Stained Glass Class at Akala Studios

 Beginner Stained Glass Class at Akala Studios

After the hurricane took my silversmithing investment and creative passion away from me, I was really bummed to say the least. Then Alex surprised me with a stained glass kit for Christmas. What, OMG!! The kit had everything I needed to get this new hobby started. So cool of him to do that for me. What a surprise it was! My mom and dad even chipped in and got me some beautiful glass to work with too! Only thing was, I had no idea where to start. This was all new to me. I did a google search and found this super cool studio (Akala Studios) in Clearwater, FL that offered beginner stained glass classes. Alex booked me the class, what a guy! <3

Let me tell you, this place was such a vibe and my instructor Maddy was such a badass babe. 

Located in the Warehouse District of Clearwater is this amazing, eclectic studio and coffee bar.

Maddy and her partner Brandon have created something really unique and special in this space.

I highly recommend taking one of their classes, either a step-by-step beginner class or one of the fun themed make-and-take classes. 

Maddy walks you through each step, she makes the process super comfortable and makes you feel like YOU GOT THIS in every step of the processes. In the 4 hour beginner class I participated in, you got to choose from many different stained glass pattern options and the hardest part of all was picking what glass you wanted to create your piece with... she had so many options of glass to choose from! I picked a crescent moon design and below are some photos of some of the processes in making your piece.

Cutting the pattern, choosing the glass and pattern placement.

After you score and cut your pieces you grind them, this seemed to be the most tedious part in my mind but it was really easy once she showed you how to position and hold the cut pieces. Next steps were to clean & dry the glass, foil each piece, flux and solder.

I really enjoyed my experience at Akala Studios it really kicked'glass (pun intended) and I hope to go back one day soon for studio time or even just to drop in and say hi! Here I am with my final piece! I absolutely loved this process and I cant wait to get my space set up and start making some glass art! 

Interested in a class? Below is their website and info. 

1620 N Hercules Ave, Suite G, Clearwater, FL, United States, 33765

akalastudios.com

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Jen #elementandflow

@ #akalastudios