If you’ve ever been curious about trying a glass workshop, you’re not alone, glass is one of our most popular mediums at Our Crafty Place! With both fused glass and stained glass workshops coming up this season, we thought it might be helpful to explain what they are, how they’re different, and which one might be the perfect fit for you.
Let’s dive into the dazzling world of glass…
Fused Glass: Melting Art into One
Fused glass is all about layering and melting pieces of glass together in a kiln at very high temperatures (usually over 700°C!). You might start with a flat piece of base glass and then add smaller coloured pieces, stringers, frit (crushed glass), or even metal inclusions to create your design.
Once it’s fired in the kiln, it becomes one smooth piece — almost like magic.
What you can make:
Decorative hangings
Coasters
Suncatchers
Small dishes or ornaments
- and much more…
Why people love it:
It’s a relaxed and creative process — no cutting required in beginner sessions!
You don’t need any prior experience
The results are vibrant, glossy, and totally unique
Stained Glass: Piecing Together Colour and Light
Stained glass, on the other hand, is all about cutting different coloured glass pieces and joining them together using copper foil and solder. This traditional technique has been used for centuries to create windows, panels, and decorations that catch the light beautifully.
It’s a bit more hands-on and technical, involving glass cutting, shaping, foiling, and soldering.
What you can make:
Hanging panels
Window decorations
Traditional or modern-style designs
- and much more…
Why people love it:
There’s a sense of craftsmanship and history
You learn traditional skills and techniques
You get to play with shape, colour, and light in a tactile way
Which Glass Workshop Should I Choose?
New to working with glass? Fused glass is a great place to start — it’s creative, forgiving, and full of surprise results. Perfect if you want to play with colour and design without needing to cut glass.
Love detail and hands-on work? Stained glass might be your thing — especially if you enjoy piecing things together, using tools, and creating something truly eye-catching.
Upcoming Glass Workshops at Our Crafty Place
Fused Glass Workshop
Stained Glass Workshop
Whether you love the bold look of fused glass or the elegance of stained glass, there’s something magical about working with this timeless material. Come and give it a go — you’ll be amazed at what you can create.