Stained Glass Painting Class

Traditional Stained Glass Painting

One-day taster class

In this class you will be introduced to the techniques of painting and firing images onto glass using the traditional paints and materials. You will choose an image and paint the tracing lines and introduce shading and stain to make a permanent glass painting. Originality is not required at this introductory stage; this class is an introduction to the techniques that will enable you to determine if this is a medium for you without a large expenditure of time or money.

Date: Saturday 28 April 2012, 10am to 5pm in a well equipped studio with access to materials and kilns.

Location: Studio 8, 77 Hanson St, Glasgow, G31 2HF

Cost: £100 includes all tools, materials, kiln firings, and instruction.

Tiffany Stained Glass Class

Copper Foil Technique

One-day Taster Class

Become familiar with the Tiffany (copper foil) stained glass techinque. In this one-day taster, you will create a suncatcher from a selection of cartoons. You will choose the glass, cut it, foil it and solder the panel to create a colourful addition for your windows.

Date: Saturday 26^th May 2012, 10 am to 5pm in a well-equipped working studio with access to a wide variety of glass and tools.

Location:  Studio 8, 77 Hanson St, Glasgow G31 2HF

Cost: £100 including all tools, materials and instruction.

Glass Fusing Class

Glass Fusing

One-day taster class

In this one-day class you will explore the possibilities of kiln formed glass and be able to determine if this as a medium for you. You will explore the manipulation of glass through cutting, colour combinations, thickness effects, glass arrangement, and inclusions to make four tiles, one platter and one small bowl.

Date and Location: March 24^th, 10am to 5pm in a working glass studio with access to a vairiety of tools and kilns.

Cost: £100, includes the use of all tools, the materials used, the kiln firings and the instruction.

Stained Glass Class

Stained Glass Taster

One-day course

In this one day course you will become familiar with the techniques of leaded glass through making a panel of about 10 pieces. You will select from a group of prepared cartoons, select and cut glass, lead the glass, solder and finish the panel with hanging loops.  This will enable you to try out the medium without a big time commitment or cost.

Course details: Saturday 25^th February, 10am – 5pm

Location: Studio 8, 77 Hanson St, Glasgow G31 2HF

Course fee: £100 - covers all tools, materials, and instruction.

Glass Beads

Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:00

6th to 20th  December 2011

Objective:

Make your own glass beads using glass and heat 

Syllabus for the course

1^st week:

Learn operation of the torch and manipulation of glass and mandrels to make basic beads. Make stringers and twisties.

2^nd week:

Make round, square and other shaped beads

3^rd week:

Casing, decoration and exploration of chosen elements.

Cost: £75.00 includes one-to-one instruction, all tools, torch, gases, glass

Location:

Studio 8, WASPS Studios, 77 Hanson Street, Glasgow G31 2HF

Telephone 0141 556 5700

email: stephen.richard43@gmail.com

Fused Glass Evening Classes

Kiln Forming
Tuesdays, 7:00 – 9:00pm

10 January to 28 February 2012

Objective:
Develop skills and understanding of heat effects on glass and make some beautiful objects.

Description:
The course will develop skills and knowledge about cutting glass; colour combinations; thickness effects; kiln operations and heat control; effects of glass arrangement; inclusions; results at different temperatures.

Eight sessions; £200 includes instruction and all tools, glass, materials and kiln firings. You will have a number of items to take away with you at the end of the course.

Syllabus:
Session 1 - Cut glass to patterns using correct pressure and body control, colour combination, principles of firing schedules
Session 2 – exercises relating to effects of thickness – tiles and small squares and rectangles; initial instruction on kiln operations
Session 3 – layering glass, composition and effects of variations
Session 4 - Inclusions – metals – and accessories – frit, confetti, stringers
Session 5 - Tack fusing
Session 6 – Full/flat fusing
Session 7 – Slumping
Session 8 – Kiln carving

Continuation:
You can continue your experience by use of the Open Studio on Tuesdays by appointment. Use of the kilns is subject to availability.

Location:
Studio 8, WASPS Studios, 77 Hanson Street, Glasgow G31 2HF
Telephone 0141 556 5700

Leaded Glass Evening Class

Leaded Glass
Tuesdays,  7:00 – 9:00pm

27th September to 29th November 2011  and
11 April to 5 June 2012

Objective:
Develop skills in lead light construction.

Description:
The course will develop skills and knowledge in glass cutting, designing cartoons, cutting from the cartoons; lead calme - its use and manipulation; soldering; cementing and finishing.

Eight sessions; £150 includes instruction, tools and materials. You will have a completed panel to take away with you.

Syllabus
Session 1 - cutting glass with appropriate pressure and body control, cutting to cartoon lines, cutting shapes.
Session 2 – Characteristics of glass for cutting, for combinations, cartoons – purpose and making initial ones.
Session 3 – Selection of glass, finalising and cutting from cartoon, and patterns
Session 4 - Continue cutting glass
Session 5 - Continue cutting, adjust to fit cartoon
Session 6 – Lead calme – description, cutting, fitting- butting and tucking
Session 7 – Continue assembly of panel
Session 8 – Soldering and finish techniques

Continuation
You can continue your experience by use of the Open Studio at £7 per hour including the use of tools on Tuesdays.

Location:
Studio 8, WASPS Studios, 77 Hanson Street, Glasgow G31 2HF
Telephone 0141 556 5700

Kiln Forming Taster Classes

Kiln Forming Taster Evening Classes

Tuesdays Sept 27 – Oct 11, 7:00 – 9:00pm

Objective:

Explore the possibilities of kiln formed glass and determine if this as a medium for you.

Description:

The course participants will explore the manipulation of glass through cutting, colour combinations, thickness effects, glass arrangement, and inclusions at small scales.

Three sessions; £80 includes instruction, tools, glass, materials and kiln firings. You will have a number of items to take away with you at the end of the course.

Syllabus:

Session 1 - Cut glass to patterns, colour combination, effects of thickness – tiles and small squares and rectangles

Session 2 – layering glass, composition and effects of variations

Session 3 – Inclusions, accessories tack fusing, slumping

Continuation:

You can continue your experience by taking one of the full 8 week courses on kiln forming.

Location:

Studio 8, WASPS Studios, 77 Hanson Street, Glasgow G31 2HF

Contact:

Telephone 0141 556 5700

Email: stephen.richard43@gmail.com

The Open Kiln

The Open Kiln offers you facilities to develop your interest in kiln forming beyond classes and workshops. The studio facilities are made available to you to create your work.

Four kilns are available - three electric and one gas fired kilns. The electric kilns range from 400 mm square through 500 mm square to 2200 mm by 1030 mm. The gas fired kiln which is suitable for fusing, slumping and paint firing is 400 mm by 600 mm. The costs vary according to the size of kiln and type of firing being done. The electricity or gas used is charged in addition to the kiln usage charge. information on these charges

Staff will be on hand to answer questions and give guidance with your projects and in the firing of the kiln. You can use your own glass or buy at the studio. You will need to have your own hand tools. Firing fees and mould rental charges apply. Contact Stephen to learn more about the charges.

At least one class in kiln formed glass is a prerequisite. It is expected that you will have some experience in and knowledge of kiln forming.

To enquire about an open kiln session contact Stephen Richard

The Open Torch

The Open Torch offers you facilities to develop your skills in torch working beyond the basics of classes and workshops.

The studio facilities are made available by appointment to you to create your work. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and give guidance with your projects and in the annealing of your pieces. You can use your own glass or buy at the studio.

Firing fees and gas charges apply. At least one class in torch working glass is a prerequisite.

To enquire about an open kiln session contact Stephen Richard

Open Access Studio

Verrier provides an open access arrangement for those without space or all the required equipment to make use of the studio and its facilities. This is done at times when there are no other major works in progress.


Bench space and a variety of machines are made available to the enthusiast to enable them to pursue their interest without the necessity of having to sign up to classes or obtain expensive premises and machines. It is expected that you will have your own hand tools and minor supplies such as paper and pencils.




Staff will be on hand to assist where necessary, although it is expected that a certain level of competence has already been achieved. The studio is outfitted for a variety of techniques: copper foil, leaded glass, kiln forming, and cold working.





Supplies are available for purchase if desired, but your own materials can be used when ever you wish.
You can make use of the studio on an hourly or a daily basis exclusive of major machine use. Go here for the charges.
To arrange a session, contact Stephen Richard

Comments on Workshops and Classes, 2011

Comments relating to Workshops and Evening Classes in 2011:

"I thoroughly enjuoyed the days, particularly as Steve varied it to suit the wishes of those present."

"Having used the facilities before, I knew what to expect on a one-to-one basis - Steve was every bit as good with four-to-one."

"Had a really nice time."

"Was always excited on a Tuesday to see how things turned out." [fusing evening classes]

"Everyone was nice and helpful. Always available for advice and nothing was too much trouble."

"No hurry, allowed to go at my own pace."

"Could I have a follow up from this one - more advanced - and using additional techniques?"

Fusing Workshop

Fusing glass together with heat is a wonderful experience. Cut and arrange the glass, place it in the kiln overnight and view a transformed piece of work the next morning! This decorative glass technique has immediate appeal and great versatility. The workshop combines two of the most popular forms of kiln working - fusing and slumping to give you either dramatic or subtle colours and shapes for the house or garden.

You will prepare a number of tests on the first day, using a variety of materials - metals, frits, confetti, mica, stringer and even cut glass. Discussions of kiln forming basics - glass, mould materials, firings, etc., will be interspersed with demonstrations and actual making.

This workshop integrates the fundamentals of kiln process with exercises. You will use clear and coloured glass to illustrate the principle of design and colour. You will make numerous studies beginning with basic materials and methods, building on them to create pieces to integrate them into your bowls. Several bowls will be produced during the workshop.

The workshop is held an a large bright and airy (but warm) working studio. The workshop is limited to a maximum of six people to give you individual attention. All kiln-forming classes are taught using Bullseye glass - the premiere fusing glass. All tools and materials and kiln firings are provided in the workshop fees.

Date: February 26-27, 2011
Time: 10:00am - 4:30pm or later if required
Price £175

Booking: A deposit of £50 is required one week before the workshop to secure your place.
Contact details

Selection of a Training Course

Often selecting training in glass is a lottery. It most commonly is done through propinquity and incidental knowledge. Most often a course is chosen because information came to hand of a class that is being held nearby. These are not always the best criteria. It may be better to travel for a course that fits your needs better.

There are some things that you can check to help determine whether the course being offered is the one for you.

The first of course, is whether the instruction will meet your interests. Yes, the title has caught your attention, but you need to find out if the syllabus covers your area of interest adequately.
· Inquire for a syllabus or teaching outline. If there is not one, you may have a question on whether the course is well planned, as well as whether it deals with your interests.
· Ensure the course level is appropriate to your needs. Are there any prerequisites in terms of experience or ability?

Another important element in selection is the person who is leading the course. The leader may of course, may have brought in teacher for this subject, so you need to know things about both.
What is the background to the course leader? Some of the things you might want to find out are:
· Is the course leader part of a business providing materials,
· Is it in a centre of excellence
· Is it an accredited education provider
· Is the leader a studio owner or artist
· What is the history or experience in providing training courses
Who is the teacher? Some to the things you should ask about in addition to the person’s identity are:
· What is known about her/him? Is there a CV available?
· Where examples of work can be seen
· What experience does the person have in making in general and in making using the technique(s) being offered?
· What length of teaching experience does the person have?

Having satisfied yourself about the instructor(s) you need to begin doing some comparisons with other course offerings. Price is always important, but you need to know what value you are getting, so you need to know what is included in the price. Some of the things that affect price and value are:
· Tools – are they all included, or do you have to provide your own?
· Materials – are the materials included in the price or do you buy as you use?
· Equipment – is the use of all the machinery and facilities included? What is excluded?
· Food – are meals included and which ones? What refreshments are available?
· Length of instruction time – how many days are involved? What are the hours of instruction? Are there any extensions of instruction or working time?
· Numbers – what is the expected teacher to student ratio? This will affect the amount of time you receive from the teacher.
· Accommodation – if relevant, is it included? Is there any assistance in obtaining accommodation?

You should also find out about booking, deposits, cancellation conditions, and when payment is due.

Another element relevant to selection is the premises in which the course is to be held.
· Are they purpose built for the relevant activities?
· Are the premises general educational accommodation? Is it local authority classroom provision? Etc.
· Is the instructor’s studio being used? What space is available?

An obvious important element in selection is convenience.
· Location – is it near or easy to get to?
· Time - are the days convenient? Is the time of the day appropriate?
· Duration – how long are the sessions?

A really important element in selection is the evaluations by past students. These are difficult to get, and if supplied by the instructor, are open to doubt. The best source of evaluation is direct contact with past students. It is important to ask friends and other people in the field about the course being offered.

Documentation about the course is helpful in getting a feel about what is being offered. This might include information about the instructor(s), description of course, dates, times, cost, information on level of instruction, location, travel, facilities, and accommodation.

It is unlikely that you will get the best fit in every category. You will need to make compromises on various elements, so it is important that you think about what you want from the course. If there are one or two elements that you feel are important but not covered, you should contact the provider and ask about whether any accommodation to these requirements are possible.

Corporate Events

I recently completed a corporate event for the National Bank of Australia. No, I didn't get to go to Australia to present it - NAB is the owner of the Clydesdale Bank. As a team reward and social event, the team leader decided to enquire about an activity rather than just a meal.

This allowed people to try something new and have some tangible results at the end of the event. The people arrived from work at about 6:00 and were scheduled to continue until 10:00.
This was an intensive programme, both in preparation and in presentation. Food and refreshments needed to be provided for 10 people. Materials needed to be prepared in advance, so there was little cutting required to make the pieces. Additional instructors were required to ensure everyone got enough attention.

We finally began to do some of the work at about 7:15 after eating. There was a good teacher : student ratio which enabled conversations about banking, family, music, and life. It was enjoyable for me and according to reports, enjoyable for the people attending too.

The organiser also reported to me that this was a cheaper event than taking everyone out to a meal. So the event seemed to score on the grounds of economy and novelty. Certainly, I am encouraged to try it again.

Training testimonial

I received this very pleasing response after a linked series of training sessions done in collaboration with the Argylle and Bute Business Development Programme.

“Training sessions with you were invaluable, essentially creating technical building blocks allowing me to develop my new skills. A natural progression from this would be the enormous increase in my confidence & knowing that whenever I need help or advice, I can call you & voilla!
Thank you. "

Karen Liversedge

Testimonials

“Workshops - These were well run with all materials prepared in advance and all equipment readily available.
Explanations were clear and concise. The fact that the numbers were small made for a more personal, friendly approach which I like. Any questions or problems encountered were readily answered and rectified by Steve. Techniques were taught well enabling you to practise these in future projects.

“Studio Sessions - these were well supervised with materials and equipment readily available. Steve was always there to offer support and advise where necessary, enabling you to produce the pieces of work required. Steve's expertise with the kiln ensured that the finished piece of work was successful.

“I would recommend both the workshop and studio sessions and will be attending workshops and using the studio sessions in the future. “

Elma MacIntyre