Stained Glass Course: Leadlight Windows for Beginners

Learn how to make leadlight panels with our handcrafts short courses in Sydney!

In this hands-on course, you will learn to construct your own leadlight glass panel by practising key techniques such as glass cutting, leading, soldering, and finishing through cementing and polishing. The course is designed to be practical, featuring numerous demonstrations alongside your hands-on practice to effectively teach each skill. Please note that the maximum size for panels is 450mm x 450mm due to space constraints. Due to the nature of the work involved and the individual projects students may choose, some homework may be required on a case-by-case basis.

Our tutor, with over 20 years of experience, brings extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to the course, ensuring a thorough understanding of the craft. The course structure combines demonstrations with direct practice to help you master the techniques, offering a comprehensive learning experience. For design inspiration, you are encouraged to explore leadlight windows and stained glass designs online or in your local area.

This course focuses exclusively on leadlight panel construction and does not cover copper foil techniques, glass painting, or kiln-fired glass methods

If you wish to continue developing your lead lighting skills, you can enrol again for further learning.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this stained glass leadlight windows course, you should:

• Know the equipment, tools and materials used for lead lighting
• Understand how to design and execute your own window

Course content

What will be covered in this Stained Glass Course?

Week 1 to 2 - critical classes where you learn what is needed to complete a panel

• Learn how to cut glass and build a small practice panel with glass and lead provided

Week 3 to 8

• Discuss concept design and draw full-size
• Cut and build your panel
• Cement and polish your panel

Intended audience

Who is this Stained Glass Course for?

This course is for any level. It is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding people, or if you have weak wrists.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Course materials

• All materials are provided for your test panels.
• Boards and batons for building your panels. If you want to do a larger size you must bring your own. If doing a larger piece this will be discussed in the class so you can get the appropriate size boards and bottoms you need.
• Lead and solder can be purchased from the college when making your own panels.
• All other materials are to be purchased at the student's cost. Information on suppliers will be given in class.
• Please purchase your own tools as listed below.

What to bring to class

• Dust Mask
• Safety glasses
• Disposable rubber gloves
• Face Masks
• Ideas and sketches for a design
• One 2B Pencil and one soft eraser
• One or two A2 paper sheets
• Small set square
• Ruler, approx. 35cm long
• A Black art line 210 medium 0.6 felt pen

Please bring the following tools

• 1 x glass cutter (your preference: a pencil cutter or a pistol grip)
• 1 x grozing pliers
• 1 x lead knife
• 1 x lead snips

Tools can be purchased at Australian Stained Glass Supplies. 

*We strongly advise students to invest in leadlight window-making tools, despite the potential higher cost, as they offer superior quality compared to those available on platforms like Amazon and eBay.

Information on additional costs

• Hobby glass pieces can cost $18 or more per sheet
• Some suppliers sell scrap glass by weight and a small box of offcuts could be approximately $35

The cost of glass varies depending on the:

• colour and texture
• size of your design.

Health & safety

We advise against participation for expecting or breastfeeding mothers due to the use of lead in this course.

This course requires strength and precision, particularly for tasks like cutting glass. Please keep in mind that it may not be suitable for individuals with weak wrists.

For the well-being of all participants, kindly wear face masks and or refrain from attending class if feeling unwell.

This course is designed for adults aged 18 years and older.

Please wear closed-in shoes for your safety, especially when working with lead and cutting glass.

Additional information

Please note the following:

• To ensure your safety in class when cutting glass, please note your tutor might need to stand close.
• You will need to attend the first two sessions to get the most out of the course. They are the most important sessions to learn what is needed to complete a panel well.
• Tools can be purchased at Australian Stained Glass Supplies.
• Anyone in open-toed shoes will not be permitted to continue in the class.
• An apron or a throw-over shirt would be a good idea.
• Be prepared to get a little messy.
• You cannot take or borrow the tools and equipment from the college. If you require the use of the equipment in between classes you can contact us and we can make arrangements for you to be able to use space and equipment to help you progress further with your work
• Repairs and restoration of old windows are not taught in this class. We do not cover copper foil, paint on glass, or kiln-fired glass.

Additional supplier:

Ray Barlow Glass
26 Parsons St, Rozelle

Opening Hours:
Saturday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm only
(Car park access from Crescent St)

The glass sale area is located upstairs (Level 1), accessible by lift or stairs.

Please note:

* If you have specific size requests for your stained glass panel, please note that due to space limitations, the maximum size we can accommodate is 450mm x 450mm. Once enrolment is finalised, we will review your request and confirm whether it can be accommodated based on the class size and available space.

Lunch

For Classes running all day, a 30-minute lunch break will take place halfway through the class. Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch, alternatively, there are cafes and takeaway restaurants nearby.