This course is suitable for all abilities since there will be time for everyone to practise the skills they need to design and create at least one leaded stained glass panel. Glass and other materials are provided but please expect to reimburse the tutor for the amounts you use.
The course will introduce or build on essential techniques and help develop creative ideas according to your individual needs. Materials and methods will be explained and skills taught to enable students to make at least one leaded stained glass panel during the course. The course is mainly a practical one and will include the following:
Introduction to the medium
Designing a panel and adapting a drawing or painting to make a stained glass panel
Choosing glass to suit your project
Glass cutting and breaking
Leading and soldering
Cementing and finishing
The structure of the course will vary according to whether you are a beginner or have previous experience, but will ensure that students work at their own pace.
You should be aware that a lot of the techniques are best carried out whilst standing up and some physical effort is required; however, the tutor will help students where necessary.
Beginners: This course is designed as an introductory course for beginners and, as such, everyone will be following the same programme. It will introduce all the techniques required to make a small (20cm square), non-representational, stained glass panel.
These are examples of panels made on this course in previous years:
Improvers: If you have an idea of where your work might finally be placed, you should remember to bring accurate measurements of windows, doors, etc, taking account of any rebate the glass will fit into.
This is an example of a panel made by an advanced student on this course in a previous year:
If you would like to discuss the course content further you may contact the tutor direct by email: You can see examples of Carole’s work on her website: www.itsablast.co.uk
Health and Saftey: If you are pregnant, you should consult your GP before enrolling on this course, as working with lead and solder can be harmful to the developing baby.
You must not wear open shoes or have bare legs (even if the weather is warm) in the studio. Do not wear loose clothing or dangly jewellery as it may get caught in machinery. Long hair must be tied back.
Please note that you will not be able work in the studio unless supervised by the tutor. The studio will not be accessible during the lunch and dinner breaks and after tuition finishes each evening at around 2100 hrs.
Carole Gray is a designer and maker of decorative stained glass, who uses many of the traditional techniques practised by stained glass artists over the centuries to create work which is highly contemporary and decorative.
Tools and equipment (eg soldering irons, glass cutters and lead-cutting knives) are provided at the Centre and a selection of glass and other materials will be provided for students to buy from the tutor as required. You should be prepared for personal expenditure on glass, lead, solder, etc of a minimum of £50 for a panel of about 45cm square. Improvers are welcome to bring their own glass and lead if they wish, and should bring their own glass if they need a particular colour or style for their design.
The following items must be brought for your personal use:
Beginners:
· Pencils (HB and 2B), a rubber and A4 or A3 plain paper
· Black felt pens in fine and medium thicknesses (Staedtler Permanent Lumocolour pens are ideal)
· A fine red felt pen or biro
· An apron or other coverall and old clothes
· Good quality ruler and large set-square, scissors
· Rubber or latex gloves
· A paper face mask.
Improvers:
· A piece of chipboard or plywood, at least 5cm bigger all round than your project (improvers). Please do not bring a board which is too much bigger than your intended panel as space in the workroom is limited. NB Please do not bring hardboard, MDF, old cupboard doors, etc as these are not suitable!!
· Any ideas, drawings, photographs or other source materials you may wish to use when preparing your design
· Pencils, coloured crayons, an A3 pad of plain paper, a rubber
· Black felt pens in fine and medium thicknesses (Staedtler Permanent Lumocolour pens are ideal)
· An Edding 780 Paint Marker in white
· A fine red felt pen or biro
· Good quality ruler and large set-square, scissors
· An apron or other coverall and old clothes
· Rubber or latex gloves
· A paper face mask.
Extra pens, or paints, charcoal, tracing paper and masking tape are optional. If you are travelling by car you may wish to bring a dustpan and brush, some rags and newspapers.
Recommended Reading: You may find it useful to look at one or more of the following reference books:
· The Complete Stained Glass Course by Lynette Wrigley & Marc Gerstein, Apple Press, 1996
· Architectural Glass Art by Andrew Moor, Mitchell Beazley, 1997
· Stained and Decorative Glass by Elizabeth Morris, Grange Books, 1995
· The Technique of Decorative Stained Glass by Paul San Casciani, Batsford, 1996
· Decorative Glass: a sourcebook by Nancy Fyson, David & Charles, 2001
Afternoon tea is available from 1600 on Friday, but the first formal activity is dinner at 1900 (with the bar open from 1845!).
Residents: Please aim to arrive between 1530 and 1800 on Friday to allow us sufficient time to show you to your accommodation and around the communal areas.
Non-residents: You do not need to arrive quite so early but please can you be here by 1800 as we need to show you the communal areas as well.
The course will end at 1600 on Sunday.
Bookings can be made by telephoning the Centre; we are open 0930 – 1700 weekdays and most weekends. Alternatively, bookings can be made via our website: www.field-studies-council.org