Fused Glass Workshops...
G L A S S , C O L O U R , C R E A T I V I T Y... and a chance to make something of your own.
I run friendly, hands-on workshops from my studio in Hampton Magna, Warwick.
Whether you're completely new to glass or already love getting creative, I'll show you the basics, guide you through the process and give you plenty of opportunity to experiment and create something that's your own.
Discover the magic of turning collaging with glass to create beautiful artwork using a kiln.
Fused glass is one of my favourite ways of playing with colour, pattern and texture. You can cut and layer pieces of glass, add tiny pieces of frit and glass powder, experiment with decorative materials and create your own design before it all goes into the kiln.
The exciting bit is that you don't have to know exactly what you're doing before you start!
I'll show you the techniques step by step and help you create your own piece of fused glass artwork or jewellery.
No previous experience needed — just come and have a play.
W H A T I S F U S E D G L A S S ?
Fused glass is made by heating pieces of glass in a kiln until they soften and fuse together.
Glass itself has been around for thousands of years, but fusing glass by heating pieces together is also an ancient technique. Early examples of fused and cast glass can be found in the ancient world, including in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where glass was used to create jewellery, beads and decorative objects.
Modern kiln-fused glass has developed into a much more experimental art form, allowing artists to combine different colours, textures and layers of glass and then use heat to transform them. And that's the bit we'll be exploring in the studio — taking pieces of glass and seeing what happens when we put them together and add heat.
Different pieces of glass can be layered, arranged and decorated before being fired. Depending on the temperature and firing schedule, the glass can be fused together while retaining its shape, or heated further and slumped over a mould to create a three-dimensional form.
It
's a lovely combination of art, science and a little bit of kiln magic!
One of the things I love about fused glass is the way light interacts with it. Colours can change as light passes through transparent glass, while opaque glass, powders and textures create completely different effects. There are so many possibilities that even after years of working with glass, I'm still finding new things I want to try.
W H A T W I L L I M A K E ?
You will create a small fused glass picture or piece of jewellery that you are able to take home after your piece has fused in the kiln, this can be collected a few weeks after the workshop when the pieces are fused and cleaned up.
This depends on the particular workshop, but you'll create your own piece of fused glass artwork or jewellery. You might make a small picture, decoration, pendant or other piece of glass art, using a combination of coloured glass and decorative materials.
You'll have lots of colours and materials to choose from, so you can create something that feels completely your own. You don't have to copy one of my examples — they're there to give you ideas and show you what's possible.
Everyone's finished piece will be different.
W H A T W I L L W E D O ?
I'll take you through the process step by step, starting with how to work safely with glass and the equipment.
We'll explore:
Cutting glass safely
Choosing and combining colours
Layering different pieces of glass
Using frit — tiny pieces of crushed glass
Working with glass powders
Using transparent and opaque glass
Adding decorative media
Using glass threads
Creating patterns and textures
Exploring techniques such as stencilling, sgraffito and sifting
Preparing your piece ready for the kiln
There will be demonstrations throughout, but you'll spend most of the session actually making and experimenting yourself.
What's included...?
Everything you need to create your piece is provided.
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Clear sheet glass for your base
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Coloured glass in a variety of colours
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Frit and glass shards
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Glass powders
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Decorative materials such as millefiori
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Copper wire and glass threads
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Use of all tools and equipment
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Glass cutters and other studio equipment
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Use of the kiln and firing of your piece
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Demonstrations and hands-on tuition
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Tea, coffee and biscuits to keep us going
I'll also be happy to point you towards suppliers and resources if you discover that you're a little bit hooked and want to carry on experimenting with fused glass at home.
F A Q ' S
Do I need any previous experience?
No! The workshops are designed for beginners and improvers alike, so you don't need to have worked with glass before.
I'll show you how to use the tools and demonstrate each stage before you have a go yourself.
What should I wear..?
Comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting a little messy are best.
Closed-toe shoes are essential, and I recommend avoiding loose sleeves or dangling clothing and jewellery.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
No — everything you need is provided. Just bring yourself, your ideas and perhaps some colours you particularly love. If you are want to come with ideas then pinterest is great to browse!
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided too!
How many people are in a session?
I keep my studio workshops small and friendly, with a maximum of four people per session.
Keeping the groups small means I can give everyone plenty of individual attention and guidance, while still having the lovely atmosphere of making alongside other people.
If you're looking for a workshop for a larger group, I can also run fused glass workshops at other venues. This can work particularly well for schools, community groups, organisations, celebrations and private events.
Can I book the workshop on my own?
Absolutely! You don't need to bring a friend or book as part of a group. You can book an individual place and enjoy some creative time for yourself.
You may be joined by other participants, depending on the session, but with a maximum of four people there's plenty of opportunity to chat, share ideas and get to know the other makers.
And if you'd rather book the whole session for yourself and some friends, you can do that too!