Learn two major glass art techniques in one extraordinary weekend. This unique course combines the best of both worlds - modern glass fusing on day one with Jen, then traditional leaded stained glass on day two with Kat. You'll leave with a stunning panel that showcases both techniques: a detailed fused glass centre surrounded by a beautiful traditional lead came frame.

This is the course people have been asking for - a chance to experience both fusing and stained glass, taught by two of the UK's glass experts, each bringing decades of experience. Over 50 years of combined expertise goes into this weekend, and you'll benefit from all of it.

The result is a substantial piece (approximately 45-50cm square) that you take home on Sunday afternoon - a genuine showstopper that demonstrates your mastery of two completely different glass art methods.

What You'll Learn

Day 1 - Glass Fusing with Jennifer:

• Glass fusing fundamentals and kiln firing principles
• Creating detailed decorative work using paints and materials
• Composition and design for a central focal panel
• Colour theory and combinations in fused glass
• Using frits, powders, and stringers for detail
• Understanding how glass transforms in the kiln

Day 2 - Traditional Stained Glass with Kat:

• Cutting leaded light glass to create your border
• Working with lead came (traditional H-shaped strips)
• Selecting complementary colours for your frame
• Assembly techniques for leaded panels
• Soldering skills for strong, professional joints
• Cementing for weather-proofing and strength
• Adding hanging fixtures

What You'll Make

One substantial mixed-technique panel (approximately 45-50cm square, though size can vary if you prefer longer and thinner) combining:

The Centre: A detailed fused glass panel you create on Saturday - your artistic focal point using paints, colours, and decorative elements

The Frame: A traditional leaded stained glass border you create on Sunday - complementary coloured glass pieces held together with lead came

The combination of techniques creates something truly special - the smooth, painted quality of fused glass contrasted with the classic craftsmanship of lead work. It's contemporary and traditional in one piece.

Design possibilities:

• Nature scenes with decorative borders
• Abstract fused centre with geometric lead frame
• Floral or botanical designs
• Architectural styles
• Contemporary patterns with traditional framing
• Personalized designs

Perfect For

• Those who can't decide between fusing and stained glass (why choose?)
• Anyone wanting maximum value - learn two techniques for one course price
• People seeking a substantial piece to take home
• Those interested in understanding different glass methods
• Students who've done one technique and want to try the other
• Anyone who loves the idea of combining modern and traditional
• Creating a genuinely impressive gift or home decoration

Why This Course is Unique

Two Expertss, Two Techniques You're learning from Jennifer (30+ years fusing experience, former Head of Glass at Glyndwr University) AND Kat (20+ years stained glass experience, works on restoration projects). That's over 50 years of combined expertise focused on your learning in one weekend.

The Best of Both Worlds Fusing gives you artistic freedom - paint, layer, create textures. Stained glass gives you structure, craftsmanship, and that classic lead-work aesthetic. Together, they create something neither technique could achieve alone.

Substantial Size At 45-50cm square, this is a proper piece of artwork - big enough to be a focal point in any room. Most beginner courses produce smaller pieces, but this combined approach allows for something genuinely impressive.

Complete and Finished Unlike some ambitious projects that need finishing at home, you'll complete this panel on Sunday afternoon. The fused centre comes out of the kiln Sunday morning, gets leaded during the day, and you carry it home finished that evening.

Please use the calendar above to select the course date and book

Can't make the date? Please email us to register your interest at jen@cheshireschoolofglass.co.uk and we can let you know when further dates are added

Take It Home Sunday Afternoon

Because your fused centre fires overnight Saturday and the leaded border is completed Sunday, you walk out with a finished panel on Sunday afternoon. No waiting for collection, no additional firing needed - it's done, and it's impressive.

Display Your Masterpiece

At 45-50cm square, your panel is substantial enough to be a genuine focal point:

• In a window where light shines through (both techniques benefit from backlighting)
• On a custom stand as a room divider or decorative screen
• Framed and hung as wall art
• As a door panel (if you make it longer/thinner)
• Given as an extraordinary gift - imagine presenting this!

The combination of smooth fused glass and structured lead work creates visual interest and demonstrates genuine craftsmanship.

Perfect Gift for Glass Art Enthusiasts

This course makes an exceptional gift for:

• Those interested in glass art but unsure which technique to pursue
• Experienced glass workers wanting to learn the "other" technique
• Art lovers seeking hands-on creative experiences
• Anyone wanting a substantial project with impressive results
• Couples who could take the course together (book two spaces!)
• Milestone celebrations - retirement, special birthdays, anniversaries

Gift vouchers available

After the Course

Having experienced both techniques, you'll have a much better sense of which speaks to you more (or you might love both!). You can then:

• Progress to advanced fusing courses if you loved that side
• Take the full 2-day traditional stained glass course to develop lead work skills
• Try copper foiling - a third stained glass technique
• Book 1-to-1 sessions to develop either technique further

Many students use this combined course to "test" both methods before committing to deeper study in one direction.

Your Tutors:

Day 1: Jennifer Barker – Lead Instructor & Founder

Jennifer has been working with glass for over 30 years, having discovered her passion for the medium while studying at Wolverhampton and Staffordshire Universities, where she completed a BA and MA in Glass.

Her expertise spans the full spectrum of glass techniques – from delicate kiln-formed pieces to large architectural installations. Jennifer’s specialist areas include kiln-formed glass, surface manipulation, and kiln-casting, but she’s equally passionate about traditional techniques like stained glass and copper foiling. For 12 years, Jennifer was Head of the Glass Department at Glyndwr University, where she discovered that teaching glass art was almost as addictive as making it.

What sets Jennifer apart as an instructor is her genuine love for sharing knowledge. She believes that anyone can learn to work with glass beautifully – it just takes the right guidance, encouragement, and plenty of hands-on practice.

Day 2: Kat Watson - Stained Glass Specialist

Kat leads our traditional stained glass and copper foiling programmes, bringing over 15 years of teaching experience and deep expertise in architectural glass work.

After completing BA and MA programmes at Sunderland University, specialising in architectural glass, Kat has worked with prestigious stained glass studios and currently works for Recclesia Glass in Hawarden, where she specialises in leaded panels, copper foiling, and traditional glass painting techniques. She collaborates regularly with big names like English Heritage and the National Trust in conserving their beautiful buildings.

Kat's teaching style combines technical precision with creative encouragement. Her work appears in architectural projects across the UK, but she finds equal satisfaction in helping a nervous beginner create their first stained glass panel. Her passion for traditional techniques and patient teaching approach make even the most complex projects feel achievable.