Stained Glass Info & Studio Guidelines

Our Class Routine: Our stained glass workshops combine step-by-step demonstrations with plenty of hands-on making time. Your instructor will guide you through each stage of the project, including glass cutting, grinding, copper foiling, soldering, and finishing. The final 30 minutes of the class are reserved for finishing your piece, cleaning your workspace, and returning tools and equipment. Unless otherwise specified in the course description, you will take your finished piece home with you at the end of the workshop.

Please feel free to ask questions at any time! Stained glass involves several new tools and techniques, and questions are always welcome. Chances are that if you are wondering about something, someone else is too.

Get ready for class by: wearing closed-toe shoes, which are mandatory when working with glass. Long pants and sleeves are recommended. Please wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a little dusty. Long hair should be tied back while working with tools and equipment.

Material and Tools: We provide all the glass, materials, tools, and safety equipment required for your workshop. Please use studio tools only as instructed and return them to their designated place after use. You are welcome to bring your own tools if discussed with your instructor beforehand; however, the studio is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.

We trust our community to treat our studio and equipment with respect and care. Normal wear and tear is expected, but damage to major studio equipment caused by misuse, negligence, or failure to follow instructor or studio guidelines may be the financial responsibility of the individual who caused the damage.

Questions and feedback: We welcome your questions and feedback at any time. You can chat with us in person or email us at ceramikerie@gmail.com. If you have any specific needs or accessibility requirements, please let us know so we can make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Studio Safety | Stained Glass

Working with stained glass involves sharp glass, powered equipment, hot soldering irons, and lead-based solder. Your instructor will demonstrate the safe use of all tools and materials before you begin. Please follow the instructor’s directions and posted studio safety rules at all times.

Working with glass:

• Eye protection: Safety glasses must be worn while cutting and grinding glass.

• Glass handling: Handle cut glass carefully and dispose of all shards and scraps in the designated glass-waste containers.

• Grinding: Use the glass grinder only after receiving instruction. Keep the grinder’s water reservoir filled as directed and keep the surrounding work area clean.

• Workspace: Do not brush glass fragments onto the floor. Clean your work surface using the methods demonstrated by your instructor.

• Food and drinks: Do not eat or drink at stained-glass workstations. 

Soldering and lead safety:

• Soldering irons: Soldering irons become very hot. Always return the iron to its stand when not in use and never leave a powered iron unattended.

• Ventilation: Always solder at the designated soldering stations and use the provided personal protective equipment.

• Lead: Lead-based solder is used in our stained-glass classes. Avoid touching your face, food, phone, or other personal items while soldering.

• Hand washing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling solder and before eating, drinking, or leaving the studio.

• Work surfaces: Follow your instructor’s directions for cleaning your soldering area after use.

Note: We keep HEPA air filters running constantly to help maintain healthy indoor air quality.

Health, Safety & Release of Liability

By participating in a stained glass class or workshop at Ceramikerie, you acknowledge that working with glass, hand and power tools, soldering equipment, and stained-glass materials carries inherent risks. Participants agree to follow all posted safety rules and instructor guidelines.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Céramikerie and its staff are not liable for personal injury, loss, or property damage occurring on the premises or during studio activities. Attendees participate voluntarily at their own risk.