If you need competent, friendly help especially with a new project, the supplies for which you're not sure of, ask for MELINDA. She's patient, helpful, and very knowledgeable. I've taken a couple of classes at the garden (a mosaics class taught by her), and I was impressed at how patient she was and excited by the general glass medium. The Stained Glass Garden has almost everything you'd want for doing stained glass. read more

I recently had the pleasure of taking the ornament making class (usually the sun catcher class) with Melinda and was nothing but impressed. This class teaches you everything you need to know about the basics of copper foil stained glass. Some prior reviews stated they didn't provide the tools. That is incorrect. They provide ALL the tools you need in order to complete your project on the day of your class. There is absolutely no pressure to purchase anything past the class unless you want to. They even offer a 10% off for students for a week after you take a class in case you decide you want to return. I've been looking for a class like this for a long time. And i was so thrilled to find this gem of a place right in Berkeley! The one thing i would tell potential class takers, is that you complete ONE item in this class. Yes, it's a 5 hour class... but it's just that... a class. You are given all the instruction and knowledge to be able to return and complete a project on your own should you so desire. If you have any interest in taking a class here i highly recommend it. I'm returning for the leading class in january! I can't wait! read more

Just took my first Mosaic class with Julie. She is just wonderful, very patient, helpful, totally competent, artistic. Started the class feeling very insecure as it was my first class. by the end of the class, my Mosiac turned out beautifully. I will take more classes at the Stained Glass Garden. I loved it and the whole process so creative. Sparked the hidden artistic side of me . Thank you, Julie !! read more

I love doing glass projects, making mosaics, stained glass panels, and now fusing. I have trouble finding glass supply stores in my current location, but travel to Berkeley frequently so I have been very happy to have found the Stained Glass Garden. They offer a great selection of glass. I am very fond of Bullseye glass and they sell it there. The Stained Glass Garden offers many classes, some 1 day and some that go for several weeks. I have taken a 5 week Fusing class, and Julie, the instructor, was very knowledgeable and friendly. I was very happy with how my projects came out, and am eager to continue with what I have learned. Not only is it a place for classes and supplies, it is also a gift shop. I have purchased jewelry and even mouth blown glass ornaments. Many people have commented on my great finds. I definitely recommend the shop and will be going back. read more

Love this shop and the staff. I just finished my first 5 wk stained glass workshop and I was hooked. Mel is very competent and covers a huge amount of material. I went home and started another project on my own. Only made me realize how much I need to learn. Am going back for a soldering class. The store has all the supplies you need and a great selection of glass. Julie was also helpful and friendly. I live in Mill valley, but look forward to the drive to this cute little shop on 4th street. read more

A great place with wonderful people. We've taken classes and purchased materials from this business but not for years! Nonetheless, when I forgot my smartphone today and needed to find another store (not related to stained glass) which I thought was nearby, a very kind woman who was working in the store took time to look things up for me on her computer and let me use her phone to make some calls. Definitely "above and beyond...." Very deserving of business! read more

After receiving an unexpected call from the Stained Glass Garden questioning my original review, I've decided to go into detail to explain my concerns. I also can't help thinking that the confirmation phone number I left for the class was used inappropriately. I enthusiastically signed up for the tempered glass mosaic class, at the cost of $125, with the anticipation of learning a new technique and advancing my mosaic skills. I had never taken a class here before; but based on classes I've taken elsewhere, I anticipated a day of new experiences and challenges with a skilled professional. As the class commenced, I realized the technique was not to the level of sophistication or professionalism that I was after. We attached our collage and glass with Elmer's gel and heard a story of the instructor's severe reaction to epoxy. She mentioned other adhesives that could be used, but assured us that the Elmer's was just fine. I felt like this was a grade school art project or a great idea for a kit you could buy at Michael's craft stores. For $125 I expected much more. Per my telephone conversation: This is an all-inclusive, 5-hour class which allows you to complete one project and aimed primarily at crafters. (This was not in the class description, which states previous experience preferred.) Once everything was glued, the instructor proceeded with a grouting demonstration. Our pieces needed to dry at least 24 hours before we could grout, so it was impossible to complete the project within the 5 hours alloted for the class. (This was also not stated in the class description.) We were supplied grout and acrylic admix to do on our own. In the demonstration the instructor used a piece she had completed earlier. She flipped it over and a few small pieces of glass fell off! She commented that it happens and it's really no big deal. It may not be a big deal to her, but I just spent $125 on a project that could (and, I might add, did) have pieces fall off! When it comes to grouting I have experience - I've grouted counter tops, floors and other mosaic projects for both interior and exterior applications. If you do not have experience and considering that this in an interior piece and just a "craft" project following her instructions would be OK for "crafters". Otherwise, I would not recommend her grouting method and would seek assistance. Hence my recommendation for the Institute of Mosaic Art in Oakland. Not only do they offer classes, supplies and are in the area, but the instructors are also professional mosaic artists with commercial applications experience that is reflected in their teaching methods. read more

Stained Glass Garden staff did a wonderful job helping me choose patterned glass for eight new cabinet windows, which they then sourced, cut and installed. Sharon did the installation and it looked beautiful. This business was a breath of fresh air during a very problematic kitchen remodel project, so I appreciate them all the more. Thank you everyone!! read more

I've taken two 1-day stained glass classes with Melinda and now registered for the 5-week class. Melinda is a great teacher, very kind, patient, clear, and obviously experienced in laying out the lessons in a very logical way. So far, all of the staff members have been exceedingly helpful in my purchases of tools and glass. I'm looking forward to developing this new hobby and making it happen at the Stained Glass Garden in Berkeley. read more

I took a beginning stained glass class here. The class was great. I've been having so much fun with my new hobby. I love coming here and picking out glass for my projects. The staff is helpful but not overbearing and the selection is almost overwhelming. It's a treat to shop here. read more

Me & My husband paid prior to the stain glass class and both purchased a tool kit and upgraded some of the tools only Made it to the 1st class which was the tour of the store and the course outline we had a family Emergency and tried to change our class day from Thursdays to Saturday with the amazing Melinda and was told we couldn't no one asked our names or nothing then we tried checking if we could sign up for the following class and the lady was rude and could care less about us and the money we had already spent in Their register.. Waste of money they are not professional and the Best thing going for them is Melinda! Don't Spend your money here go next door and spend it read more

Cute store. Only in case of dire need will I shop there though..... Extremely overpriced!!! I buy most of my stuff online, like solder which is $17 each roll. This store marks it up over $10. I understand overhead and all... But when I need 5 rolls, that adds up. Especially when I get free shipping. Also, supply and demand..... They're the only store for miles. Also, they have packets to get people started in the craft. When I looked at it, I wouldn't use half of the items in it. And there are no substitutions. When I checked out I thought the bill was a bit high.... And it was because they charged me twice for a high priced item. I did feel as though they were a bit too incompetent. I'll spend a nice day going to Sacramento when I need other supplies. read more

Julie and the rest of the group at Stained Glass Garden set up a wonderful birthday party for our daughter and six of her friends. They are too young to take classes, but have really wanted to learn about working with glass. Julie and the team assisted them in over an hour and a half of making fused glass jewelry, and provided some space for all of us to sing happy birthday and have cake at the end of the event. The birthday girl wasn't feeling very good, so didn't make many pieces. The Stained Glass Garden staff helped her out by making a few extra pieces after we left, so she had some surprises when we picked up the finished jewelry. My daughter is delighted by the additional pieces, and the staff's thoughtfulness in helping make her birthday a little brighter! And we're all happy with the great support we got from Stained Glass Garden. read more

Very cute glass shop! Friendly and helpful staff. We came in for the drop-in glass fusing. We received helpful instructions and guidance. We had a lot of fun creating our pieces! Our finished products were shipped to us very quickly - much quicker than we expected. They were very carefully wrapped also. Thank you! We will be back :) read more

I came to Stained Glass Garden on the suggestion of the good folks at Bullseye Glass in Emeryville as well as the sales people at Blick in Berkeley. I'm so glad I did! They had a lot of great stuff - I was looking for an enamel sifter, which they actually had, and walked out with a ton more - textures of dichroic that I'd never seen before and a bunch of opal frit powders. I love that they have the powder in smaller packages too. They've got both 96 and 90 COE and the sales people are very friendly and helpful. I was very pleased that I took a chance on this place, it will definitely be on my to-do list when I need more glass making supplies :) Its a quaint and cute store with a ton of stuff! Only downside is that the parking is madness if you try to come on a weekend, but hey, its 4th Street in Berkeley :) read more

This place is amazing. I hope I can take their classes in the future. I am terrible at cutting glass but I really want to use their stained glass in my artwork. They have a glass cutting service I may have to take advantage of however, I want to learn this skill. The glass is too beautiful I'm afraid to ruin it! read more

This is one of my favorite places in the Bay Area - they have beautiful glass, wonderful classes and lots of supplies for the hobbyist. If they don't have what you're looking for you can always order. Yes, their glass is not cheap but I don't know of any stained glass store that isn't - glass is expensive. I've only taken classes given by Julie and can highly recommend her as an instructor. This is a great place for materials and supplies - not to mention gifts. Beautiful items for sale. read more

The introductory class can be fast-paced, but both Melinda and Jenna are very helpful and patient teachers and very interested in making sure that students have a successful experience. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, in my experience. read more

I have been visiting this shop, oogling all the beautiful artwork and feeling the itch to create. I used to create stained glass but haven't in years. This shop and all the staff inspired me enough for me to extend my visit so I could take a 5 week fusing and slumping class. It was the basic class but it was so informative. I cannot wait to take another class! I will be scheduling a visit as soon as I can! read more

I just finished my first 5 week intro to stained glass classes. I will say I am so glad I finally took the time to take these classes. I had Kat as my instructor who was amazing!!!! Very patient and knowledgable. Also Malinda was always around as back up help and to help you with getting supplies. I will be back for more classes for sure! Getting ready to turn my garage into my own little studio what a fun hobby. read more

Missed my class because I came down with flu. Called and explained situation, was told mgr would get back to me. Never called. I understand you have to give 7 days notice but there is goodwill- call the customer and say sorry we need to keep your money but will give you $5.00 off on your next class or purchase. Anything that indicates you care about potential customers. Very disappointing. read more

On Dec 3rd 2011 - Stained Glass Garden offered a Christmas craft activity - provided free materials to public to make a glass-paper collage-tree decoration. My daughter joined the table along with other kids and adults, the women leading the activity encouraged parents to go to the store and look around and continue the activity by buying the materials. Since my daughter liked it, we proceed to go to the store, I showed the clerk the decoration we made and asked her to help me get the materials. She brought the materials, glass, (package in cardboard and sealed with tape) copper ribbon, hangers, I paid and took it home. When my daughter opened it the glass was too small to past any photos the copper ribbon too narrow to seal the 2 pieces of glass that were supposed to be held by the copper ribbon. We returned to the store and mentioned we had trouble using a too narrow copper wire, to hold the the pieces of glass. She said, oh yeah! I know we had to put kits together since we had so many people wanting to buy the materials, would you like to buy it? I just bought the materials a day ago from you that were not appropriate for the craft - you recommended the materials. Would you give some credit for what I bought so I can purchase the appropriate materials. The clerk went to talk to her manager, the manager was standing 2 feet away all this time listening and would not intervene. The clerk came back to tell me that I had opened the package and there was no refunds!! Completely ignored the issue. I am for supporting local business, but if the business has no regard for the customer, I will take my business elsewhere. If Stain Glass offers a free craft, take the freebie and don't try it at home even with their materials! read more

I found the staff to be extremely helpful, they made sure I had all the supplies and materials I needed for my projects, lots of varieties of glass from which to choose, they showed me all the choices. I highly recommend this store and will definitely return in the future. I don't live very close to the store, but it was well worth the trip! read more

the store has many beautiful examples of glass work BUT supplies are very expensive here and the customer service is lacking. i'd drive down to los angeles for my glass supplies before i'd step foot in this store again. read more

The Intro to Stained Glass class was fantastic! The instructor, Catlin, was very patient and thorough. She always offered options to suit different budgets. I had several questions about my project and she was available by email between classes. My project turned out great, and I'm looking forward to my next class! read more

Where to start? There are so many good things about Stained Glass Garden it's hard to pick just a few. I've spent many, many hours in classes and in the workshop, and just browsing through the amazing selection of glass, tools and art that is for sale. I love the staff, who are all so genuinely interested in helping and educating people. They go out of their way to share what they know and the classes are conducted by people who really know their craft. I've learned to make windows, jewelry, dishes and plates and mosaic art, and every time I go there I learn something new. It is the best place to learn a new craft and meet great people. Can't recommend it enough! read more

WHen I first went to Stain Glass Garden, I was overwhelm and needed someone to help me. Jena, a terrific employee, not only helped me learn about the variety of glass, but she gave me very vauable tips about cutting glass and the way to use some of the tools. I am very grateful for Jena's kindness and expertize. Stain Glass Garden may be pricy, the the service is worth it. read more

I experienced Stained Glass Garden as a bastion of unapologetic and unadultered incompetence. I brought in two large and fragile wooden doorframes for them to make glass windows from. Some of the frames were missing entirely and some were cracked. They took a long time to give me an estimate, and when they did they made it clear that they were unqualified to deal with the partially cracked frames, and did not know how to de-putty and replace them. So though I was a little irked I said that was fine and they could just used the missing frames as templates for the other ones that were missing entirely and not cracked. Though it was expensive I trusted that a professional and artisanal glass shop would be able to deliver, I was sorely mistaken. When I received the frames, 4 of the 8 of them were cut to the wrong size. This was annoying but I assumed that the shop would be eager to make amends, however when I called they refused to refund me on the grounds that I should have made a template myself, though at the time when they accepted the doorframes, they said nothing about this. Moreover, THEY LITERALLY HAD THE PHYSICAL FRAME THAT THE GLASS WAS SUPPOSED TO FIT IN (which was an enormous hassle to move to the shop for me), so there is no reason they should have miscut it. All in all they were sluggish in producing the glass, incompetent in measuring the size of a rectangular window, defensive upon realization of their mistake, and utterly unwilling to refund or recut the product. I spent 70 dollars on 4 pieces of beautiful artisanal and completely useless glass. Needless to say, I would recommend going elsewhere for one's glass cutting needs. read more

New to the area and thought i'd revisit an old hobby i picked up while in high school. it's been over 10 years since i last did anything related to stained glass so i started with beginning course and i'm very pleased i did. I'm 3/5 of the way through! I remembered a lot from my previous classes but it was nice to have the instruction and support. I do believe this particular place is rather expensive in everything. it's $125 for tuition. then another $200 for a tool kit which doesn't 100% of the items you need. Then of course got to buy glass...yikes this can get pretty pricey. What i really really appreciate is the instructor lets you use her extra tools that you don't need to necessarily buy. and if you break a piece of glass she's usually trying to save you money and figure out a way to use the glass you have for your piece. I count several times in a class she's encouraging students to save money and not buy more glass just because they broke something, etc. So given that everything is pretty expensive she tries to save you money where she can. I'm so glad I took this class and look forward to others and continuing my work. read more

Just finished a super fun class here with leader Julie in making patterns in fused glass dam molds, makes me want to come back for more. Glass art has always fascinated me but it is only at this shop that I have come to understand better, what it is made from (industrial, highly engineered materials), and how it is made (by spirited hands, with specific techniques and styles, whether classical stained glass, or glass mosaic, or fused or hot glass, and more). This shop is really 3 in one that covers all my bases: inspiring fine art glass for sale (custom work too); glass supplies, tools and services for artists, designers, makers, students like me, contractors etc.; and glass art classes from introductory to advanced (I am inching may way along). It takes a lot to be accessible to the curious and also serve the needs of experts. Being closer to the newcomer end, I can't say enough good about all the help and support I have gotten from here. Fusing glass and having a blast, thanks to this place. read more

I recently took the tempered glass mosaic class and was pleased. I made a beautiful piece and went home and made a larger one. I had tried doing it on my own before I learned things at the class I was not able to find out about from the web, as there is not much info on how to do it in cyberspace. Maybe $125.00 is too much, $95.00 would be better but I like the instructor Emily. I have made a lot of mosaics and I actually like her method of grouting which I now use. It is basically a glass for beginners though. read more

I took a beginner class... and was thrilled. I had been taking a community college class and while that was ok, it did not have the high level of attention at Stained Glass garden. Well worth the time! read more

great place to go if you're feeling uninspired, will put you in the mood to get going instantly!

I signed up for the Intermediate Stained Glass course. I had taken a stained glass course previously at the Burlington Community Glass Studio in Burlington, Vermont (www.burlingtonglass.net). Perhaps I was spoiled, but when I take a class I expect to be provided materials (or at least be warned in advance that I'll be spending $200+ in tools in addition to buying glass and the course fee). There was no mention of this in the class brochure! Imagine my surprise when I walk into class & they ask where my tools are!?! Of course, you can buy their own toolkit from them (that doesn't even contain lots of things you'll need). Each week I am confronted with more extra expenses- cutters, grozers, cutting oil, flux, flux cleaner, soldering irons, copper foil, a fid, solder, patina. they don't even have things like brushes, scissors or magic markers! You can either pay to leave your project at the studio, or bring it back & forth to class every week (and make up for the paid studio space in replacing broken glass!) The class has no format and minimal instruction- we intermediates are left to our own devices. I feel pretty ripped off- I sent an email to them expressing my discontent (and asking if they could at least put a warning in the course syllabus) but got no response. Next time I'll just work at home! read more