Stained Glass 101: Suncatchers
Break glass with your hands, then put it back together with molten metal.
Level: beginner
Ages: 14 and up
You know you’ve been dying to try stained glass, and THIS is your moment. In this fun, accelerated 4.5-hour class, you’ll choose from a selection of simple patterns — a mushroom, crystal, mountain, feather, and a few Hallowe’en options, among others — or bring your own stained glass pattern* to learn the foundations of copper foil stained glass. You’ll head home with your own handcrafted window ornament, ready to catch the light.
No previous experience is necessary! Your instructor, Kara, will guide you step-by-step through the entire process in a supportive, fun environment.
What You’ll Learn
- Cutting & Shaping: Learn to properly score, break, and grind glass into shape.
- Copper Foiling: Wrap your pieces with copper foil to create a “solder highway.”
- Soldering: Fuse your foiled glass pieces together and learn to properly handle a soldering iron using lead-free solder.
- Finishing: Cleaning and polishing for a long-lasting masterpiece.
What to Bring & Wear
- Required: Closed-toed shoes and long pants (you will be working with sharp glass and hot soldering irons).
- What’s Included: Absolutely everything! All glass, supplies, tools and optional safety equipment are provided. Just come with your excitement and eagerness to learn!
Who This Is For?
This workshop is suitable for anyone who wants to learn or practice basic copper foil stained glass skills in a fun and supportive environment. Limited to 5 participants per class. Participants aged 14 and up are welcome; those under 18 must have guardian permission to take part. Please note: the studio space is not wheelchair accessible; stairs access is required.
*Bringing your own pattern? The instructor has final say on pattern suitability. Check in advance by emailing your instructor Kara at kara@glimpseglass.ca, and cc your organizer Di at di@dotslines.ca. Limited to 5 pieces of cut glass, 5×5 inches maximum.
About The Artist
Kara Bussey is a Calgary-based stained glass artist, known for reimagining glass as both sculpture and statement. Blending traditional copper foil techniques with unconventional materials, her work pushes beyond flat panels into layered, dimensional forms—ranging from intricate botanical sculptures to wearable glass pieces seen on runways and in contemporary exhibitions. With 25 years of experience, her popular social media presence (@glimpseglass), and her book, Stained Glass for Beginners, Kara loves introducing new eyes to the magic of glass.
Kara’s workshop is offered on multiple dates. To find alternative dates, browse [here].
