This Is What We Teach. Leadwork.
Michael Rievley
Michael’s journey to becoming a Stained Glass Master started with a small sun catcher more than four decades ago. 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.
“In my first hour at the Wabi-Sabi Workshops I learned more fine and enhanced skills for lead work and lifted my attitude toward the high craft and professionalism of lead work than in my first class and years of experience. Michael brings, impressive knowledge, a caring attitude and a focus on mastery of precision. He holds in high regard the tradition of lead light workers that is hundreds of years old. It was an honor to study under a Master Journeyman. And having such a warm human as a new friend is a treasure to savor.
See the line, Be the line, Become one with the line. This is what he teaches.
Forever grateful.”
Visit Wabi-Sabi Workshops
2023
Classes fill up quickly!
If all classes are full or you are unable to find dates that will work for you, we recommend filling out our waitlist form.
“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.”
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.”