Intro to Stained Glass: Make a Silly Bird Suncatcher

In this beginner stained glass workshop, students will make a finished “Silly Bird” suncatcher while learning the fundamentals of stained glass. We will cover studio safety, glass selection, pattern use, basic glass cutting, foiling, soldering, finishing, and hardware attachment. This class is designed for complete beginners and emphasizes a calm, supportive, step-by-step experience. Each student leaves with one completed piece and a clear understanding of the stained glass workflow.

• Learn the fundamentals of stained glass, including an overview of tools, materials, and the full creative process from start to finish
• Understand essential studio safety practices for working with glass, cutting tools, and soldering equipment
• Practice selecting and handling glass, including how to choose colors and textures for a cohesive design
• Learn how to accurately cut glass pieces using beginner-friendly cutting techniques
• Apply copper foil to glass edges to prepare pieces for assembly
• Develop basic soldering skills to join glass pieces together into a finished form
• Learn finishing techniques including cleaning, polishing, and attaching hanging hardware
• Complete a “Silly Bird” stained glass suncatcher to take home at the end of the workshop
• Gain confidence to continue exploring stained glass independently with a clear understanding of the workflow
• Take away a finished handmade piece, foundational technical skills, and knowledge of how to safely practice stained glass
• This class includes guided tool use and hands-on practice with glass cutting, grinding, and soldering tools (Tool Testing included under instructor supervision)

Stained Glass beginners and/or folks curious about Artisans Asylum's Jewelry Shop. Students may bring a notebook and pen if they wish to take notes, but no prior experience or project ideas are required. Students must be at least 18 years old.

• All tools and materials to make your silly bird.
• Safety glasses , gloves and nitrile gloves will be provided, but students are welcome to bring their own if preferred.
• Access to A2's Jewelry Shop and tools for the duration of the session.

Dr. Sylwia Stopka & Dr. Clément Bodineau are co-owners of The Chemist Glass, a Massachusetts-based stained glass studio known for its modern, handcrafted designs. Trained as scientists, they currently work respectively work in a biotech and at Harvard Medical School and bring years of teaching experience to his creative practice. They enjoy breaking down complex techniques into clear, beginner-friendly steps, with a strong emphasis on safety and hands-on learning. Their workshops are designed to be welcoming and empowering, allowing students to leave with a finished stained glass piece they are proud of.