Create your own stained-glass suncatcher in a two-hour small-group studio session in Santa Fe. Perfect for beginners, the class supplies tools and safety gear and teaches time-tested techniques to break, shape, and solder glass into a take-home ornament.
Create your own stained-glass suncatcher in a two-hour small-group studio session in Santa Fe. Perfect for beginners, the class supplies tools and safety gear and teaches time-tested techniques to break, shape, and solder glass into a take-home ornament.
The studio sits below street level, cool and focused, while Santa Fe’s high desert light pours over the rooftops above. You step through a coded front door into a workroom where shards of colored glass glitter like small, deliberate stars. Over two hours an instructor guides you through breaking, grinding, and binding cut glass into a finished suncatcher you can take on a plane.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Theresa Cashman of TLC Stained Glass · Santa Fe, New Mexico
The studio sits below street level, cool and focused, while Santa Fe’s high desert light pours over the rooftops above. You step through a coded front door into a workroom where shards of colored glass glitter like small, deliberate stars. Over two hours an instructor guides you through breaking, grinding, and binding cut glass into a finished suncatcher you can take on a plane.
Santa Fe’s art scene is rooted in centuries of craft—Spanish colonial metalwork and Native American jewelry traditions converge with modern studio practices. The techniques taught here trace their lineage to late-19th–early-20th-century stained-glass studios, but the setting feels local: adobe city blocks a few minutes away, piñon smoke occasionally scenting the air.
Geology shows up in the palette—the ochres and turquoise that define regional art mirror the land: sandstone mesas, volcanic tuff, and high desert skies. Culturally, this is a hands-on way to tap into the city’s maker ethos without needing years of training. Expect a small-group atmosphere, padded standing mats, and tools you won’t need to supply.
Practical guidance: arrive with closed-toe shoes and any readers you use; the studio accommodates shorter workers and offers full safety gear. Workshops are appropriate for beginners 12 and up; instructors handle soldering and lead-based materials with safety protocols. Plan 2 hours, allow an extra 15 minutes for setup and cleanup, and book ahead—spots are limited and instructors scheduled by signup. This class is an easy, tactile way to bring home a piece of Santa Fe light and color.
easy.
2 hours.
Light physical requirement—standing and fine motor work for about 2 hours; suitable for most fitness levels
The studio welcomes participants 12 and up; younger children are not recommended due to broken glass and soldering.
Yes—suncatchers are allowed in checked or carry-on luggage, but pack them securely; check airline rules for fragile items.
Yes—this workshop is wheelchair accessible and surfaces accommodate mobility devices; let the host know in advance for setup adjustments.
Full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start; cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
Santa Fe’s craft tradition blends Native American, Spanish colonial, and Anglo-American studio practices—modern glasswork is a recent addition that draws on older metal and beadcraft techniques.
Studios emphasize responsible disposal of glass offcuts and safe handling of lead-based solder; opt for studios that segregate waste and ventilate soldering areas.
Theresa Cashman of TLC Stained Glass operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The studio sits below street level, cool and focused, while Santa Fe’s high desert light pours over the rooftops above. You step through a coded front door into a workroom where shards of colored glass glitter like small, deliberate stars. Over two hours an instructor guides you through breaking, grinding, and binding cut glass into a finished suncatcher you can take on a plane.
The studio sits below street level, cool and focused, while Santa Fe’s high desert light pours over the rooftops above. You step through a coded front door into a workroom where shards of colored glass glitter like small, deliberate stars. Over two hours an instructor guides you through breaking, grinding, and binding cut glass into a finished suncatcher you can take on a plane.
Santa Fe’s art scene is rooted in centuries of craft—Spanish colonial metalwork and Native American jewelry traditions converge with modern studio practices. The techniques taught here trace their lineage to late-19th–early-20th-century stained-glass studios, but the setting feels local: adobe city blocks a few minutes away, piñon smoke occasionally scenting the air.
Geology shows up in the palette—the ochres and turquoise that define regional art mirror the land: sandstone mesas, volcanic tuff, and high desert skies. Culturally, this is a hands-on way to tap into the city’s maker ethos without needing years of training. Expect a small-group atmosphere, padded standing mats, and tools you won’t need to supply.
Practical guidance: arrive with closed-toe shoes and any readers you use; the studio accommodates shorter workers and offers full safety gear. Workshops are appropriate for beginners 12 and up; instructors handle soldering and lead-based materials with safety protocols. Plan 2 hours, allow an extra 15 minutes for setup and cleanup, and book ahead—spots are limited and instructors scheduled by signup. This class is an easy, tactile way to bring home a piece of Santa Fe light and color.