Stained Glass Taster Workshop: Inspired by the Arts & Crafts Movement
Discover the beauty of stained glass in this relaxed, hands-on 3-hour workshop, celebrating the Arts & Crafts movement and its enduring influence on design across Carlisle and Cumbria.
Inspired by the new exhibition at Tullie exploring the region’s rich Arts & Crafts heritage, we’ll explore a movement that emerged in response to the mass production and industrialisation of the Victorian era. Designers and makers championed the beauty of handmade objects, traditional craftsmanship and the belief that everyday items could be both useful and beautiful. Inspired by the natural world, their designs often featured flowing botanical forms, flowers, leaves and intricate patterns.
Discover the work of influential figures such as William Morris, renowned for his nature-inspired wallpapers and textiles, C.F.A. Voysey, celebrated for his distinctive decorative designs, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose work combined organic influences with elegant, stylised forms.
Drawing inspiration from iconic designs of the period, you’ll create your own small stained glass suncatcher, choosing from two specially selected patterns inspired by the Arts & Crafts aesthetic.
Whether you’re completely new to stained glass or have some experience and are keen to develop your skills, you’ll be guided through the process of creating your piece. Beginners will be introduced to the tools, materials and essential techniques, while those with previous experience can build on their existing skills and enjoy exploring the possibilities of coloured glass.
With plenty of opportunity to ask questions, experiment and enjoy the process, you’ll leave with a handmade suncatcher to catch the light at home, along with a greater appreciation of this distinctive craft and its place in Cumbria’s creative heritage.
No previous experience is necessary – just bring your curiosity and creativity!
All tools, materials and safety equipment will be supplied. 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 or those breast-feeding to attend, and children between the ages of 16 & 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
In addition, due to health and safety precautions, food and drink isn’t allowed at your individual workstations. However, if you would like to have a drink at your desk during the session, please make sure you bring a sealed/covered reusable drinks bottle with you.
A little about your tutor:
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 leave her NHS 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 galleries across the region. Her portfolio of larger residential installations and public art commissions can be viewed 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.
Tickets are £80 including material. Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.
Ticket options
Discover the beauty of stained glass in this relaxed, hands-on 3-hour workshop, celebrating the Arts & Crafts movement and its enduring influence on design across Carlisle and Cumbria.
Inspired by the new exhibition at Tullie exploring the region’s rich Arts & Crafts heritage, we’ll explore a movement that emerged in response to the mass production and industrialisation of the Victorian era. Designers and makers championed the beauty of handmade objects, traditional craftsmanship and the belief that everyday items could be both useful and beautiful. Inspired by the natural world, their designs often featured flowing botanical forms, flowers, leaves and intricate patterns.
Discover the work of influential figures such as William Morris, renowned for his nature-inspired wallpapers and textiles, C.F.A. Voysey, celebrated for his distinctive decorative designs, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose work combined organic influences with elegant, stylised forms.
Drawing inspiration from iconic designs of the period, you’ll create your own small stained glass suncatcher, choosing from two specially selected patterns inspired by the Arts & Crafts aesthetic.
Whether you’re completely new to stained glass or have some experience and are keen to develop your skills, you’ll be guided through the process of creating your piece. Beginners will be introduced to the tools, materials and essential techniques, while those with previous experience can build on their existing skills and enjoy exploring the possibilities of coloured glass.
With plenty of opportunity to ask questions, experiment and enjoy the process, you’ll leave with a handmade suncatcher to catch the light at home, along with a greater appreciation of this distinctive craft and its place in Cumbria’s creative heritage.
No previous experience is necessary – just bring your curiosity and creativity!
All tools, materials and safety equipment will be supplied. 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 or those breast-feeding to attend, and children between the ages of 16 & 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
In addition, due to health and safety precautions, food and drink isn’t allowed at your individual workstations. However, if you would like to have a drink at your desk during the session, please make sure you bring a sealed/covered reusable drinks bottle with you.
A little about your tutor:
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 leave her NHS 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 galleries across the region. Her portfolio of larger residential installations and public art commissions can be viewed 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.
Tickets are £80 including material. Spaces are limited so early booking is advised.
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