Fun and Creative Stained Glass Class and Workshop

The most appealing part of this Kailua-Kona class is that you do not simply watch an artist work. You choose pieces of glass, handle the tools, and build a small sun catcher from start to finish with Sheri and Doug Reynolds guiding you. The class takes place in their home studio, which gives the experience a personal, workshop feel rather than a polished tourist attraction.

I like the hands-on process and the sheer choice of colors and textures. I also like that the class includes all materials and leaves you with a finished pineapple or other small design to take home, not just a few new facts about stained glass.

The main consideration is the $125 price for 150 minutes, plus the fact that a display stand is not included. This is a good fit if you value personal instruction and a lasting souvenir, but less so if you want a quick, low-cost craft activity.

Key Points About the Kailua-Kona Glass Class

• Learn four real stained-glass skills: cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering are all part of the session.
• Work with Sheri and Doug Reynolds: The class combines one-on-one help with group instruction in their home studio.
• Take home a finished sun catcher: Your project is included, but you need to arrange your own stand if you do not plan to hang it.
• Choose from many colors and textures: Selecting the glass is part of the creative work, not an afterthought.
• Private-group setting: You can book a more personal experience rather than joining a large public class.
• Suitable for ages 12 and up: The studio is wheelchair accessible, and the instructors have supported a participant with a disability.

What You Actually Do During the 150-Minute Class

This is a compact introduction to stained glass, not a passive demonstration. In 150 minutes, you work through the basic stages of making a small piece, with instruction as you go.

The session begins with an introduction to stained glass and the studio process. Sheri has shared her own path into the craft during class, which helps put the tools and techniques in context. You can expect an explanation of what you will make and how the work will progress.

Then comes one of the most enjoyable choices: selecting your glass. The class offers a wide range of colors and textures, so your finished piece can feel personal even though the project is small. This part may take longer than you expect, especially if you are drawn to several shades or cannot decide between smooth and textured glass.

After choosing your materials, you learn how to cut the glass. Cutting is a practical skill that takes care and attention, and you receive help rather than being left to figure it out alone. The class is designed for beginners, so you do not need previous glasswork experience or confidence in your artistic ability.

The next step is grinding the glass into the right shape. This lets you refine the edges and prepare each piece for assembly. From there, you learn foiling, which helps prepare the glass pieces for soldering.

Soldering brings the project together. It is one of the stages where personal guidance matters most, and Sheri or Doug can advise you as the work develops. The process gives you a useful understanding of how separate pieces of glass become one finished object.

At the end, you take home a small completed sun catcher. The exact design can vary, but one class participant created a pineapple, a fitting keepsake from the Big Island. A stand is not included, so plan to hang the piece or purchase a separate support if you want it displayed on a shelf.

Why Choosing the Glass Matters

The glass selection is not just a pleasant opening activity. It is where you make the main visual decisions for your project.

Colors can change how your sun catcher looks in daylight, while texture can add depth and variation. You may find yourself comparing several pieces that appear similar at first but look quite different once placed together. That is part of the appeal of the class: the finished item is a personal combination rather than a mass-produced souvenir.

For me, this is also where the $125 price begins to make more sense. You are paying for access to a craft studio, materials, instruction, equipment, and a finished object. You are not simply buying the sun catcher, since you also spend time making it and learning how it was built.

The wide selection may create a small challenge. If you prefer a fast activity with every choice made in advance, the glass selection could feel like extra work. If you enjoy making decisions and want your piece to reflect your taste, it is one of the best parts of the experience.

Sheri and Doug’s Teaching Style

The instructors provide both group teaching and individual help. That combination is useful because you first understand the general process, then receive advice based on your own piece.

Sheri has been described as patient and deeply engaged with teaching the craft. She explains the work step by step and assists as the project progresses. Doug is also part of the teaching team, giving the class a shared, personal feel.

You should not expect a formal classroom with rows of students and a strict lecture. This is a home studio, and the setting is part of the experience. One participant initially found the idea of visiting someone’s house unusual, but the friendly atmosphere soon made it feel more like spending time with people you had come to know.

That warmth is a real benefit for beginners. Cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering can sound intimidating when listed together, but personal guidance takes some of the pressure away. You can ask questions as they occur instead of waiting for a scheduled demonstration to end.

The support also appears useful for people with different physical abilities. One participant with a disability completed a beautiful pineapple with help from the hosts. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it is still wise to discuss any specific needs when booking, since the class takes place in a private home studio.

A Souvenir You Make Instead of Buy

Kona has no shortage of things you can purchase and pack home. This class gives you something different: a small piece connected to time spent in the destination.

A finished sun catcher can remind you of the trip each morning, especially when it hangs in a window. You also know how it was made because you handled every stage yourself. That gives the object more meaning than a standard shop purchase.

The pineapple example is especially useful for setting expectations. You are making a small project within a 150-minute class, not a large architectural panel or an elaborate custom window. The result is manageable, portable, and realistic for a beginner.

There is one practical catch. The stand is not included. If you want the sun catcher to sit on a table or shelf, you will need to arrange that separately. Hanging it may be the simplest option, but the information provided does not specify whether hanging hardware is included, so ask before the class if that detail matters to you.

Is $125 a Fair Price?

At $125 per person, this class is not the cheapest indoor activity on the Big Island. The value depends on what you want from it.

The price includes all materials, instruction from two accomplished artists, use of the studio equipment, and a finished sun catcher. You also receive direct help with four separate techniques. For someone who has wanted to try stained glass but does not want to buy glass, tools, soldering equipment, and safety supplies, the price can be reasonable.

The private-group format adds value for people who prefer personal attention. You are not paying only for a seat in a large workshop. You have a chance to ask for advice, receive help with your individual piece, and work at a pace suited to the project.

Still, keep your expectations in check. The class lasts 150 minutes, and the take-home item is small. If your main goal is a large souvenir or hours of open-ended studio time, this may not feel like enough for the cost.

I would see it as a craft lesson plus a handmade memento. That makes it a stronger choice for couples, friends, or family members aged 12 and over who want to create something together. It is a weaker choice for anyone who dislikes hands-on work or wants a simple activity requiring little concentration.

The Home Studio Meeting Point

You meet at a home studio in Kailua-Kona, and parking is available in the driveway. That is convenient once you arrive, but this is not a centrally described public attraction with a large visitor center or obvious commercial entrance.

Give yourself enough time to locate the address and arrive ready to work. The available information does not include transportation from hotels, so you should arrange your own way to the studio and confirm the exact meeting details before setting out.

The home setting has a clear advantage: it helps keep the class small and personal. You are entering the instructors’ working environment, where the tools and materials are part of an active craft practice.

It also means you should dress for a workshop. Swimwear, bare feet, costumes, and intoxication are not allowed, and smoking, vaping, alcohol, drugs, weapons, sharp objects, and explosive substances are prohibited. Wear normal clothing and closed shoes, and follow any safety directions given at the studio.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

This class suits you if you like making things with your hands and want more than a quick photo or souvenir. You do not need to think of yourself as an artist. The structure gives you a clear project, while the glass selection lets you make personal choices.

It is also a good choice for couples. You can each create a piece and later display them together at home. One couple kept their finished works in their bedroom window as a reminder of their time in Kona, which is exactly the kind of lasting connection this activity can create.

Families with older children may also find it appealing, provided everyone is at least 12 years old. The minimum age matters because the class includes cutting, grinding, and soldering, so it is not designed for young children.

The class can work well for people with disabilities because it is wheelchair accessible and the instructors have shown patience and support with a disabled participant. Still, accessibility can vary from person to person, so contact the provider with specific questions before booking.

You might skip it if you want a large group social event, a beach activity, or a class focused on advanced glasswork. You might also skip it if you are uncomfortable working in a private home.

Booking Flexibility and Basic Practical Details

The class is taught in English. It is offered as a private group, which makes it useful for people who want to attend with their own companions rather than join an unknown crowd.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Big Island plans are still shifting. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The published duration is 150 minutes, but starting times depend on availability. Check the available time before booking, then allow enough room in your day for the class without rushing to another appointment.

No stand is included with the finished sun catcher. All other necessary materials are included, so you do not need to bring your own glass or tools.

Should You Book the Stained Glass Class?

I would book this class if you want a personal Kona activity that combines instruction, creativity, and a handmade keepsake. Sheri and Doug Reynolds provide the kind of close support that helps beginners move from choosing glass to completing a real project.

The strongest reasons to go are the one-on-one guidance, the broad choice of glass, and the chance to take home something you made yourself. The kind support given to a participant with a disability also suggests that the class is handled with care.

Think twice if $125 feels high for a small sun catcher, or if you want a polished commercial setting rather than a private home studio. Also remember that you will need your own stand if you do not want to hang the finished piece.

For the right person, this is a memorable two and a half hours in Kona. You leave with a better understanding of an old craft and a small object tied to your time on the Big Island.

FAQ

How long does the stained glass class last?

The class lasts 150 minutes.

Where does the class meet?

It meets at a home studio in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. You can park in the driveway.

How much does the class cost?

The price is $125 per person.

Are materials included?

Yes. All necessary materials are included in the class.

What will I make?

You will make and take home a small finished sun catcher. A stand is not included.

What stained-glass techniques will I learn?

The class covers cutting, grinding, foiling, and soldering.

Is the class suitable for children?

The class is not suitable for children under 12 years old.

Is the studio wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What language is the class taught in?

The instructor teaches in English.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later.