Stained Glass Workshops in Devon

 

Discover the Colourful World of Stained Glass

Would you love to learn how to make your own stained glass artwork?

Join award-winning glass artist and tutor Gigha Klinkenborg for a creative, hands-on stained glass workshop in Bideford, North Devon. Whether you are a complete beginner, an enthusiastic crafter or someone hoping to develop existing glass-making skills, you will receive friendly guidance throughout every stage of the process.

At the Glass Workshop, you can explore both traditional and contemporary stained glass techniques in a relaxed, welcoming studio. Learn how to cut colourful sheets of glass, shape individual pieces, work with lead or copper foil, solder your design and transform your ideas into a beautiful finished creation.

No previous stained glass experience is needed for most workshops. Everything is explained clearly and demonstrated step by step, with plenty of individual help available along the way.

By the end of your workshop, you will have learned fascinating new skills and created your own stained glass artwork to display at home.

Stained Glass Courses in North Devon

Glass Workshop is based in a characterful Victorian warehouse in the historic town of Bideford, close to the beautiful North Devon coast.

The studio is filled with colourful glass, tools, patterns, works in progress and plenty of creative inspiration. Small workshop groups mean that you will have space to work, time to ask questions and support when you need it.

A range of stained glass classes are available throughout the year, including:

• Traditional leaded stained glass workshops
• Copper foil or Tiffany-style stained glass workshops
• Stained glass landscapes and seascapes
• Stained glass flowers and plants
• Stained glass wreaths
• Three-dimensional stained glass suncatchers
• Driftwood and stained glass workshops
• Stained glass terrariums
• Seasonal stained glass workshops
• Private stained glass tuition
• Private workshops for two
• Private group workshops

Workshop designs change throughout the seasons, so there is always something different to discover. You may find spring flowers, autumn leaves, coastal scenes, Christmas decorations, quirky cacti or intricate three-dimensional projects appearing on the programme.

Traditional Leaded Stained Glass Workshops

Traditional leaded stained glass is the technique most closely associated with decorative windows in churches, historic buildings and period homes.

During a leaded stained glass workshop, you will learn how individual pieces of coloured glass are joined together using strips of lead called lead came. This is a wonderfully absorbing heritage craft that combines technical precision with creative freedom.

You will begin by selecting a design and choosing from a wide variety of transparent, opalescent, textured and patterned glass. You will then learn how to cut the glass safely and accurately, using specialist glass cutters and tools.

Once the pieces have been shaped, you will assemble your design using lead came. The joints are soldered, and the panel is carefully cemented and polished to create a strong and attractive piece of stained glass.

Depending on the workshop, you may create a decorative mirror, window panel, or garden panel. Longer courses allow time to produce more detailed work and learn additional finishing techniques.

Traditional leaded stained glass workshops can be tailored for complete beginners as well as those who would like to refresh or extend their skills.

Copper Foil Stained Glass Workshops

Copper foil is often known as the Tiffany stained glass technique because it was famously used in the production of decorative Tiffany lamps.

Rather than fitting glass into lead came, the edges of each piece are wrapped in adhesive copper foil. The foiled pieces are then positioned together and soldered along the seams.

Copper foil is particularly suitable for detailed designs, curved shapes, decorative suncatchers and three-dimensional stained glass creations. It allows you to make designs that would be difficult to construct using traditional lead.

During a copper foil workshop, you will learn how to:

• Choose suitable glass for your design
• Cut and shape glass accurately using a glass grinder
• Apply copper foil evenly
• Burnish the foil around the glass
• Solder the pieces together
• Add hanging loops or decorative details
• Clean and finish your completed artwork

Copper foil workshops are extremely satisfying because you can see your design gradually come to life throughout the day. What begins as a collection of separate glass shapes becomes a complete artwork that glows and changes as light passes through it.

Landscapes and Seascapes in Stained Glass

North Devon provides endless inspiration for stained glass art.

Changing skies, rugged cliffs, rolling countryside, sandy beaches, fishing boats and the shifting colours of the sea all translate beautifully into glass. Different textures and shades can be layered visually to suggest waves, clouds, fields, hills and distant horizons.

During a stained glass landscape or seascape workshop, you can create your own interpretation of a favourite place or work from one of the designs provided.

You are welcome to bring a photograph or design idea with you. If you are a beginner, the design may need to be simplified so that it can be completed comfortably within the workshop time. A simpler composition can often be more effective in stained glass, allowing the colours and textures of the material to become the stars of the show.

You will be guided through choosing suitable glass, converting your idea into workable shapes and assembling the final picture using the copper foil technique.

The finished artwork can be hung in a window, where natural light will illuminate the landscape and reveal details that change throughout the day.

Stained Glass Flowers and Plants

Flowers and plants are perfect subjects for stained glass because their natural shapes work beautifully with the copper foil method.

Depending on the workshop, you might create everlasting flowers, a collection of colourful plants, a decorative wreath, a terrarium, a pot of spring flowers or a group of cheerful stained glass cacti.

You can experiment with transparent and textured glass to create petals, leaves and stems, choosing colours that complement your home or simply following whichever shades catch your eye.

Seasonal wreath workshops are especially popular. Individual leaves, flowers and decorative elements are made separately before being arranged and soldered together to form a complete circular design.

Unlike fresh flowers, your stained glass creation will continue to brighten your home year after year. Place it near a window and watch the colours shift as the daylight changes.

Three-Dimensional Stained Glass

Stained glass does not have to be flat.

Copper foil techniques can be used to construct three-dimensional decorations, terrariums, sculptural suncatchers and freestanding pieces. These workshops introduce an additional challenge as the glass elements must be carefully balanced, positioned and soldered at the correct angles.

You will learn how to build separate sections before joining them together to form the completed structure. Although the process may look complicated, each stage is broken down into very manageable steps.

The result is an eye-catching stained glass object that interacts with light from several directions.

Driftwood and Stained Glass Workshops

Combine the colours of stained glass with the natural textures of driftwood to create a relaxed, coastal-inspired decoration.

During our popular driftwood and stained glass workshop, you might make a little village with quirky cottages, trees, street lamps and tiny bunting, or a shoal of colour fish to compliment your chosen piece of driftwood.

The contrast between weathered wood and luminous glass gives each finished piece its own character. No two pieces of driftwood are identical, so every creation feels wonderfully individual.

These workshops are particularly suited to designs inspired by the North Devon coast, including boats, beach huts, fish, birds, waves and abstract sea colours.

Stained Glass Workshops for Beginners

You do not need to consider yourself artistic to enjoy a stained glass workshop.

Many people arrive saying that they are not creative, cannot draw or have never worked with glass before. By the end of the session, they are often surprised by what they have achieved.

Designs can be adapted to suit different levels of experience, and demonstrations are given before each new technique. You will have the opportunity to practise cutting glass and become familiar with the tools before working on the important parts of your design.

Mistakes are part of learning any new craft. Glass occasionally has opinions of its own, but there is nearly always a way to adjust a shape, change a section or incorporate an unexpected break into the design.

The aim is not to rush or produce something identical to everybody else’s work. It is to enjoy the process, learn useful skills and create a piece that feels personal to you.

Small and Friendly Workshop Groups

Group sizes are kept small, usually with no more than six participants in the studio.

Small groups create a friendly and sociable atmosphere while allowing everyone to receive individual guidance. You can work at your own pace without feeling lost in a large class or pressured to keep up with other participants.

People often come to workshops alone and quickly find themselves chatting with fellow makers over glass choices, soldering triumphs and of course, a nice cups of tea.

Stained glass workshops are also a lovely activity to enjoy with friends, family members or colleagues. They are ideal for birthdays, creative get-togethers, hen parties, special occasions and memorable days out in Devon.

Private Stained Glass Workshops

Private workshops are available for individuals, couples and small groups.

A private session gives you greater flexibility to concentrate on a particular technique, project or creative goal. Tuition can be adapted to your experience and the type of stained glass artwork you would like to create.

One-to-One Stained Glass Tuition

One-to-one workshops offer focused, personalised tuition with Gigha.

They are suitable for complete beginners who would prefer dedicated support, as well as people with previous experience who want to develop a particular skill. You can explore traditional leaded stained glass, copper foil or another glass technique at a pace suited to you.

Stained Glass Workshops for Two

A private workshop for two is a wonderful way to spend creative time with a friend, partner or family member.

You will both receive individual guidance while enjoying the experience together. Workshops for two are popular for birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations and creative short breaks in North Devon.

Private Group Workshops

Private group sessions can be arranged for up to six participants in the Bideford studio.

Your group can enjoy exclusive use of the workshop and work on a shared theme. Private workshops can be tailored to suit friendship groups, family groups (including children) celebrations, hen parties, team activities and other special occasions.

What Is Included?

Workshop prices generally include the glass, tools, specialist equipment and materials required to complete the advertised project.

Refreshments are provided, and full-day workshops include lunch unless otherwise stated in the individual workshop description.

You do not need to invest in expensive stained glass equipment before discovering whether you enjoy the craft. Everything needed for the session will be waiting for you in the studio.

Participants should wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Stained glass involves sharp materials, soldering equipment and, in traditional lead work, the handling of lead, so all safety instructions must be followed carefully.

Please contact Glass Workshop before booking if you have health, mobility or accessibility questions.  Stained glass workshops are not suitable during pregnancy due to working with lead.

Your Stained Glass Tutor

Your workshops are taught by Gigha Klinkenborg, an award-winning glass artist and experienced workshop tutor based in Bideford.

Gigha has worked with stained glass for nearly 30 years, creating traditional panels, contemporary glass artwork and designs inspired by the colours and landscape of North Devon.

Her teaching style is friendly, encouraging and practical. Techniques are demonstrated clearly, and help is available whenever you need it. You will be encouraged to develop your own ideas while learning the methods needed to turn them into successful stained glass designs.

Gigha says “The most rewarding part of teaching is watching someone arrive feeling nervous about cutting their first piece of glass and leave proudly carrying a finished artwork they have made themselves”.

A Creative Day Out in Devon

A stained glass workshop can become part of a wonderful visit to North Devon.

Bideford sits beside the River Torridge and is part of the North Devon Biosphere.  It is within easy reach of the coast, surrounding countryside and many popular North Devon destinations. The town is accessible from Barnstaple, Appledore, Westward Ho!, Instow, Torrington, Ilfracombe, Clovelly and the wider Devon and Cornwall area.

Visitors regularly travel from farther afield to combine a workshop with a holiday or short break.

Unlike many conventional days out, a stained glass course gives you something lasting to take home. Your finished artwork becomes a colourful reminder of the skills you learned, the people you met and the experience of making something with your own hands.

Stained Glass Workshop Gift Vouchers

A stained glass workshop makes an unusual and thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys art, craft, colour or trying new experiences.

Gift vouchers are available for workshops and can be used towards a suitable course. They are ideal for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, retirement gifts and special celebrations.

Rather than trying to choose a date or workshop on someone else’s behalf, a voucher allows the recipient to explore the available options and select the experience that appeals to them.

Continue Your Stained Glass Journey

Once you have completed a workshop and learned the essential techniques, you may decide that one day with stained glass is not enough.

Eligible students can attend regular Studio Sessions to continue working on their own projects in a creative workshop environment. These are self-directed sessions rather than formal lessons, making them suitable for people who already understand the basic tools and processes.

Glass, tools, materials, patterns and starter kits are also available through Glass Workshop Shop for those who want to continue creating at home.

Book a Stained Glass Workshop in Devon

Explore the current programme of stained glass workshops and find a project that sparks your imagination.

Choose from traditional leaded stained glass, copper foil, landscapes, seascapes, flowers, wreaths, driftwood creations, three-dimensional designs and seasonal workshops. Private tuition, workshops for two and exclusive small-group sessions are also available.

Places are limited because workshop groups are deliberately kept small. Advance booking is essential, particularly for popular weekend and seasonal dates.

Come and spend a creative day surrounded by beautiful glass, learn an absorbing traditional craft and discover the satisfaction of creating your own stained glass artwork.

We are waiting to welcome you.  😊