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STAINED GLASS
BEGINNER AND INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
STAINED GLASS AT MFS
At the Michigan Folk School, we pride ourselves on our ability to help students grow their skills. We primarily teach in the "Tiffany Method" or the copper foil method. This is an detailed process that involves cutting each piece of glass to size, grinding the edges smooth, wrapping each piece in copper foil tape, and using lead/tin solder to join them together for a beautiful finished product. We offer a wide array of beginner workshops that will teach you the foundational skills. Then, if you're ready for a challenge, you can take on one of our intermediate courses that require more skill and background knowledge.
BEGINNER STAINED GLASS
STAINED GLASS 101
Discover the beauty of stained glass as you craft your own project. Beginning with the selection of some amazing glass options, you will learn all you need to know to complete a small quilt inspired panel that is structurally sound and will last for years, even generations. The panel can be hung in front of a window or backlit with the help of LED lighting. Always an emphasis on safety, students will learn to use glass cutters, grozing and breaking pliers, and the soldering iron. Gain experience in the use of foil, solder, and polish to give your piece that stunning finished look. The history and evolution of stained-glass art will be discussed throughout.
Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 and Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
STAINED GLASS GEOMETRIC ANIMALS & NATURE
In this class, geometric animals and nature inspired shapes will be the focus. Much of the work is still straight-line cuts like Stained Glass 101, but a few more skilled exterior curves with slightly more complicated designs will be explored. Students will also tin or bead the edges of their piece with solder versus framing them with lead/zinc. Students will quickly learn that knowing how glass ‘behaves' is key to creating unique designs for future projects.
Friday, June 5, 2026 from 1pm - 8pm
PRESSED FLORA STAINED GLASS
Learn stained glass basics from Iman using the Tiffany, or copper foil, method while adding pressed flora inclusions she collects from all around Michigan. A garden of dried pressed flowers and plants will be available to use alongside any botanicals students would like to bring of their own.
Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 and Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 and Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
Sunday, November 1, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
STAINED GLASS PLANT STAKE
Create two (2) stained glass topped planter stakes for indoor potted plants, using colorful and light catching glass.
Sunday, October 12, 2026 from 9am - 4pm
STAINED GLASS PROPAGATION
Learn the timeless art of stained glass while creating a unique, functional, and decorative plant propagation tube. In this hands-on class, you’ll explore the fundamentals of the copper foil method, including cutting, foiling, soldering, and finishing your piece. The finished tube will hold water and support plant cuttings, letting roots grow while adding a colorful, light-catching accent to any space. Perfect for plant lovers and creative makers alike, this project blends practical horticulture with artistic craftsmanship. Your piece can be hung on a wall or displayed on a sunny windowsill.
Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 9am - 3pm
Sunday, October 11, 2026 from 9am - 3pm
Sunday, November 8, 2026 from 9am - 3pm
BLOOM IN GLASS
Add a touch of everlasting beauty to your home or garden with this intermediate stained glass class. You’ll create a three-dimensional orchid flower plant stake—perfect for brightening an indoor planter or adding a whimsical accent outdoors. Building on your existing stained glass skills, you’ll practice advanced soldering techniques, learn how to shape and layer glass for depth, and use the copper foil method to bring your orchid to life in vibrant color. By the end, you’ll have a stunning, hand-crafted piece of functional art that will never wilt.
Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 9am - 5pm
Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 9am - 5pm
Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 9am - 5pm
Sunday, November 22, 2026 from 9am - 5pm
STAINED GLASS MOSAIC
Glass-on-glass mosaics is a technique that creates transparent works of art with the same beauty and qualities of stained glass, but with mosaic techniques. Skills learned will include glass cutting, stained glass design, grouting and framing which involves cutting and soldering of zinc cams. The two day class will emphasize safe handling of glass and tools.
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 9am - 4pm and Thursday, July 2, 2026 from 10am - 12pm
INTERMEDIATE STAINED GLASS
NATURE INSPIRED STAINED GLASS PANEL
Create an intricate stained glass panel using the skills learned in beginner workshops and build on those skills to utilize curved cuts, advanced grinding techniques, twisted lead framing, and black patina to finish.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Tuesday, June 16, 2026 and Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 6pm - 9pm
STAINED GLASS STAFF
Gina Ferrara
Iman Hathaway
Kadee Spangler
Tully Williams
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