background to accommodate your cluster to understand the principles of what will or won’t work; but not a whole scene! In the advanced course you will get the use of my artistic hand a lot more!

A freeform design can also be considered with added reinforcement or glass additions for strength. This info is also great for other projects! Medium & medium large clusters that are not an “animal” will work best for this workshop. The small ones won’t be enough to design with. Advice on the selection of glass for the background will be done with each student and the group.

If drawing is one of your most favorite parts of the stained glass process, consider the advanced course. We will play with unusual concepts & go outside the box!

Intermediate Lead Window - 6 wks - $240.00

                                           - Mon 7p to 9p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: Novice Lead mirror Workshop

Tools & supplies needed: - All glass & lead working tools & supplies, glass, pattern, templates, & a jig 20”x 24”approx. size

                                         - Hacksaw with 32 teeth blade if using hard cames

If you are taking this course, you must have enjoyed making the lead mirror, which was a great intro to lead work, but you didn’t get into the complicated lead joints or how to incorporate a copper foiled piece into a leaded or hard came piece. In this course, you do!

Patterns will be available first night (16” x20”) for you to choose from, and to begin working on.

Different hanging methods, alternate corner joins, using thicker or ripple glass, grey or black cement, using patinas, repairing, and clean up will all be addressed.

We will discuss the types, sizes and uses for different lead cames available, including reforce lead, single sided cames, and the hard cames, brass, copper & zinc.

A new product that replaces cementing with more strength & less mess, called “No Days Glaze”. (Pros & cons) will be explained and is an option to try, (you will need a heat gun).

This course also has the option to go longer with an added fee of $40.00 per night, per student.

Even though we have machines and new supplies to help create stained glass quicker and easier, I think of the thousands of years this has been done!!! Oh so humbling.

 Intermediate Mosaic Workshop - $160.00

- 2 wks - Mon 7p to 9p

- 1 wk - Mon 7p to 9p & Wed 7p to 9p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: Mosaic Direct or Mold Method Workshop

Tools & supplies needed: Tools & supplies for method chosen, drafting supplies

Optional: We can rent you a form (no glass) $5.00 to $50.00

Student to supply a ¾” thick board sized to fit project for the mold method for support and the resist

Student to supply substrate & adhesive for direct method

This is another chance to get the creative juices flowing! This is a great opportunity for the student who doesn’t have the room, the tools or glass to make a larger mosaic piece, or for the student who just wants more advice or instruction. I have many forms that can be used for the course including but not limited to, garden bench, butterflies, large squares, circles, pac man, address stone, & even wall tile molds. Make ten or twelve 4” x 4” tiles to mix in with ceramic tiles for a wonderful accent in the kitchen or the bathroom! Please arrange with Jan to come & choose prior to the workshop.

With the direct method, students can bring an old tray, table top, bottles, wooden or cement blank, flower pot, or? We will spend part of the first night prepping any or all substrates.

This was a tough course to gauge the time for each to complete their mosaic art, so again if more time is required an added fee will be applied.

This is another Art form that has been around for centuries! Isn’t it just so wonderful to be a part of this connection of art between the past, the present and the future?

Weekend Beginner Copper Foil Window

- Course Fee - $175.00 plus

- Pattern, glass, foil, solder etc, & tool use fee - $75.00

 - Sat 11a to 5p; Sun 1p to 5p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: Glass Cutting Workshop

Tools & supplies needed - If you have tools or certain colours of glass you want to use, please bring them, but this does not change supply/tool fee - way too complicated!

Talk about a weekend warrior! You will have a lot to do, but fun & interesting stuff. Please bring a lunch or snack if you want for the break. We will have the coffee on! The purpose of this course is to give you a “taste” of stained glass, to see if it is something you want to learn, and invest in. The window you will create will be beautiful, but simple, as we only have so much time. You will have the basic knowledge (But not the tools & supplies) to continue on making wonderful stained glass in the copper foil method. Brenda has wonderful tool kits, and we will explain them to those who are interested. If this whets your appetite, it is recommended for you to take a Lamp course to learn 3D, or an Intermediate course to learn more about strength & techniques. Foiling & Soldering Workshops are a great help as well. This could be the start of a wonderful journey!

Weekend Beginner Lead Mirror

 - Course Fee - $175.00 plus

 - Pattern, glass, lead, solder etc & tool use fee - $75.00

 - Sat 11a to 5p; Sun 1p to 5p

Instructor: Jan

Prerequisites: Glass Cutting Workshop

Tools & supplies needed - If you have tools or certain colours of glass you want to use, please bring them, but this does not change supply/tool fee - way too complicated!

- a 12” x 16” jig or a hammer would be helpful

- Please bring gloves and a face mask for the cementing part

Another busy but enjoyable weekend! A great way to see if you like it as well; as it is totally different than copper foil work. Please bring a lunch or snack if you want for the break. We will have the coffee on! This workshop is for the total novice, or for the copper foil glassworker who wants to learn leadworking. You will make a leaded mirror to learn the basics of the traditional method of stained glass. Bonus! this also gives you the techniques to work with the hard cames, brass, copper, and zinc! The first day will be spent cutting templates and glass, fitting to pattern, and leading. The second day, you will solder, add a hanging wire, and cement your new mirror. This is messy! Please wear old clothes or bring an apron. We will show you some ways to “dress up” the mirror with foil work or metal findings. Again, this is a wonderful introduction to the world of glass art. Increase your confidence & expertise with more workshops and courses.