Do I need prior stained glass experience?

No. The class is designed for beginners; Paul Schmidt teaches each step from cutting to soldering so students can complete a lampshade.

What materials are provided?

Materials are provided for an additional fee; the class listing notes a materials charge and includes instructor guidance and shared tools.

How old do students need to be?

Age limits aren’t specified in the listing; contact the instructor after registration for any age-specific policies or parental supervision requirements.

Is parking available at the studio?

Yes. Parking is typically available on site or on nearby streets around 5501 Jefferson Ave; allow a few extra minutes to find a space.

What safety measures are in place?

Instructors will cover safety protocols for cutting, grinding, and soldering; expect to wear safety glasses and follow instructions for handling tools.

How do I register or cancel?

Pre-registration is required. Check the booking link for specific dates, payment terms, and the studio’s cancellation policy.

Tiffany Lampshade Workshop in Midland: Learn Copper-Foil Stained Glass with Paul Schmidt | Workshop

On a quiet stretch of Jefferson Avenue in Midland, Michigan, an intimate studio class turns shards of colored glass into a glowing Tiffany lampshade. Spring Beginning Stained Glass is a four-week, hands-on workshop led by Paul Schmidt, a 40-year practitioner who guides students through the copper foil method in sessions at 5501 Jefferson Ave. Over 2.5 hours per class you’ll learn cutting, grinding, foiling, soldering, and assembly, finishing one project and leaving with a functional lamp and a new skill set.

This workshop stands out in the region because it teaches the copper foil technique, a lighter and more flexible alternative to traditional lead came, tailored specifically to Tiffany-style shades. Students work with colored and opalescent glass—select pieces that catch and scatter light—learning how different sheet textures and thicknesses affect the final glow. The studio classroom setting keeps work hands-on and social: class sizes are limited, instruction is direct, and tools are shared under Paul’s decades of experience.

Paul Schmidt’s personal history in stained glass adds depth to the experience. Previously a partner at Imagine That!, he brings practical trade techniques and patient troubleshooting, so novices leave with confidence. The course is structured: pre-registration is required, materials are supplied for an additional fee, and each student completes a lampshade-sized project during the course run. That structure makes it ideal for creatives who want a finished piece without an open-ended commitment.

Practical details matter: plan for concentrated hand work and short bouts of standing. The studio is an urban, climate-controlled space that’s accessible from Midland’s downtown and nearby neighborhoods. Parking is typically available on site or nearby streets. Because glass cutting and soldering are involved, instructors will outline safety protocols and provide necessary materials; participants should wear closed-toe shoes and avoid loose jewelry the day of class.

Why book this trip? For visitors to Midland, the class blends craft tourism with a tangible souvenir—your own stained-glass lamp—made under expert guidance. It’s an experience that highlights local craft culture and gives a sense of traditional studio practice without requiring long travel or specialized prior skills. Whether you’re a maker looking to expand techniques or a traveler wanting a hands-on Michigan memory, Spring Beginning Stained Glass delivers a focused, rewarding creative afternoon at a real working studio.

Classes meet at 5501 Jefferson Ave in Midland, making it easy to pair the workshop with a visit to nearby parks, the Pere Marquette Rail Trail, and downtown cafés. Sessions run on Wednesdays; check dates and preregistration requirements before you arrive. Small class sizes mean personal feedback on patterns and soldering technique, and completing a Tiffany lampshade offers a compact, display-ready piece that captures daylight differently every hour—perfect for a home or as a meaningful gift.