In person, Fredericksburg, MD. Create a stylized glass mosaic animal portrait. Working directly from photographs students learn to apply mosaic techniques in a portrait of an animal of their choosing.
Dates: April 14-May 5, 2026
Level: All are Welcome
Location: In person, Fredericksburg, MD
Price: $440.00

One of our MOST popular workshops. This workshop held at Anything in Stained Glass, Frederick, MD. Tel: 301/378-2218. ATISG handles all sign-ups for this workshop, including the waitlist. 

Create Your Own Animal Portrait in Stained Glass

Working from your own photograph, you’ll design and create a stylized glass mosaic portrait of an animal of your choice—anything from dogs and cats to birds, fish, or even bees.

Through demonstrations and guided instruction, you’ll explore:

• Color, tone, and perspective in mosaic
• Specialized cutting techniques for expressive detail
• Laying styles tailored to your specific animal
• Design strategies for translating photographs into mosaic

This workshop is an excellent introduction to portraiture in mosaic and a powerful next step for artists ready to expand their skills.

How the Workshop Flows

Thursday: Image presentation, cutting-style demonstrations, and design guidance to help you determine the best approach for your subject. Begin mosaic.
Friday & Saturday: Full studio workdays filled with focused instruction, technique discussions, and creative momentum.
Sunday: Grouting, finishing techniques, friendly critique, and Q&A.

All skill levels are welcome. While some mosaic or stained glass experience is helpful, it is not required. Expect individualized guidance and plenty of hands-on support.

Important Details

• Students must submit their animal image electronically one week in advance.
• We create approximately one square foot of mosaic.
• A $55 supply fee, payable to the instructor on the first day, includes:
  • Professionally scaled image preparation
  • Reference materials
  • Prepared substrate
  • Design supplies
  • Grout

Included in your workshop fee:

• Use of grinders and other useful glass tools
• Access to ATISG’s scrap glass

Students provide:

• Stained glass for their project
• WeldBond glue
• Good quality wheeled glass nipper (recommend LePonnit or SeaBell)
• Glass scoring tool and running plier
• Safety glasses

The ATISG store remains open during workshop hours for added convenience. Space is limited and this workshop fills quickly.

Please plan accordingly—we begin and end promptly each day. If your mosaic is not completed during class hours, grout will be provided so you can finish at home.

A strong resource photo makes all the difference in a mosaic workshop—especially when translating an animal into shape, color, and line. Here’s what to look for:

Full face (straight on) or clean side profile works best.

• Avoid 3/4 views—the slight turn complicates symmetry and proportion.
• A direct angle makes it easier to interpret planes, eye placement, and expression in tile.
• Choose photos with good contrast and visible detail, especially around the eyes and nose.
• Soft natural light is ideal—it reveals form without harsh shadows.
• Avoid heavy backlighting or deep shadow that hides key features.