Do not take stained glass classes here! Thought this would be a fun thing to do, purchased a class for myself and my wife....wrong! The owner has no teaching ability whatsoever. Instead of an overview of the whole process, she just jumped straight into how to score and cut glass. Would be nice to know what the whole course would cover, what we would do, etc. The cutters we used were designed to be filled with oil (to lubricate the wheel and keep small chips of glass down) but she said but she doesn't do that. She said they can be dipped occasionally in oil, but never offered any advice as to how often, just said "it depends", with no further guidance, nor any oil actually offered. I guess as brand new to this we should know when oil is needed? We did learn how to cut, except it was tedious at times. For example one time she said "don't cut it that way...well you can..some people do...I don't...but you can if you want...it's really up to you"! Often when we asked "why" something was done, she couldn't really answer, and would become vague or argumentative. One time I commented on a piece of glass,mane she said it was "water glass". Not knowing what that means, I asked. She didn't really answer, but said she can just tell by looking at it. (Note going online online later I found that "water glass" is a term used when glass is stretched while being made, giving it the look of rippling water). Very frustrating when trying to learn. We chose a pattern, she then told us to first try to find pieces of glass that might fit from bins of shards from previous classes. Later, she offered some large pieces of glass to chose from, but told us she kept most of the good glass in the back, and to tell us what we wanted, and she would go back to see if she had it. Question...how are we supposed to know what colors and glass patterns we can use when we don't know what she has? Again, very frustrating. We finally said we would just take the patterns home and go online to find some colors and styles we thought might look good, and her comment was "that's cheating"...what? In our second class, we cut glass from cutouts from our patterns. Tough because trying to keep the thin printer paper she gave us from moving while trying to trace around the thin paper with a worn out markers was quite the challenge. Later online search showed lots of easier and better ways to do this. Grinding - this is where it finally got bad. After we had cut out pieces, she directed us to small table top grinders to grind the pieces to fit our patterns, and to take off sharp edges so the foil would stick...what's foil? On my grinder there was a huge amount of glass dust built up around the grinding wheel, which got worse as I ground, coating my hands with glass dust. After about 5 minutes, I overheard her tell my wife "you can spray a little water every now and then"...what...water? I asked her what she meant, and she said she forgot to tell me, and pointed out a spray bottle on the counter, and said to spray a little now and then. THIS IS NOT HOW THIS IS DONE!!! I found out later the grinders are designed to be filled with water, with a sponge that keeps the grinding wheel wet. This keeps the grinding surface cool, makes grinding much easier, keeps the grinding wheel from wearing out, and KEEPS DANGEROUS SILICA DUST FROM FORMING AND BEING BREATHED! There was no water in the grinders, and she gave us no masks or safety glasses. During our second class the AC kicked on, and we were blasted with a very bad, noxious smell. She apologized, said it has been doing this. Note: This is likely caused by never changing the filter, or the coils have severe mold buildup and have never been cleaned. Not good. After our second lesson, I went in and said we were done, didn't want to continue something that kept us frustrated, was taught incorrectly, and not safe. She argued, tried to get us to continue, and tried to justify the incorrect instruction. When she finally accepted we were done, she said she couldn't refund us for the 3 classes we had yet to take because she didn't have the money to refund us. Now it makes sense; her wanting us to try to dig through shards of previous cut glass first, and limiting what glass we actually had to choose from. Same with thin computer paper to try to trace around, worn out markers, no oil for the cutters, etc. The shop is very junky and cluttered, shards of glass everywhere. Note: if you try to contact her on the business number, you will never hear back. We called and left several messages that were never returned. When asked, she said she never checks messages or uses the business phone because of spam...what? She said that maybe we could contact her in her cell phone...but then never gave us the number! DO NOT TAKE STAINED GLASS CLASSES HERE! read more

I found this place looking for a painted rock to take back to Florida with me. I saw one in the window and went in to see if the owner would trade with me for one I had painted. She was so nice and let me switch them out. The store is so amazing, it has blown glass and stained glass. We chatted with the owner and a local patron who takes local pictures. We had a great time. We had fun and purchased five stained glass ornaments and a hand blown bowl. If you are in the area stop by and see the amazing glass in the shop! They also offer classes and studio time to make stained glass pieces. I wish I lived closer!!! read more

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SO. MUCH. FUN! Actually discovered this place through Groupon. I know... Winchester?!? Truthfully, it wasn't that bad when I left from Frederick, but when I had to return a week later, driving from Alexandria was quite the hike. At least you get to see some lovely Virginia countryside on the way So anyway, the groupon involved going for a Friday night glass fusing workshop. Regular is $40 which seems a bit much in my opinion but you end up coming out with some cool pieces. You have the option of making a tile or 6 small pendants for a necklace. I think pretty much everyone chooses the jewelry. Anyway, she shows you how to create, and then you leave them there for her to fire in the kiln, and return a few days later to pick them up. It was a very fun glass and I'd totally try it again. Not to mention the Downtown Winchester area comes alive on a Friday night and there are tons of bars to hit up afterwards. Great for a girls night! read more

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I took a four week class here and had such a great experience. Debbie is a wonderful teacher. I'm excited to give my finished project to my mom as a special gift. I highly recommend this business and their prices are fair they do a wonderful job! read more

This is another stop we made on our Winchester/Middletown/Middleburg day trip extravaganza. I saw some gorgeous glass blown ornaments in the window and wanted to go in. Once inside, the place was pretty haphazard. There was a table with different colors and patterns of the glass blown balls, and off to the side was some glass jewelry. Off to the side were some stained glass wall hangings in various sizes. As for the rest of the tables, they were half covered with unfinished projects and partially covered with tarps. After speaking to the owner, I learned they offer classes in how to make stained glass objects as well as glass fusing. read more

Old Town Stained Glass - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Winchester, Virginia

Erin is a pleasure to work with. I took her class recently and my cuts weren't the greatest, and she allowed me extra days to finish the project. She explained each step and has A LOT of patience! I have recommended her to others, and will be doing studio time to learn more. It was a great experience. I'm looking forward to my next project! read more

Not a place to purchase supplies. Website hours aren't correct and you have to catch them at a time when someone is there who can actually sell you supplies as opposed to someone minding the shop who doesn't know the prices. read more

During a kitchen remodel, I found I had to do much of the design and footwork myself. Old Town Stain Glass was a life saver in expertise, design and cooperation. The owner goes beyond the norm to help and create your requests. The shop is a consumer friendly showroom with a teaching and designing studio in tack. This configuration allows the owner to be more accessible to you, especially if you are doing more than just browsing. If only other contractors made themselves as available. Top of the line. read more