You begin the first day with your tutors by choosing your own panel design from a selection of patterns, known as 'cartoons'. Then selecting the coloured glass for your painted areas, you will learn how to cut it to shape and your tutors will demonstrate how to size and score glass to make a break line, and how to grind the edges of the cut glass to achieve a precise shape. The remainder of the day will be spent learning how to apply the enamel paint using different paint techniques. Finished pieces will be kiln fired at intervals throughout the day.
During the second day, you will learn the leading, glazing and soldering techniques that will enable you to assemble your cut glass pieces into a single glass panel. The tutors will demonstrate how to frame your cartoon with wood laths, forming a matrix into which lead calmes and glass can be inserted. You will be taught how to cut lead calmes, and how to open up their central channel to accommodate cut glass. Once you have fixed all of your glass pieces in lead, you will be shown how to use a soldering iron to bond the joints of lead. If you would like to be able to hang your panel, the tutors will help you solder a fixture to the lead. This is the final stage of the workshop, after which you will be able to take your stained glass panel home to enjoy.
