This Is What We Teach. Leadwork.
With over 40 years of professional experience in the art of stained glass leadwork, Master Craftsman Michael Rievley has perfected the techniques that have been passed down orally for centuries, Master to apprentice. It is Michael’s dream to share his expertise and build a worldwide community of “Leadheads”. Michael is now taking Wabi-Sabi Workshops on the road to teach in a studio near you! Look for announcements about our 2026 tour and check back frequently for classes to be posted, as we may be adding more! Please contact us if you are interested in hosting.
Our Master Classes
A workshop for beginners to learn the basics and a whole lot more. No experience? No problem. Bring your ambition and we’ll teach you the rest.
One Day Foundation Master Class $499
For students with previous glass cutting experience who are ready to graduate from sun-catchers to lead came. No copper foil, no grinding, no kiddin’.
One Day Intermediate Master Class $499
For Leadheads seeking to refine skills and elevate techniques. Learn about repairs, installation, accepting commissions, and more advanced challenges.
One Day Advanced Master Class $499
Can’t make it to our workshops in person? You can learn anywhere any time with our video Master Classes. Make a one-time purchase or subscribe monthly.
Online video Master Workshops $15/mo or $250
2026 North American Tour Stops
North Wilksboro, NC
Hendersonville, NC
Charlotte, NC
Phoenix, AZ
Anchorage, AK
Newton Falls, OH
Chicago, IL
Visit Wabi-Sabi Workshops
2026
Classes fill up quickly!
If all classes are full or you are unable to find dates that will work for you, we recommend you contact us.
“We had a great weekend with Michael at Wabi-Sabi Workshops. He is extremely knowledgeable and shares that knowledge freely. Want your lead seams to look seamless? Michael’s your man. Need to know how to make multiple lines flow together? Michael will teach you how to “See the line. Be the line. Become one with the line.”
Highly recommend making time for a Wabi-Sabi workshop if you have even the slightest interest in lead light working. I’ll not go back to copper foil. I’m a convert for life.”
Michael Rievley
Michael’s journey to becoming a Stained Glass Master started with a small sun catcher around 1981. He fell in love with the creative process and the skill involved in bringing the images in his head to life.
Few things compare to the experience of seeing the way light shines through the windows and how it moves us from imagination to reality.
For decades, Michael has focused on building leaded window panels for professional stained glass studios worldwide.
At Wabi Sabi Workshops, you have a wonderfully unique opportunity to learn the same ancient, traditional methods that Stained Glass Masters have been passing down for centuries.
You now have the option to choose from either our Foundation Master Class or Advanced Master Class, to begin or expand upon your stained glass journey.
What is Wabi-Sabi?
Simply stated, Wabi-Sabi means, "Finding beauty in imperfection." The old barn with it's weathered, silvery patina, children coloring outside the lines, old people, old stained glass windows, new stained glass windows....they all have imperfections, visible and invisible, but they all have beauty if you look close enough.
Traditional Leading Techniques Workshops
In both classes, you will learn about the history of leadwork and the leadlight worker, lead profiles, layout, soldering techniques, and reinforcement to complete your first panel.
Testimonials
Why attend a Wabi-Sabi Workshops? Just look at the reviews: Save money and time, learn from a master, build confidence, and have fun with one on one instruction in the beautiful foothills of North Carolina.
“If you love stained glass and you haven’t done it in lead came, you have no idea what you’re missing. Do yourself a favor and visit Michael Rievley At Wabi-Sabi Workshops .”
Our Mission Statement
To teach those who want to learn.
To learn from those we teach.
To repay, through charitable efforts, the debt we owe to our local and global community.
“Mike “The Magical Lead Magician”! Mike combines his extensive knowledge of lead work with such techniques as “Lead Trickery” all in an effort to make your toughest challenges restoring a window (or creating new one) seem like child’s play. There’s nothing in lead-working that he can’t help you do to obtain your lead-working goals. He’s fun to be around and comes highly recommended.”