Glass Class Certificate Program
Build Your Skills. Deepen Your Understanding. Create with Confidence.
The Glass Class Certificate Program is for people who want to move beyond completing individual projects and develop a deeper understanding of stained glass.
Over four guided sessions, you will explore the tools, materials, techniques, and decisions involved in creating stained-glass work—from selecting and cutting glass through soldering and finishing. You will have time to ask questions, try different approaches, and discover which methods work best for you.
The goal is not to teach one “right” way to make stained glass. It is to help you understand your options and develop the knowledge and confidence to continue creating—whether at The Glass Patch or in a home studio of your own.
A Deeper Learning Experience
The Certificate Program is a connected four-session learning experience rather than a series of unrelated project classes.
You will complete two or three stained-glass projects totaling approximately 25 individual pieces. We will select those projects together, choosing work that interests you while providing an appropriate level of challenge and opportunities to explore different shapes, materials, tools, and finishing techniques.
Upcoming Dates
January 2027
Thursdays, January 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 6 pm
March 2027
Wednesdays, March 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 6 pm
What You Will Explore
Session One: Selecting and Cutting Glass
We will explore the history of stained glass, basic color theory, different types of glass—including mirror—pattern preparation, glass selection, and cutting techniques.
Session Two: Shaping and Foiling
You will learn about grinder use and care, different grinder bits, shaping pieces for a good fit, foil types, foiling tools, and techniques for applying foil cleanly and consistently.
Session Three: Soldering
We will work with soldering irons, solder, and flux while practicing smooth solder lines, consistent beads, intersections, decorative solder, and introductory wire work.
Session Four: Finishing
You will explore the final steps that turn assembled glass into finished work, including cleaning, hooks, came and zinc, patina, wax, chain, beads, and other finishing details.
What Is Included
The Certificate Program includes:
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Twelve hours of guided instruction across four three-hour sessions
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Two or three stained-glass projects totaling approximately 25 pieces
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Guided project and pattern selection
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All tools, came, solder, chemicals, patina, and standard studio consumables needed for the certificate projects
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A $16 glass allowance for project materials
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A printed manual distributed throughout the program
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Four additional hours of Finishing Time for completing certificate projects or catching up on project work
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A certificate of completion after all four instructional sessions and the projects are complete
The certificate recognizes completion of the program and its projects. Your work is not graded, and there is no formal skills test.
Designed Around the Way You Learn
People do not all learn at the same pace or in exactly the same way.
Throughout the program, I will demonstrate techniques, explain why each step matters, help you practice, and give you room to begin trusting your own hands and decisions. You will be encouraged to ask questions, experiment with different tools and methods, and look beyond the imperfections that can capture your attention while you are learning.
By the end of the program, you should have a stronger understanding of the complete stained-glass process, a clearer sense of which tools and techniques work well for you, and greater confidence in your ability to continue creating more independently.
Program Options
Cohort Certificate Program
$475 per participant
Four three-hour classes held once a week for four consecutive weeks
Two to four participants
All four dates are published before registration opens, and participants register for the complete series.
You may pay the full $475 program fee when registering or reserve your place with a $175 deposit. The remaining $300 is due 14 days before the first class.
A minimum of two participants is required for a cohort to run. If the minimum is not met, you may transfer your payment to a future cohort, receive a full refund, or upgrade to the private program by paying the difference.
Private Certificate Program
$750 for one participant
Available by special arrangement
The private Certificate Program includes the same four instructional sessions, projects, materials, glass allowance, printed manual, and four hours of additional Finishing Time.
Because the instruction is one-on-one, we can move at your pace and spend additional time on the tools, techniques, materials, and processes most relevant to your goals. This can be especially helpful if you are considering creating a home studio and want personalized guidance about equipment and supplies.
The private program is arranged directly with The Glass Patch and is not booked online.
Fine Print
Prerequisite
Completion of The Art of Stained Glass—An Introduction is required unless you have prior stained-glass experience approved by The Glass Patch. If you are unsure whether your experience meets the prerequisite, contact me before registering. I will be happy to talk with you about what you have done and help you determine the best place to begin.
Registration and Cancellation
Registration closes 14 days before the first class. Later registrations may be accepted when space and preparation time allow.
Cancellations made seven or more days before the first class receive a full refund. Cancellations made fewer than seven days before the first class, but before the program begins, receive a 50% refund. Refunds are not available after the program begins.
Missed Classes
Participants should plan to attend all four scheduled sessions. If you miss a class, you will receive the relevant manual section and preparation guidance, and your included Finishing Time may be used to catch up on project work. Finishing Time does not replace the instructional portion of a missed session. Additional makeup options may be available depending on timing and availability.
Questions
If you have specific questions about the program, please reach out to Liz.