What to Expect in Class

When you sign up for a stained glass class with me, you will start a journey that will change your life.

I can hear you saying “Kim you are full of bs! “

No I am not . Because the roster of students before you will say that also. Most come back for more than one session and I have students that have been in class for over 4 years- continuing to learn and build a Community of friends and fellow stained glass artists.

You will learn that the reason why finished stained glass is priced they way it is. You will also learn patience and how to interact with glass during the cutting process. Along the way you will most likely fall in love with stained glass and continue on the journey to become a stained glass artist.

What to expect in class: the following is a suggested schedule

Day 1- You will meet the people, including me, the instructor, that will become your new Community- they will support you, encourage you and help you over the humps. In this class session you will learn about different types of glass, the tools needed and how to use them, practice on clear glass (call out to P.L. Woodward for donating clear glass to your class), safety while working with glass. You will pick your pattern and start cutting the cartoon ( pattern pieces) to put your glass.

Between Day 1 and Day 2- You will go shopping for the glass and other supplies to complete the project. Information will be provided on where you can purchase supplies and you will have a list of everything from start ot finish. No multiple trips to buy more supplies- one and done!

Not everyone will be on the schedule below, some will advance and some will follow the schedule- it is not a race and we all learn and progress at different levels. There is no judgement in the classroom. If you ever need help know that you can reach out to me or other students ( some have been working with glass for up to 12 years. We are a team and the team watches out for each other.

Day 2- You will start glueing you pattern pieces on the glass- paying close attention to grain, glass budgeting, cutting path, etc. You might start cutting glass for your project. Some people like to practice on clear scrap glass before cutting the stained glass.

Day 3- You will be cutting glass. This is not a race. No two people progress at the same rate, enough time is built into the class to cover everyone. The end product is the goal not the time it took.

Day 4- Finish cutting glass and starting to grind- fine tuning peices to fit.

Day 5- More grinding. This is when you learn that cutting as close to the pattern pays off. Moving on to wrapping with copper foil.

Day 6- Finish wrapping with copper foil and start soldering

Day 7- Soldering and framing

Most important is that I will be there beside you all the way, but not looking over your shoulder making you nervous. I am always watching my students and listening to their tools. The tools tell me what the student is doing every step of the way.

Many students turn to other students for help and that is good. It reinforces what the giving student has learned and gives the knowledge to the receiving student. This builds community within the class and expands beyond the classroom.

When anyone finshes a project, they get to ring the bell and be acknowledged. The class is very supportive.

I am honored to have you as a student and I am honored by all the students that have come before you. You all have helped me to grow into the instructor I am today. Without you I would not be who I am today.

Thank you for signing up for a class and being part of the journey.