About

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Firefly L'atelier Vitrail was founded from a deep passion for the art of stained glass. The process of creating stained glass is not only intricate and fascinating, but also immensely rewarding and enjoyable.

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Through our workshops, you will learn traditional techniques that have been practiced for centuries. These newly acquired skills can then be applied to restoring or enhancing your own home, such as creating and installing bespoke stained glass panels using either traditional lead came or the Tiffany copper foil method.

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Many participants will discover that stained glass quickly becomes more than a workshop experience. It can grow into a fulfilling hobby, allowing you to create unique gifts for family and friends, and perhaps even pieces to sell. Stained glass is a craft where the works you create can endure for hundreds of years. 

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Tiffany / Copper Foil Stained Glass Workshops

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In this workshop you will choose from a wide selection of coloured and textured glass to compliment the design.

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The design is then transferred onto the glass, after which each piece is carefully cut. The edges are then ground smooth to ensure accuracy and a precise fit. Once all pieces fit together correctly, the glass is thoroughly cleaned before copper foil is applied around each edge. The foil is then burnished to ensure it adheres firmly to the glass.​

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A chemical flux is applied to allow the solder to flow smoothly during the soldering process. You will then solder both sides and the edges of your piece.

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The finished piece is cleaned again to neutralise the flux. A patina can then be applied if a darker finish is desired. Finally, the piece is waxed and polished to protect it and prevent oxidation.​

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The result: your very own stained-glass creation to take home.

 

Leaded Stained Glass Workshops

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These workshops introduce the traditional leaded stained glass techniques that have been used by artisans for many hundreds of years.​

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Participants must first complete at least the one-day Taster Session. Leaded panels are generally larger, and glass is an expensive material, so it is important that participants have developed sufficient cutting skills before progressing to this stage. 

The Taster Session allows you to explore and practice cutting plain glass before attempting textured and coloured glass.

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You will begin by transferring the design onto your chosen glass. Each piece is then cut, ground and washed, ensuring a precise fit within the pattern.​

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Next, you will learn how to stretch the lead came and cut it to size. The lead is shaped and angled so that the glass fits securely within the grooves of the came. The pieces are then assembled and held in place with traditional horseshoe nails.​

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Historically, with Lead panels tallow  candles were used to apply flux before soldering. You will solder the joints where the lead came meets, working on both sides of the panel.​

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Once soldering is complete, the piece is cleaned thoroughly. You will then learn how to prepare a traditional stained-glass cement using an historic recipe. This cement is applied beneath the lead came on both sides of the panel, providing both rigidity and waterproofing, a method still used for stained glass window installations today.​

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Whiting powder is sprinkled over the panel and brushed in to help absorb moisture and assist the drying process. Excess material is removed from the glass as the panel dries.

The final stage involves polishing the piece using traditional grate polish, bringing out the finished appearance of the lead and glass.

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