Course Description

On this course you will be guided through the stages of making a leaded stained glass panel to a design of your choosing. Selecting from a range of coloured glass sheets and interesting offcuts, you will be shown how to cut glass accurately and how the different colours and textures work together. Then you learn how to draw out a simple, effective design for a panel of approximately 42 x 30 cms. (A3 size). You will be shown how to sandblast and how to paint, stain and fire some of the glass pieces to add subtlety to your panel. On the second day you will learn how to handle the lead that holds the panel together, and on the last day you will complete the leading on the panel followed by soldering and cementing.

The tutor will give a demonstration of each process at the start of the relevant session, followed by supervised practice. You can spend more time on an activity that particularly interests you, for example sandblasting or painting or you can skip this stage altogether.

By the end of the course you will have made a stained glass panel that is unique to you in its choice of colour, pattern or detailed design work. You will have an understanding of all the processes used in traditional stained glass work, and will most likely have identified your own favourite stage which you will want to continue to develop.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

• All Personal Protection Equipment, apart from footwear, is provided by the College.

What students need to bring

• The tutor's approach to stained glass making works best if you come without a design already planned although images for inspiration may be useful. If you would like to make something to specific dimensions for a particular place, please check with your tutor first. If you have an idea for a project and require advice about materials please contact the tutor care of the bookingsoffice@westdean.org.uk prior to the start of the course
• Old nail brush or toothbrush, any scrap glass (e.g. old greenhouse glass) is useful to practice cutting and painting, an overall/apron, rubber gloves (breathable waterproof type from DIY shops are the best), packing materials for completed panel.
• Please do not wear open toed shoes.
• Do not wear loose clothing or dangly jewellery as it may get caught in machinery.
• Long hair must be tied back.

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• We have a generously stocked craft shop, which opens daily from 8.30am–2pm.
• For any materials you need to purchase from the shop, we suggest you do so during the first morning of your course, after having discussed with your tutor.
• Drawing paper or sketchbook, HB pencil, ruler, coloured pencils or paints, tippex, rubber
• Available from tutor:
• The cost of a typical panel will be no more than £75 (larger panels by prior arrangement).
• Please contact your tutor through the the bookings office bookingsoffice@westdean.org.uk before the course if you want to discuss an idea or make something that is large.
• On this course the tutor will supply all the materials. This charge should be paid to the tutor before the end of the course, by cash or cheque.

Please note: If you are pregnant or breast feeding, you should consult your GP before enrolling on this course, as working with lead and solder can be harmful to the developing baby. You must not wear open shoes or have bare legs (even if the weather is warm) in the workshop. Do not wear loose clothing or dangly jewellery as it may get caught in machinery. Long hair must be tied back.