Decades ago, tons of crafting stores and glass studios began offering classes where participants could, in a single session, create their own little sun-catcher. And when I first started selling glass supplies, I taught several of those suncatcher classes. I soon found out that just wasn’t my gig. People who come to Spectrum Artworx looking for a quick suncatcher class are generally referred to Maganda Glass in neighboring Independence (they do a lovely job of it, and you’re sure to have fun).
I’ve found it much more enjoyable to walk with prospective glass artists over the course of several weeks, designing, then implementing those designs. Through one of our basic leaded glass (lead light) series, participants learn the steps that go into designing and planning your own piece, creating a cartoon, choosing glass, cutting, shaping, foiling, soldering and finishing the pieces. Through the 12 weeks I like to make sure you gain an understanding of some of the history and traditions in the craft, as well as the processes and skills required to be able to work on a variety of projects from your own space. I familiarize you with the basic tools you’ll need and we talk some about some of the tools that others use (but I really don’t).
As such, you don’t have to know anything at the start – and by the end, not only will you have a larger window (usually around 24”x36”) that you designed and made on your own, but you’ll also know how to make other leaded glass projects on your own.
Then, as an addendum to this basic course, I will offer other classes and workshops for those interested in expanding their skills and knowledge. Two of these that I’ve offered in the past: Working with Lead and Zinc Channel – a free 2-hour workshop/demonstration; and Lampshades – taking the Tiffany method to the next dimension (usually a 3-4 session course).
Things you’ll learn: Window design, concept, rendering, full-scale pattern, cartoon, Glass scoring, breaking and shaping, Foiling / taping, soldering , finishing.
Tools you’ll use: sharpie, paper, matboard Carbide Scoring tool, groziers, breakers, runners, carborundum stick, copper foil, burnisher, Iron, solder, flux, pins, Neutralizer, patina, possibly wax.
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