Stained Glass Workshops

“Research has shown that crafting, regardless of the medium you use, can bolster mood, improve self-confidence, and reduce stress overall.  In addition, crafting improves mental agility, improves both gross and fine motor movements, and decreases cognitive decline. 

(Katrina Norris, Spectrum Health & Human Services)

7 WEEK STAINED GLASS COURSE WITH MADELEINE HELLIER

Stained glass is one of the oldest and most traditional of crafts dating from the 11th century. During this 7-week course (2 hours each week) participants will receive an introduction to the history of stained glass and stained-glass techniques.  In the earlier part of the course each participant will work at their own pace to learn all the skills required to make a basic stained glass suncatcher using the Tiffany (copper-foil method).  In the following weeks participants will work with the course tutor to develop an original stained-glass work based on their own design.

Materials Provided:

Each participant will have their own “bench” comprising the glass, tools and supplies required to create a beautifully crafted stained glass suncatcher.  The suncatchers are finished by soldering individual elements together and applying patina and findings.

For individual works, the tutor will work with the participants to select glass that maximises the beauty of the design.  Any additional glass required for these works will be at the participant’s own expense but the tutor will work with the class to maximise the sharing of glass and shipping costs to reduce the overall outlay for individuals.

Outcomes:

This practical, hands-on course gives participants the foundational skills needed to create a stained glass suncatcher followed by more advanced skills in pattern design and more complex stained-glass work.

Course content includes:

• Health & Safety
• Introduction to Stained Glass techniques
• Stained glass tools and bench materials
• Glass cutting techniques
• Applying copper foil
• Understanding glass
• Stained glass pattern design
• Soldering and solder effects
• Patinating and finishing
• Mark making on glass
• Working in 3D glass structures
• How display stained glass

The course moves at a gentle relaxed pace and is the perfect analogue antidote in a digitally charged world.  The wider benefits of engaging in craft workshops include exercising natural curiosity which is the foundation of innovation and learning new skills which supports cognitive well-being.

Additional Information

At the end of the course participants will be able to purchase a stained-glass starter kit at a reduced cost. The kit includes tools, glass, solder, copper foil and chemicals and will enable participants to set up a basic studio in their own home if they wish to continue with the craft.

Venue
The course will be held in the modern, light-filled meeting room of the Carleton Hall in Marino which can be easily
reached by public transport to Fairview or the 123 bus to Marino. Alternatively there is plenty of free on-street
parking in the vicinity.

About Madeleine Hellier

Madeleine Hellier is a glass artist and tutor who has been working with glass for more than a quarter of a century.  She has a small studio in her home in Marino and where she works mostly to commission. Madeleine has participated in numerous exhibitions in Ireland including Wexford Arts Centre, Talbot Studios and Gallery, Sculpture in Context and most recently Craft Gallery NI. As an invited artist Madeleine participates in the Hugh Lane Gallery’s education and outreach programme where she facilitates lunch time talks and stained-glass workshops.