Piecing Together Creativity at ArtSpace/Lima

Have you ever walked past a massive stained glass window and thought, “Wow, that’s impressive?”

Now imagine rolling up your sleeves and making one yourself. That’s exactly what our team did during a beginner stained glass workshop at ArtSpace/Lima, and we walked away with a whole new appreciation for these colorful works of art.

Our team recently stepped out of the office and into the studio for a hands-on experience. The space quickly filled with the soft scrape of a glass cutter, the gentle hum of the grinder, and the satisfying snap as we broke the glass just right. By the time we left, we knew we’d never look at intricate glasswork the same way again.

Ready to get creative? Explore the latest classes at ArtSpace/Lima and find the perfect workshop to spark your imagination. See current classes »

Tina meticulously examines pieces of green glass, searching for the perfect addition to her artistic masterpiece.

The Experience

Set in the heart of Lima’s Town Square, ArtSpace/Lima occupies a 155-year-old, historical three-story brick building. With four exhibition galleries, studios, and classrooms on every floor, the space itself feels like a work of art. 

For our visit, we signed up for the beginner stained glass workshop. This class was equal parts art project, puzzle challenge, and therapy session. Together with our skilled instructor Debb, we learned how to select and score sheets of vibrant glass, break each one into perfectly shaped pieces to fit our patterns, use grinders to smooth their edges, wrap them in copper foil, and finally, solder them into a piece that gleamed with our own handiwork. Debb was the ideal blend of patient and passionate, walking us through each step, answering our many questions with a smile, and making sure each of us felt confident in our final design. Her enthusiasm for stained glass was contagious.

Debb guides Jess through the next steps of her colorful stained glass project in a workshop setting.

Team Highlights

Some of us went for the rose design, while others decided on a feather. Each piece of glass was carefully selected by hand, creating a one-of-a-kind work of art.We laughed through crooked cuts and accidental glass snaps, and cheered each other on when a tricky piece fit perfectly into place. By the end of class, we each had a finished piece to take home—and a shared sense of accomplishment.

Spoiler alert: it’s more challenging than it looks, but also incredibly rewarding.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably magical about transforming fragile pieces of glass into something whole and beautiful. It’s a reminder that patience, precision, and a willingness to try can turn even the smallest fragments into something extraordinary. If you’ve ever admired a stained glass window, imagine the pride of making one yourself, and then imagine it catching the sunlight in your own home. ArtSpace/Lima gave us the chance to step outside our daily routines, and rediscover our creativity.

Team members proudly display their vibrant stained glass creations, showcasing their intricate handiwork.

Why You Should Try It

Don’t just admire the art—make it. Grab your friends, rally the family, or treat yourself to some solo creative time and sign up for a class at ArtSpace/Lima. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll probably surprise yourself with what you can create. And when you leave, you won’t just be carrying a handmade masterpiece—you’ll be carrying a story you’ll want to tell everyone. This is the kind of experience that lingers, the one that makes you say, “Why didn’t I do this sooner?”

Discover more creative things to do in Greater Lima, Ohio.

Visit Greater Lima team proudly display their colorful stained glass projects.