Entry No. 35 — the Detroit file — filed under: stained-glass
Canterbury Stained Glass
Operating since 1974, this family-owned studio and showroom specializes in custom stained glass creation, restoration, and hands-on education. They offer workshops covering flat glass, warm glass, and lamp working for all skill levels.
The story
If you assume stained glass is strictly reserved for historic cathedrals or overpriced antique shops, Canterbury Stained Glass exists to set you straight. Operating quietly out of Suite #107 on South Saginaw Street in Pontiac, this family-run studio has been cutting, grinding, and lead-soldering continuous glasswork since 1974. While big-box craft outlets offer plastic kits, Canterbury remains a true working studio grounded in raw trade materials: heavy sheets of textured colored glass, grinding wheels, flux, and spools of wire.
The real draw here isn't just picking up hard-to-find supplies or dropping off a broken family heirloom for restoration—it's getting access to the bench. The studio runs hands-on instruction that demystifies the entire physical process. Rather than just watching a demonstration, you are handed a glass cutter, taught how to score and snap a clean edge, wrap edges in copper foil, and run a molten bead of solder along a seam. They cover traditional flat glass alongside warm glass techniques and lampworking.
What it's like
Stepping into the Saginaw Street space puts you surrounded by racks of raw glass sheets, flux fumes, and grinding dust. Leave any delicate clothing at home—you’ll be grinding glass edges and handling hot soldering irons. Workshops are strictly appointment-based, meaning you get focused table time rather than fighting a crowded room. Make sure to confirm hours and book your bench spot in advance before heading down.
The move: Book an appointment-based stained glass workshop where you and your partner can learn to cut, foil, and solder vibrant glass sheets into a custom suncatcher or decorative panel.
- 📍 Pontiac
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 175 S Saginaw St #107, Pontiac, MI 48342
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Mythos Museum of Oddities & Curiosities — Located less than half a mile away in Pontiac, you can follow up meticulous glass crafting with a walk through Bigfoot tracks and vintage monster masks.
- Cranbrook Observatory — Trade the focused, near-sighted precision of soldering glass panels for looking through massive research-grade telescopes a few miles south.
- Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum — Counter the quiet concentration of the workshop bench with the noisy, chaotic energy of vintage animatronics and coin-op oddities.
Good to know
Do I need to book workshops in advance?
Yes. Hands-on studio education is appointment-based, so you need to contact them directly to schedule a session before arriving.
What specific glass techniques do they teach?
Instruction covers flat glass (copper foil and panel construction), warm glass (fusing/slumping), and lampworking.
Can I bring in old stained glass pieces for repair?
Yes, alongside studio classes and raw supply sales, they specialize in custom creation and full restoration work.
Is prior experience required for beginner classes?
No, workshops accommodate all skill levels, walking absolute beginners through scoring, snapping, grinding, foiling, and soldering.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · mainstreetpontiac.org
last checked: 2026-07-21