Each class will provide text material in PDF format and drawings and patterns in both Acrobat PDF and Glass Eye format for downloading. Any comments or questions you have can be posted on the class site at any time you like and the instructor will respond for you to read at your convenience. The class will be open 24 hours a day but only for 30 days following the start date of the class. A $40.00 Canadian (approximatly $30.00 US) fee will be charged for each class.
STAINED GLASS PROJECT CLASSES - the patterns, written instructions, and materials required lists will be supplied in advance of the class. Photos and video clips will be posted for your viewing and any questions you have can be posted and responded to by the instructor. These projects would be equally suitable for making something for yourself or for an instructor to duplicate later in their own glass classes.
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| LAUNCHING A BUSINESS – the most important tool is the right attitude. | |||||
| BACK TO TOP | |||||
| Do you want to sell more of your work - or turn your glass hobby into a money making business? This class will teach you how to do it. You'll get tips on pricing, negotiating, commissions, craft shows, trade shows, consignment, wholesale, and working with agents. Starting a new business is like pushing a car. The hardest part is to get the wheels to start rolling. Once it starts to move, it gets progressively easier to keep it going. This class will teach you how to get it started. Then it's up to you to decide how fast and far you want it to travel. Extensive text material is provided for you to download and read, then you can exchange comments with the instructor and other class participants. | |||||
| SOLDERING CLINIC - the only real shortcut is to get it right the first time. | |||||
| With detailed text and numerous video clips, this class will teach you 3 distinctively different ways to solder. Emphasis will be on how to create that elusive perfect bead by soldering in a smooth continuous flow. Soldering is one of the most difficult skills to master in stained glass work. The practice exercises you learn in this class will help you reduce the time it takes to acquire that mastery. Whether you want to improve your own soldering or better understand how to teach others how to improve theirs, this class will help. | |||||
| CUTTING CLINIC | |||||
Cutting is the first and most important glass skill. A good cut makes the rest of the job easy – a poor one makes it impossible. With detailed text and numerous video clips, this class will teach you 4 alternative ways to cut glass and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method. You can practice along with the video clips to master each method. You'll better understand how to improve your stance to make your cuts easier and more accurate and you'll learn techniques to improve cutting pressure – the single most important factor in good cutting. Whether you just want to learn to cut more accurately for your own work, or you want to better understand all the elements of cutting glass so you'll be better able to teach it yourself – this class will improve your own cutting as well as your ability to teach others how to improve theirs. |
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| TEACHING STAINED GLASS | |||||
| Being able to do stained glass doesn't mean you're able to teach it. Teaching is itself a skill. In this class explore various ways to coach your students – not only to learn basic stained glass skills, but to excel at them. Discussions will include different approaches to teaching, how to set up classes, and how to deal with problems in classes. Special emphasis will be placed on learning and practicing “detection/correction” techniques while to coach students and help them improve their personal skills. | |||||
| PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES – working smarter beats working faster | |||||
| If you hope to make a living selling your work, the difference between just scraping by and producing a comfortable income is usually determined by how quickly you work. It isn't necessary to do large scale production, but being able to improve efficiency can do wonders to cut your work time – and thus increase your income. This class will discuss several ways to improve efficiency, including laying out patterns for multiple cutting, making and using cutting guides, and even converting designs to help decrease cutting, assembly, and soldering time. | |||||
| SELF PUBLISHING – nothing beats doing it yourself. | |||||
| If you've ever thought about publishing your own patterns or a "how to" book, this is the class for you. Learn about the different publishing options, and how to market your book retail, wholesale, to distributors, and on the internet. Dennis has published many of his own books and he can help you do it yourself. | |||||
| MODEL LIGHTHOUSE | |||||
| Build a 3D model Lighthouse Lamp. Detailed cutting patterns, assembly diagrams, and step by step instructions accompanied by numerous video clips are provided for you to download. Any questions you have can be posted on the classroom board for the instructor to respond to. | |||||
| GLASS GUITAR | |||||
| Build a stained glass guitar. Detailed cutting patterns, assembly diagrams, and step by step instructions accompanied by numerous video clips are provided for you to download. Any question you have can be posted on the classroom board for the instructor to respond to. | |||||
| WORKING with WIRE | |||||
| There are hundreds of special effects you can create by adding wire to enhance your work. With detailed instructions, and numerous video clips, this class will show you how to strip different sizes and kinds of wire, how to tin it, how to add it to different materials, and how to use it to sculpt special shapes. | |||||
| SELLING WHOLESALE | |||||
| Although you will get higher prices selling retail, most working artisans have discovered that selling wholesale is the best long term business strategy. After downloading and reading the provided text material, you can discuss with other participants and the instructor the many advantages and disadvantages selling wholesale. This can easily be the class that sets you on the path to a successful business. | |||||
| PRICING STAINED GLASS | |||||
| How much to charge for something you make is one of the most important decisions you'll face in business. It's not enough to just make a good guess. You need to be accurate - charging neither too much nor too little. This class will discuss the important differences between costing and pricing and will teach you how to calculate the right price to sell your work. Several practice exercises will provide detailed demonstration to help you learn how to price accurately. | |||||
| STARTING A RETAIL BUSINESS | |||||
| If you're buying supplies for yourself, why not buy extra to sell to others? It's a great way to cut your supply costs and to make a little extra money while doing it. If it's too far to the nearest glass shop, maybe it's time to open one in your neighbourhood. This class will outline what you should do to get started, how to avoid common pitfalls, how to make wholesale contacts, how to price for profit, and how to build a customer base. | |||||
| PREPARING a PORTFOLIO | |||||
| Your portfolio is a key part of the professional image you present. The quality of your portfolio can make every difference to whether or not a gallery takes you seriously enough to accept your work. This class teaches you how to produce a polished package that will present you in the best possible light. | |||||
We welcome your suggestions and requests for any classes you would like to see offered.