Kiln fired glass painting workshop

In this full-day workshop you get introduced to kiln fired glass painting: working with glass pigments based on metal oxides, which are fired into the glass in the kiln. You work on two small glass plates, put down lines and simple tonal areas with glass paint, and see how the kiln firing changes the image. After the first firing, we do a second round where we add extra accents and color using glass pigment and glass frit. We take the time to work calmly and to look at what happens in each step.

What we’re going to do

After a short introduction to the tools (brushes, sticks, knives, a painting bridge, a light box), personal protection and ventilation, and the materials we work with (ethanol with iron oxide pigments and glass frit — no heavier metal oxides), we go through three main steps in the morning:

we place your design on the light box and transfer it onto two small glass plates, so while you work you can always look through the glass and paint layer;
we apply an even layer of black glass paint (iron oxide) with a badger-hair brush, and then “pull the light back” with sticks, small brushes, or knives where the glass needs to stay clear;
we prepare the plates for firing and place them in the kiln for the first firing.

In this first layer we mainly work in silhouette and larger tonal areas. Fine contours and extra lines can be added in a next step after lunch, once we have seen the result of the first firing.

While the kiln (Hoaf speedburn) fires the first layer into the glass and the glass cools down again, we have lunch together in the workshop. There’s time to look at examples, ask questions, and hear more about other uses of kiln fired glass painting.

After the first firing we evaluate the results: how did the lines and tone come out of the kiln, what works well, and what do you want to strengthen or change? In the afternoon:

we develop one or both designs further;
you can add extra lines or structures where needed;
we add color using glass powders or glass granules (frit);
the plates go back into the kiln for a second and final firing.

During the second firing and cooling we discuss more advanced techniques, show examples, and there is room for questions about larger projects or combinations with stained glass and Tiffany.

Who is this kiln fired glass painting workshop for?

This full-day workshop is meant for people who:

are interested in glass and painting, and want to see what heat does to glass paint;
want to work with focus for a full day on one or two designs of their own;
want to work one-on-one or in a small group, with calm explanation;
might want to do a larger glass project later where kiln fired glass painting plays a role.

You don’t need to be an experienced painter or glass worker. We help you choose or set up a simple design and guide you step by step through painting and firing. If you do have drawing or painting experience, you can bring that into your designs and we can go deeper into detail and technique.

How the day is structured

The kiln fired glass painting workshop takes a full day. Roughly, the day looks like this:

Morning: introduction, design choice, building up the image, painting black line and shadow, first firing;
Lunch break: while the kiln runs and cools down, we have lunch together and there’s time for questions and examples;
Afternoon: evaluate the first result, refine details, add color with glass powder or frit, and a second firing; we close by discussing results and possible next steps.

We work in small groups or one-on-one, so there is enough time for guidance and questions. If the glass has not cooled down far enough by the end of the day to take it home safely, we agree on how and when you can pick it up.

Keep learning and combine with other glass techniques

If you want to continue after this day, we can plan separate deepening sessions. In those moments you no longer work only on test plates, but on finished pieces, for example:

a finished window hanger with your own design;
a painting with a more complex image, such as a landscape or still life;
a more narrative glass image or a portrait for a hanger, lamp, or window;
a larger panel that will later be placed in a window or door.

Glass painting does not have to stand on its own. You can also combine painted glass with classic stained glass or with the copper foil technique (Tiffany). If you mainly want to work with lead came or foil, we have separate workshops: stained glass and Tiffany. During this workshop we can look together at which next step fits your idea best.

In individual deepening trajectories we can — if it fits your experience and plans — also work with more intensive, more heavily loaded pigments based on metal oxides and glass powders. We can also use techniques that matte or etch the glass surface itself to create patterns and control light. These are not techniques for a first introduction. We only do that one-on-one, with plenty of time for explanation, protection, and clear safety agreements.

Practical information and costs

This kiln fired glass painting workshop is a full-day workshop. Included are:

a full day of work in the workshop;
use of glass, glass pigments (glass paint based on metal oxides), glass powders/frit, and the kiln;
coffee, tea, and a simple lunch;
two small glass plates you paint, and that are yours after firing.

For this full-day workshop we charge € 75.00 per person per workshop day. For individual deepening days or larger projects we make separate agreements about time and materials. If you’re coming with a small group, we align the program and planning with you.

Plan a workshop or want to know more?

We don’t work with a fixed schedule; we plan kiln fired glass painting workshops based on sign-ups. Want to join or register a small group? Send us a message via Make an appointment with:

that it’s for the kiln fired glass painting workshop;
whether you’re coming alone (one-on-one) or with a small group;
a few dates or days of the week that would work for you (or your group);
and, if you already know, whether you mainly want to learn the basics or are also thinking about a larger follow-up project.

We respond with a proposal and look together at what is doable. Not sure whether kiln fired glass painting, stained glass, or Tiffany fits your idea best? Put your questions in your message. We’re happy to think along.

Community workshop – The Owl’s Nest