Best stained glass classes: Master the skills to create stunning stained glass art

At one point or another, you’ve likely received a postcard boasting Notre Dame’s iconic stained glass windows or admired a lovely Tiffany lamp owned by a family member or friend. 

However, the exquisite beauty of stained glass art doesn’t have to be admired from afar and can actually be created within the comfort of your home — by you! 

To inspire you to explore this age-old craft through diverse mediums, we’ve compiled an eclectic list of stained glass classes you can start taking online today.

Interested in all-inclusive kits to complement your learning to have everything you need to get started? Check out our top picks for the best stained glass kits!

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How to choose the best stained glass classes for you

Our lineup of the best stained glass classes will give you the nudge you need to start pursuing this art form confidently — we’ve sprinkled in a little bit of something for everyone, no matter your skillset or experience.

Besides courses covering traditional stained glass techniques, our guide includes a few stained glass-inspired classes using watercolors, digital software, paint, and more to replicate this one-of-a-kind aesthetic.

Before looking into the best stained glass classes and making your purchase, consider the following:

• Confirm subscription plans and pricing options
• Evaluate if course durations match your availability
• Review the required materials for each course
• Check the central themes and projects featured in each class

Keep in mind that to stay engaged, it’s crucial to choose a platform that you enjoy, whether this is Domestika, Udemy, or Skillshare. We think they’re all fantastic, affordable places to learn.

Read also: 10 best online course platforms

A useful way to learn more about what’s on offer before signing up is by watching class trailers; they’ll give you an idea of what you can expect without having to spend a dime.

The good news is that due to the nature of online learning, you can bounce around from one platform to another and enjoy a variety of teaching styles and instructors!

As mentioned above, we’ve included standard stained glass classes as well as a number of courses that will show you how to achieve this effect with other mediums. If you want to go with the real deal, stick to the first entries in the list!

Best stained glass classes online

Below you’ll find our comprehensive list of stained glass classes! 

Each course is unique, and our list has something to offer both aspiring and experienced glass artists who love this craft!

Happy learning (and creating)!

Contemporary Stained Glass Design 

Jarod Crews brings his refreshing, funky twist to the art of stained glass making in this comprehensive Domestika course. 

Throughout this class, Jarod will teach you the essential techniques to master this art form so that you, too, can create impressive, decorative pieces.

Read also: Domestika English courses

You’ll receive a detailed overview of materials, safety tips for working with specific tools, suggestions on how to set up your craft table, and lots of advice to make sure you craft effectively. 

Jarod will show you how to use visual references for inspiration and lead you through the sketching and template creation process. Playing with colors, tracing, copper foil, and soldering skills will all be covered.

By the end of this stained glass-making course, you’ll be ready to transform your newfound skills into colorful works of art! 

Domestika provides top-quality content and offers unlimited access to this class upon purchase. You can also sign up for Domestika Plus to take advantage of more stained glass art classes on the platform with a membership plan.

Stained-Glass Art: Explore the Leaded Technique

Next up is another beginner’s course on Domestika, focused on one of the most esteemed stained glass techniques: the leaded method.

Taught by Flora Jamieson, during this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of glass art design through the lens of the traditional leaded technique: all while bringing contemporary, modern-day inspiration into your work.

During this time, you’ll learn how to cut glass, solder, create a mood board, sketch your concept, and translate it for cutting. You’ll also be breaking glass (safely!) and stretching/cutting lead before setting up for your project: a nature-inspired, glass-stained panel.

And, of course, you’ll polish and paint details for the final touches! One of the things I really like about this course is how Flora goes over tips and tricks to hang your piece or package it for a memorable gift.

If you’re looking for age-old techniques to create beautiful, modern art, this is one of the best stained glass classes available on Domestika now. Remember: besides individual purchases, the platform offers a monthly/yearly subscription plan: Domestika Plus.

Stained Glass with Pressed Flowers: The Tiffany Method

If you love one-of-a-kind decorative glass art and mixed medium projects, this is one of the best stained glass classes on Domestika to learn the ins and outs of the well-known Tiffany method (copper foil method).

Throughout this course, instructor Molly Jackson will teach you how to bring out the magic with three fundamental elements — light, color, and perspective. In addition, you’ll learn how to incorporate nature/floral motifs with the Tiffany method and create your very own piece from start to finish!

Using reference images, studying glass composition and texture, pressing flowers, and cutting and grinding glass are some skills you’ll master by the end of this course. You can find a lot of great flower press kits on Etsy and Amazon to help you complete your project!

Before incorporating your botanical pieces, you’ll also apply copper foil tape and solder wire to your glass. You’ll also learn how to solder your piece together through different framing methods for beautiful effects.

This course is a fantastic option if you want to learn the essentials of this famous method to make incredible art pieces from home. Better yet, this course is currently available on a Domestika Plus subscription!

Learn How to Make a Basic Stained Glass Window

Stained glass art veteran KT Caselli shares 20 years’ worth of artistic experience with this medium in this Udemy course.

This is an excellent option if you’re looking for stained glass classes for complete beginners. However, it’s also a perfect stop for more advanced crafters looking to update their skills.

Read also: Udemy vs. Domestika

By the end of this course, you’ll know how to master essential tools, cut glass safely, create patterns, solder, and have an amazing sample of a stained glass window to display. 

The techniques you’ll acquire during this class will give you the skills needed to create other objects, such as sun-catchers and lamps! KT will also provide two bonus lectures and downloadable resources to make sure you have it all!

Don’t miss out on one of the best stained glass classes on Udemy, and enjoy unlimited access to course content after purchase.

Make Unique Mosaics for Fun, Decorating, and Profit! 

Another of KT Caselli’s stained glass classes is this mosaic-inspired course on Udemy!

For over an hour, your instructor will guide you through the world of tesserae and patterns to show you how you can incorporate stained glass into your work for remarkable aesthetic results. 

You’ll learn techniques to cut stained glass to embellish tesserae, as well as fine-tune criteria to select the best bits and pieces to successfully assemble your work. 

Taking a few in-person or online mosaic classes is also a great way to complement what you learn here!

Throughout this course, you’ll be creating a decorative mosaic from start to finish — a great way to unearth potential hidden talents and inspire future artistic endeavors, whether for fun or business.

Introduction to Stained Glass

Skillshare is a great platform to find stained glass classes and this course is the perfect place to start! 

With the help of crafter Frannie Shaw, this beginner-level course is ideal for curious crafters who want to understand what this art form is all about. 

Read also:  Skillshare vs. Domestika

During this class, you’ll be provided with a complete list of fundamental materials, tips on workspace setup, and advice on safety measures for cutting and grinding glass. As your class project, you’ll be creating an accessory of a stained glass butterfly. 

Some of the demanding skills covered include pattern transferring, copper foiling, soldering, embellishment techniques, and waxing. Believe me; you’ll be a natural by the time you’re done! 

To take this course, you’ll need to get on a Skillshare subscription, but you can also take advantage of a free trial by clicking below — it unlocks access to all of the Skillshare stained glass classes in our guide.

Gothic Church Artwork: Stained Glass and Sculpture 

If you’re keen on knowing more about the history of stained glass, this Udemy course is just the thing for you.

Lectured by professor and Art History expert Dr. Lily Filson, this course will provide you with the context and historical background of this ancient art form. 

Read also: Udemy vs Skillshare

So what exactly will you learn? The definition of Gothic art, its origins, subject-matter-related vocabulary, and examples of diverse mediums used to create this specific aesthetic — just to name a few.

Although this is more of an informational guide, this class will give you an interesting, straightforward approach to understanding Gothic stained glass and sculpture. 

This course is perfect for learners of all ages who are looking for old-school inspiration to pursue this art style. It’s also a helpful resource to complement the more hands-on stained glass classes listed in our guide! 

Abstract Painting – Stained Glass Method 

Andy Morris is the instructor of this Udemy course and will not only captivate you with his creative mind and skill as well as with his relaxed, friendly approach. 

Sharing one of his favorite painting methods, this class goes over the Stained Glass Method — a popular technique known for its juxtaposition of loose and rigid brush strokes to create a stained glass effect. 

Standing as one of Udemy’s highest-rated teachers, the abstract art expert will guide you through the mind and process of a painter and teach you how to conceptualize composition and design on a canvas. 

You’ll be encouraged to paint loosely while also having the discipline to meticulously add detail and delicate features to your work. And remember, you don’t need to go all out; you can take on projects with a basic acrylic paint set — and even a mini canvas if preferred!

However, if working with glass is what you’re after, I advise going with one of the stained glass classes above!

Doodle Art Meets Watercolor: Paint an Abstract Net Design 

Although one of the shortest stained glass classes on this list, this is a really fun choice for doodlers and watercolor fans looking to add stained glass-inspired effects to their art.

Taught by Karen Duchan, this course is broken up into different sections focusing on specific drawing techniques. In one of the main sections, you’ll learn how to create colorful stained glass patterns with a watercolor set and markers.

You can also do this with watercolor pencils! This is a step-by-step class during which you’ll be building upon what you learn in every section to complete a beautiful, stained glass-inspired watercolor painting. 

You’ll learn how to master the art of mindful doodling, study color schemes and palettes, and explore different design nets and patterns you can apply to actual stained glass-making projects. 

Want to improve your watercolor techniques? There is a bunch of quality, affordable online watercolor classes for beginners and up!

Watercolor: Stained-Glass Inspired Painting

Are you searching for stained glass classes that use paper and brushes instead of glass? During this light-hearted Skillshare course, Janette J. brings her love for watercolors and shows you how to get it done!

Letting you in on helpful tips to enhance technique and precision, Janette will show you how to add texture and color variation to your work to create gorgeous stained glass effects with watercolors. 

Throughout this course, you’ll access multiple downloadable resources and take on a class project: transforming a simple sketch of tulips into a beautiful watercolor glass art-inspired wonder.

Your teacher will guide you every step of the way, demonstrating how to build up from a simple sketch to an impressive stained glass-looking work of art! 

With practice, a quality watercolor block or watercolor sketchbook, and a few paints, you’ll not only have fun but will realize how easily you can make lovely art to display or to gift your loved ones.

Procreate Trends! Illustrate with Stained Glass Art Effect in Procreate, Plus Free Brushes

Unlike the previous stained glass classes, this Skillshare course taught by calligrapher Simone Sloan will show you the potential of using technology to replicate the unique aesthetic of stained glass.

Before you sign up, make sure you have an iPad and the Procreate app: Android tablets aren’t yet compatible with this software.

Simone will guide you through the functions, textures, and brushes on Procreate to help you bring your creations to life, whether for personal or professional endeavors. 

You’ll also be provided with a set of customized texture brushes to explore more effects down the line. Being a shorter class, having a little bit of experience with the app beforehand will be helpful.

We wouldn’t want you to use this time learning interface features instead! However, if that’s what you need, there are better ways, such as taking a few online Procreate classes before getting started.

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That’s all for our selection of the best stained glass classes online! Do you have any more recommendations? Let everyone know in the comments below!