Create Your Own Stained Glass Suncatcher!

Join us for a hands-on stained glass workshop where you’ll learn the essential skills and safety practices needed to craft your very own 8-inch round suncatcher. Guided step-by-step, participants will explore the full stained glass process using the copper foil method—from cutting and grinding glass to foiling, soldering, and polishing. Perfect for beginners—no prior glass experience required, just a strong interest in learning stained glass.

Over the course of three engaging sessions, you will:

Class 1: Choose from two beautiful patterns, prepare your design, and select and cut your glass.

Class 2: Grind and shape your pieces, then apply copper foil in preparation for assembly.

Class 3: Solder your design together, clean and finish your piece, and optionally explore chemical patinas to enhance the look of your solder.

Safety will be emphasized throughout as you learn to use glass cutters, grinders, copper foil tools, soldering equipment, and the chemicals involved in each step. By the end of the class, you’ll not only take home a stunning handmade suncatcher—you’ll also gain confidence and foundational skills in stained glass craftsmanship.

*Please note students will need to provide their own supplies for this course. To help confirm the class will run before you make any purchases, pre-registration is required no later than January 7, 2026. *

 3- Part Workshop

Wednesday, Jan 21st, Jan 28th & Feb 4th, 2026 

Material

The most economical way of buying the basic tools is through "Stained Glass Starter Kit" available on Amazon.ca for present price of approximately $180.00.

This kit includes:

Glass grinder/grinder bits

Solder

Soldering iron/stand/sponge

Oil/glass cutter/distributor,

Diamond File

Running Pliers

Mosaic cutter

Copper foil, Finger Cots (cut resistant finger protectors).

Participants need to buy some stained glass - typically glass on Amazon.ca comes in 12 (or more) sheets of 4 X 6" glass. Glass is essential to being able to complete work in this class. At least this amount of glass is required.

In addition, the following materials are required:

Respirator mask, safety glasses, heat resistant gloves, cutting board/waffle grid, 12 X 12" 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick plywood/cork board for a working surface, grozier/nipping pliers, foil/pattern cutting shears, fid (plastic tool for burnishing foil onto glass), flux (either liquid, gel or paste), glass cutter oil, grinder coolant, metal push pins, scissors, silicone mat (at least 12 x 16"), Dawn dishwashing detergent, cleaning/fingernail brush, orange hand cleaner, glass polish/finishing compound (purchase a liquid form of car polish - not powder or wax as glass finishing compound costs $70/bottle)

A course waiver required at registration to ensure participants understand proper tool use and the inherent risks associated with working with glass and solder.

About the Instructor:

Cindy Friesen-Ford Ashurst spent her working career as a teacher/principal, adult instructor/sessional lecturer, counsellor and educational/school psychologist. Her education includes a B.Ed., PGD, M.Ed., as well as post graduate work in Art Therapy. Cindy trained in stained glass through Artistic Touch of Glass in Saskatoon, SK more than twenty years ago and has enjoyed making a variety of glass artwork ever since including: lamps, stepping stones, window/cabinet doors, tables, suncatchers, mosaics, and glass/tile cabinets. She has also been a lifelong artist in oils and acrylics, focusing on painting since her retirement until recently when she renewed her passion for creating with stained glass.