As someone who’s been working with stained glass for a few years, I thought I had the basics down. I had mastered the art of cutting glass, soldering, and assembling my pieces, but something was missing. I wasn’t feeling the same excitement I once did when creating new projects. I knew it was time to take my stained glass skills to the next level.
That’s when I found Stained Glass Academy’s advanced course. I’d heard great things about the academy, and I figured if I was going to push my creative boundaries, this was the place to do it. Little did I know, this course would completely transform my approach to stained glass and take my work in an entirely new direction.
The Turning Point: Breaking Through My Creative Block
The first thing I noticed when I entered the advanced class was the level of enthusiasm and creativity around me. There were people with all kinds of experience, from those with a few years under their belt like me to professional artists who had been working in the field for decades. It was inspiring just being around such diverse talent.
In the initial class, the instructor focused on helping us identify areas where we were stuck or needed improvement. For me, that was my design work. While I could follow patterns and create pieces that were technically sound, I had been playing it safe with my designs. I wasn’t pushing myself to experiment with new ideas or take risks. The instructor encouraged me to explore more advanced techniques like copper foil construction and lead came, and to start incorporating my own original designs instead of relying on templates.
That was the breakthrough moment. I realized that stained glass isn’t just about mastering the technical steps—it’s about being bold with your ideas and trusting yourself as an artist. It was time to break free from my comfort zone.
Mastering Advanced Techniques: Copper Foil and Lead Came
One of the key techniques I learned in the advanced class was the copper foil method. While I had worked with lead came in the past, copper foil offers a lot more flexibility for intricate designs and smaller projects. I was amazed at how much detail I could add with this method. The process was a bit more time-consuming, but the results were worth it. My pieces started to look more polished, with sharper lines and a more refined aesthetic.
Additionally, we dove deeper into lead came construction. While I had used lead before, I hadn’t fully grasped the importance of its structure in larger, more complex projects. The instructor took us through advanced soldering techniques, helping us understand how to keep the solder joints clean and how to manage the weight distribution of the glass for larger panels.
Both techniques allowed me to tackle more challenging projects, and I began to see improvements in my confidence and craftsmanship.
The Power of Original Design: Bringing My Ideas to Life
One of the most empowering aspects of the advanced course was the emphasis on original design. While I had always relied on patterns I found online or in books, I realized that part of the beauty of stained glass lies in the ability to create something truly unique. The instructor guided us through the process of sketching and developing our own designs from scratch, which was both exhilarating and intimidating.
I started to experiment with more abstract designs and personal themes, incorporating custom color palettes that reflected my style. It was a challenge, but it felt incredibly rewarding to see my own visions come to life in glass.
For my final project, I decided to create a large, multi-pane window panel that incorporated both copper foil and lead came techniques. I spent weeks refining the design and carefully selecting the perfect glass to bring the colors and textures together. The process was tedious at times, but the end result was something I could truly be proud of. Not only had I mastered advanced techniques, but I had also created a piece that was a true reflection of my artistic vision.
What’s Next?
Taking this advanced course has reignited my passion for stained glass. I now feel more confident in my abilities to create intricate, custom pieces and have developed a deeper understanding of the materials and techniques I use. The course opened up new creative possibilities, and I’m excited to keep pushing myself with even more complex designs.
Since completing the class, I’ve started working on commissions, and I’m now exploring the possibility of teaching stained glass to beginners. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me, and I know that the skills and techniques I gained at Stained Glass Academy will continue to inspire and inform my work for years to come.
If you’re a stained glass artist looking to take your skills to the next level, I can’t recommend Stained Glass Academy enough. Whether you’re refining your technique or exploring your creative potential, the instructors and resources available at the academy will help you unlock new possibilities in your stained glass journey.