
Learn Glass Art
Maggie Boyajian Courtis
About Me My first job after college was making stained glass windows at Scarab Glass Works in Fresno. After leaving that job, I continued to study and dabble in glass throughout my adult life. In 2020 I launched an arts center, Scarab Creative Arts, in the same building where I started my art glass practice. I reengaged with glass on a different level. Glass art has evolved over the past fifty years with processes in warm glass (kiln worked) becoming the major focus for contemporary glass artists. I've studied kiln techniques, painting on glass, sand blasting, drilling, laminating, using decals and photographs, and many other techniques to expand my skills with the medium. For the past five years I've taught hundreds of people to enjoy stained glass art in regularly scheduled one day workshops, an annual class series, and private lessons. Many people have come to me to repair their treasured glass pieces. I transitioned the business to a non-profit in September 2025. Now run by a board of director, Scarab continues as the multifaceted arts center I built, but is able to access grant funding to provide for arts enrichment to underserved, marginalized people in our community. My artistic practice brings me joy as I focus on the blessings and beauty of the world, humbled and honored and grateful to God for my privileged place in this life.
seasonal one day workshops - throughout the year
series of classes - annually in the spring
private parties and lessons - any time
kiln formed and coldworking - coming soon

2026 Workshops
In this one day themed workshop lasting 4 - 5 1/2 hours (depending on the project), students receive an introduction to the process of making a stained glass piece. Students choose from several simple themed patterns we provide. Each student engages in the process of cutting out patterns, cutting the glass, assembling the piece, soldering, and finishing. Students use our tools. All materials are provided. Class Size: Minimum 5, Maximum 12 Students bring (optional): Apron Bag lunch and Beverages Class Fee: $115 Tuition: $80 Materials: $35

Valentine's - choose from 8 patterns

Choice of Flowers or Mushrooms
on a Plant Stake. Choose from
10 patterns

Spring Things Plant Stake
Choose from dragonfly, bees, or 4 butterfly patterns.

Halloween Black Spider on a Web
Artist's choice
over 30 patterns
Artist Choice options include * night lights * plate stake with choice of butterfly, bee, dragonfly, flowers, or mushrooms * cactus or succulent planter decor * suncatcher heart * spiderweb window decoration * Christmas tree ornaments

Christmas Trees - Choose from
10 Patterns
Series of Classes
Offered annually
May 2026
4 Sessions, each from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. May 16, 17, 23, 24 Students use our tools. All materials are provided. Students bring (optional): Apron, Bag lunch and Beverages Class Fee: $330 Tuition: $230 Materials : $100 In this introductory course, students learn how to design patterns, make patterns, cut glass, assemble the piece, solder, and finish. You'll learn the tricks needed to construct a window that will fit into the exact dimensions of an established opening. Students will complete two small projects, one leaded and one copper foiled, to have experience in the two most widely used techniques for creating stained glass. A third technique is commonly used, but employs the use of a glass kiln and will not be introduced in this series. During the first lesson students will begin cutting glass, learn about creating patterns, and begin a small, simple project. Using the copper foil technique, we will each construct a night light. Students will use our tools. Materials, including the night light fixture, will be provided. For the second project, students complete a small, simple leaded project. Through this project, students learn: how to calculate measurements to fit a project into a predefined space (an architectural opening or a frame) design principles the complete process of constructing a leaded stained glass window. After completing the two projects students will have experienced both leading and copper foiling. At this point each individual will have enough familiarity with the processes, tools, and materials to decide on a preference in construction method. In the four sessions, most people will finish their projects and have some classroom time available to work on designing their next piece, to be done independently. Instruction and experience with the limitations of the glass medium will help students develop a feasible project design of their own. If a student has enought time in class to also begin the third project, students can use Scarab tools in class to work on the project. Materials are not provided for the third project. Q. How many projects are we making? A. Two. First, everyone will make a copper foiled nightlight. Second, everyone will make a small leaded piece. A third piece might be started. Students should have time to design this next piece, and will likely start the piece in class. Materials will not be provided for the third piece. Q. Can I get help planning my design? A. Students will have individualized help planning their design for their projects. We have an extensive library of pattern books availble for students to use. Patterns are available on the internet The instructor is available to advise on the difficulty/feasibility of the project plans, with advice on modifications to simplify construction challenges. Students can draw their own patterns, and will receive input from the instructor on the how to modify the proposed design to meet the limitations of the medium. Q. What happens if i don't finish my 2 projects in the 5 class sessions? A. It is unlikely people aren't able to finish the first two projects in class. But if someone doesn't finish, arrangements can be made to come in and use class tools to complete the project. Additional instruction outside of class time is available as a private lesson. Q. What if I start a third project? A. Most students will begin a third project, at least the design. The completion of this third project is dependent on the complexity and difficulty, and the ability of the student to employ the techniques taught. It is not likely a student will finish 3 projects in the 5 class sessions. If the project isn't completed, we're available to continue helping you on an informal basis via text or email in additional private lessons Q. Can I make up a missed class? A. Students who miss a class can catch up with the instruction they missed in subsequent classes. Additional instruction outside of the 4 scheduled class sessions is available in private lessons.
Private Lessons
Email to Schedule: MaggieBCourtis@gmail.com
Learn glass art from a local professional with 40+ years experience working with glass. Individual or Small Group $95 / hour. Tools and equipment are provided, students supply materials. * making leaded or foiled stained glass panels * repairs to glass windows or lamps * glass fusing * creating and using decals with your glass art * glass painting * fusing photographs to your glass * working with frits and powders * glass kilns * coldworking * sand blasting * drilling * laminating

Kiln Formed & Coldworking Glass Classes
Coming Soon
Join the interest list to be notified when we schedule glass fusing classes, painting, and other kiln formed and coldworking processes.