Stained Glass class offered at CCC

Colby Community College will offer a stained glass techniques class beginning April 1 in the Ferguson Hall art room. Classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. on April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Most of the supplies for projects will be provided. The class is worth one college credit. For more information, call (785) 460-5550. Call the CCC Admissions Office at 460-4690 to enroll.



Stained Glass Class Information

Traditional stained glass items are made from cut pieces of glass and attached or bonded together by soldering edges and borders of the glass pieces in a designed pattern. Typically, people refer to colored church windows or Tiffany lamp shades as stained glass. The cut glass method should not be confused with the more recently introduced hobby kits where lines forming borders are patterned on a piece of glass and colored plastic is poured within the bordered sections. In this class students will not be using borders or colored pours.

The beginning stained glass class will introduce the student to basic techniques commonly used in creating stained glass projects. The class will meet for five nights on Tuesdays during the month of April from 6-9 p.m. In class students will see some of the different types, colorations, and patterns of glass as well as learn how to use the tools and equipment generally used in making stained glass items. Techniques for making straight and curved glass cuts will be demonstrated and practiced. Students will learn how to shape glass through cutting, chipping, and grinding to fit in a determined pattern. The common “lead” and “copper foil” methods of attaching the glass pieces will be covered. The copper foil method will be used by students to complete the first two small projects which will be assigned by the instructor. The third and other projects will be of the student’s choice.

The first project will involve making straight cuts from different colored glass to shape pieces that when laid out will make a square or what may resemble a quilt patch. Copper foil will be applied to the edges of the glass pieces and then the edges will be soldered together to complete assembly of the square.

The second project will involve curved cuts to make a sun catcher. This category includes such things as a butterfly, an angel, a piece of fruit, or a bird. This will also be a copper foil project.

Other projects may be attempted using foil or lead as the student prefers and will be of the student’s own choosing. The size and complexity of the project should be such that it can be finished by the end of the fifth class.

Given the short duration of the class, three to four projects will be the most a student can complete. All materials necessary to complete these projects will be provided in class. Students who wish to attempt a larger project should be prepared to contact an outside source to purchase glass and other materials.

Participants should come prepared to cut glass and solder joints on the first night of class. Safety glasses will be provided for those who do not bring their own. Please dress in casual clothes. A sturdy shirt with long sleeves is recommended. Students may also wish to wear an apron or an old shirt for working with the glass and soldering.