Tiffany workshop (copper foil technique)

In the Tiffany workshop at The Owl’s Nest you get introduced to the copper foil technique: small pieces of glass that you first grind, then wrap with foil, and finally solder into one whole. In about four hours you go through the entire process, from a simple design to a small finished piece.

What we’re going to do

We start with a short explanation of the Tiffany technique, how it differs from classic stained glass (lead came), and the tools we use. Then you pick a small, flat design — for example an abstract motif, a simple flower, or a small hanger — and you work step by step. You learn:

how to cut glass to size using a pattern;
how to use the grinder to make the glass pieces fit precisely;
how to wrap the edges with copper foil (Tiffany tape);
how to solder the parts together into a solid whole;
how to check the piece and finish it neatly.

We work at a calm pace, with attention to safety and technique. You don’t need any glass experience. We show every step, and you’re welcome to ask a lot of questions. It’s not about getting everything perfect in one go. It’s about understanding what you’re doing, and building trust in the process.

Who is the Tiffany workshop for?

This workshop is suitable for anyone who:

is curious about the Tiffany technique and wants to make something themselves;
likes working with their hands and wants to take home a concrete, flat creation;
wants to work one-on-one or in a small group, with room for explanation and questions;
might want to do a larger project later, such as a window hanger or a lampshade.

You can bring your own idea or example, but you don’t have to. We have simple patterns available so you can practice the technique in a clear, manageable way.

Structure and atmosphere

The workshop lasts about four hours and can be followed individually or in a small group. We keep the group intentionally small, so there’s time to help you with cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering. If you get overstimulated quickly or prefer a calmer setting, mention it when you sign up. We’ll take it into account as well as we can.

Keep learning: larger Tiffany projects for individuals

For individual participants who want to go deeper, we can plan separate follow-up appointments. In those follow-up sessions you can work on larger or more complex projects, for example:

designing and making a complete lampshade;
a larger or more detailed window hanger;
more complex patterns with more parts and subtle color transitions;
combining the Tiffany technique with classic stained glass in one piece.

These kinds of projects usually take multiple half-days and often run over several weeks. These deepening sessions are meant for individual participants. For groups we usually stick to smaller, finished projects. For each project we agree together on the rough time and materials needed, and we plan the moments accordingly.

Do you prefer classic lead came instead of copper foil? Have a look at our stained glass workshop. If you’re specifically interested in painting and firing on glass, our kiln fired glass painting workshop is the better fit: Kiln fired glass painting.

Practical information and costs

The Tiffany workshop follows our regular workshop format and rate. That means:

about four hours of workshop time, individually or in a small group;
use of tools and basic materials (glass, foil, solder, and safety equipment);
coffee or tea and something small on the side;
a small Tiffany piece to take home afterwards.

For this workshop we use the same fixed rate as for our other workshops: € 50.00 per person per workshop. For follow-up sessions and larger projects we make agreements in consultation about time and materials. If you’re coming with a group (for example friends, colleagues, or a family), we’ll create a custom program and price proposal.

Plan a workshop or want to know more?

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

that it’s for the Tiffany workshop;
whether you’re coming alone and prefer one-on-one or a small group, or whether you’re coming with multiple people;
a few moments or days that would work for you (or your group);
and, if you already know, whether you want only the base workshop or you’re also thinking about follow-up projects.

We respond with a proposal and look together at what is doable. Not sure whether this workshop fits you — or whether Tiffany fits your idea better than classic stained glass? Put your questions in your message. We’re happy to think along, even if you’re still deciding between Tiffany, classic stained glass, or kiln fired glass painting.

Community workshop – The Owl’s Nest