Entry No. 42 — the Milwaukee file — filed under: oddities
Side Quest Curios
An offbeat Waukesha art studio dedicated to accessible, beginner-friendly stained glass making.
The story
Tucked into Suite 104 at 217 Wisconsin Avenue in Waukesha, Side Quest Curios strips the traditional craft of stained glass down to its raw, hands-on mechanics. Rather than locking the medium behind months of technique theory or master-craftsman pretense, this space operates as an approachable teaching studio designed specifically for people who have never held a soldering iron in their lives.
The studio's work revolves around practical 'Make & Take' workshops focusing on copper foiling and soldering. You wrap glass pieces in copper tape, apply flux, and melt solder along the seams to lock the craft together. Projects stay tightly focused on clean, distinctive shapes— think glowing mushrooms, crescent moons, stars, and honeycombs—giving you a finished piece of light-catching glass in a single sitting.
What it's like
Expect a small-group setup where quiet concentration gives way to the sizzle of hot solder meeting flux. You jump right into the process at worktables equipped with pre-prepped glass, copper foil, and hot tools. It is tactile, slightly industrial, and surprisingly satisfying. Because workshop capacity is limited and class schedules run on specific dates, you will want to reserve your spot online and confirm current studio hours before driving out to Waukesha.
The move: Book a two-hour 'Make & Take' session to learn copper foiling and soldering while building stained glass items like mushrooms, stars, or moons.
- 📍 Waukesha
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 217 Wisconsin Ave Suite 104, Waukesha, WI 53186
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Spirit Mercantile — Pair your hands-on glass workshop with a stop at this Waukesha shop for custom-blended essential oils and natural ritual supplies.
- The Salt Spot — Balance out the heat and focus of soldering glass by relaxing inside a room lined floor-to-ceiling with Himalayan rock salt.
- Poppy & Thyme — Extend your day of practical crafting by heading north to build a custom fragrance at their scent-blending bar.
Good to know
What techniques do you learn during a workshop?
You learn the core steps of the copper foil method, including wrapping glass edges in foil, applying liquid flux, and soldering pieces together.
What kind of items do you build?
Beginner builds typically feature smaller decorative designs like stained glass mushrooms, stars, moons, or honeycombs.
Do I need any previous glassworking or soldering experience?
No prior experience is necessary; the classes are designed explicitly for absolute beginners.
How long do the beginner classes last?
Standard 'Make & Take' workshops run for about two hours, sending you home with a complete piece.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · Reddit
last checked: 2026-07-21