Stained Glass Workshop Checklist: Plan It Step by Step

A stained glass workshop needs more than glass and soldering irons. You need an instructor, suitable workstations, safe power and ventilation, participant information, and enough time to test every station before people arrive. This checklist takes you from choosing the date and participant limit through registrations, material preparation, room setup and refreshments. It also helps prevent common last-minute problems, such as missing tools, unsafe cable runs or chilled catering that has not been prepared in time.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Confirm workshop date and location
Book the stained glass instructor
Reserve work tables and chairs
Set the participant limit
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm participant list
Send practical information
Select glass cartridges
2 people
Check material stock
2 people
Purchase glass and copper foil
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Pack glass sheets safely
2 people
Print worksheets and patterns
Prepare name badges
Prepare catering chilled
2 people
Open venue
2 people
Set up worktables
3 people
Set up chairs and walking space
2 people
Set up workstations per participant
3 people
Test the cutting and soldering stations
2 people
Prepare safety equipment
2 people
Set up the reception table
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people

Event

Receive participants
2 people
Register attendance
Give safety instructions
2 people
Demonstrate stained glass technique
Distribute designs and patterns
2 people
Place glass on cartridges
2 people
Mark out glass shapes
2 people
Cut out glass pieces
3 people
Polish glass edges
3 people
Serve break drinks
2 people
Refill drinks
Clean up glass shards
2 people
Apply copper foil
3 people
Demonstrate soldering technique
Solder glass pieces together
3 people
Check soldering stations
2 people
Refill coffee and tea
Finish projects
3 people
Present projects
Pack items safely
2 people
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

Collect sharp glass shards
3 people
Turn off soldering equipment
2 people
Sort and store materials
3 people
Wash dishes and utensils
2 people
Clean work tables
3 people
Sort and dispose of waste
2 people
Sweep and mop the floor
2 people
Clear away leftover catering
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Share participant photos and projects

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Reception desk
Stoolsqty 6

Equipment

Glass furnacesqty 6
Soldering ironsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Fansqty 4
Kettleqty 2
Coffee maker

Tools

Glass cuttersqty 30
Glass breakersqty 15
Glass grippersqty 15
Glass filesqty 15
Wire cuttersqty 15
Tweezersqty 15
Rulersqty 15
Pencilsqty 30
Markersqty 15
Calipersqty 6

Glasswork

Colored glassqty 30
Clear glassqty 10
Copper foilqty 12
Solderqty 8
Soldering fluidqty 6
Pattern paperqty 40
Cutting matsqty 15
Soldering standsqty 8
Project display standsqty 30

Safety

Safety gogglesqty 35
Heat-resistant glovesqty 12
Nitrile glovesqty 100
Dust masksqty 40
First aid kit
Fire blanket

Tableware

Glassesqty 40
Mugsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Scissorsqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6

Decorations

Name card holdersqty 30
Tableclothsqty 6
Workstation signsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Broomqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the participant limit before sending invitations. Base it on the number of complete workstations, including a glass cutter, breaker, gripper, file, ruler and soldering setup for each participant.
Confirm the instructor and venue before opening registration, then send practical information with the start time, location, clothing guidance and any safety requirements. Send it again a few days before the workshop.
Check glass, copper foil, solder and soldering fluid at least one week before the event. Pack glass sheets safely and keep patterns, worksheets and name badges together so they are ready at the reception table.
Allow at least 60–90 minutes for room setup. Leave clear walking space, secure extension cords and power strips, test cutting and soldering stations, and place fans and safety equipment before participants enter.
Prepare coffee and tea before the workshop starts and keep chilled catering refrigerated until needed. A reception table with the confirmed participant list makes arrivals faster and gives you a place to collect last-minute questions.

Frequently asked questions

How many people can join a stained glass workshop?: Set the limit by counting complete workstations rather than available chairs. Plan for one participant per cutting and soldering setup, with enough table space and clear walking room; confirm the final number after the instructor reviews the room.
How early should I book a stained glass instructor?: Book the instructor before sending invitations, preferably several weeks before the workshop date. This gives you time to confirm the format, participant limit, required materials and safety arrangements before registrations open.
How long does it take to set up a stained glass workshop?: Allow at least 60–90 minutes on the day for tables, chairs, individual workstations, tools, power, ventilation, reception and refreshments. Test the cutting and soldering stations before participants arrive, not during registration.
What materials do I need for a stained glass workshop?: Prepare glass, copper foil, solder, soldering fluid, pattern paper and cutting mats, plus one complete set of core tools per participant. Check stock at least one week ahead and keep a small reserve for breakage or mistakes.

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