Brilliant Birds with North Lakes Stained Glass

Come join us for a fabulous 4-hour workshop celebrating our fabulous feathered friends, whilst exploring the wonderful heritage craft of stained glass with a contemporary twist!With a choice of 4 different patterns to work from, suitable for both complete beginners and those experienced in stained glass, will you choose the stunning hummingbird/kingfisher, a cheeky freestanding seagull, an inquisitive puffin or create a petite wren/tit/robin?
Your tutor Kate will start by introducing you to different types of glass and design, covering how to handle and work with glass safely. Youll also have the opportunity to see examples of the pieces already assembled and other pieces of Kates own work to inspire you, if the surrounding birds in our duck pond and at in the bushes by the entrance at Rheged and on your journey to us hadnt provided enough already!Kate will then guide you through how to cut and shape each individual piece of glass, wrap them in copper foil and join them together using a soldering iron, before applying optional finishing touches such as patina (darkening of the silver solder) or painted details should you wish. You will be provided with a wide selection of different coloured and textured glass to choose from, so that your bird will be completely unique and personal to you.All tools, materials and safety equipment will be provided. However, due to the nature of the craft, please can you ensure you are wearing closed shoes (no sandals, crocs or sling-backs) and that long hair is tied back. If you wear reading glasses, it is also advisable to bring these for the close detail work!!As the soldering process does involve lead based products, it is not advisable for pregnant women to attend or those who are currently breast-feeding. Children between the ages of 16 & 18 are welcome, but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.Kate is a professional glass artist with over 30 years of experience, working with both the Tiffany and leaded-light techniques of stained glass. She moved to Cumbria 7 years ago, and was so inspired by her surroundings that she decided to change career and set up her business North Lakes Stained Glass, creating landscape and nature-inspired work. You can now find her work for sale online nationally and internationally, as well as at artisan fairs and in galleries across the region. Her portfolio of larger residential installations and public art commissions can be found on her website www.NorthLakesStainedGlass.co.uk.
Having appeared as one of the featured artists on the BBC 1 TV show Make It At Market in the spring of 2025, Kate now runs regular workshops throughout the year to introduce and inspire people to enter the wonderful world of stained glass, as well as offering one-to-one mentoring and studio space at her personal studio based in Keswick for those wishing to develop their skills further.9.30-1.30pm and 2.30-6.30pm
Max numbers 6
Min Age 16.
70. Additional Material costs to pay on day: 15 (or 17.50 if you select the larger Puffin option)Please note tickets are non-refundable. Exchanges to other classes by the same tutor may be offered more than 2 weeks before the start date (subject to availability).