Description
New dates released! I am taking bookings now up until the end of July 2024. Other dates available on request - contact me to find a suitable date. What is glass fusing? Glass fusing is a process whereby glass pieces and decorative elements (coloured glass, glass powder, glass frit (chippings) metals and foils) are fused or melted together at high temperatures in a kiln at about 8000 C. What will I make? • Anything from sun catchers to coasters, bowls and candle holders to a piece of glass art for the wall or table. I have ideas folders available or come with your own ideas. Pinterest is a good place to hunt for ideas. • Materials, tools and safety equipment will be provided. • You will be provided with a generous amount of glass which is included in the price. Additional glass can be purchased for a small fee. • As it takes over 24 hours to fuse the glass in the kiln, items made can either be collected from me or posted out (for the postage fee) after fusing (usually allow one week). • A gift option is available through Craft Courses which can be sent directly to the recipient. How much does it cost and how long is the workshop session? • Enjoy a half day workshop (approx. 3 hours) at a cost of £65, or a whole day (approx. 5.5 hours) workshop for £95 in my Buckinghamshire studio. Where the dates available for sessions show a half day I can change that to be a whole day if preferred. Contact me regarding this change. • Suitable for beginners and more experienced fusers. I can accommodate up to 4 people at a time in the workshop, although I have set the limit to 2 people, which works best. Message me if you want to bring a group of up to 4. Light refreshments will be available all day. Bring your own packed lunch. What will happen on the day? Both half-day and whole-day sessions will go somewhat like this:- • Arrival and introductions over a cuppa • Safety first – what you need to know about safety equipment and first-aid. Goggles are provided for your protection (against flying glass). You may bring your own visor if you prefer. • Learning to use the equipment and some practice – glass cutting, snipping, grinding, & shaping • Designing and making your glass art • Receiving your Certificate of Attendance • Half-day participants will probably have time to make 4 coasters and a small wall-hanging or equivalent The whole-day session additionally includes:- • A larger 30cm x 30cm piece of glass to make 4 coasters, a small wall hanging or 2 more coasters and a bowl, platter or larger wall hanging. • Alternatively participants may make something of their choice. What do I need to know in advance? • Wear sturdy shoes, not open-toed, and bring an apron if you have one. • Please check that you do not have covid or flu symptoms before attending the workshop. • Workshops can be cancelled up to two weeks beforehand with a full refund or alternative date • Please read the class bookings terms and conditions • Please let me know your expected time of arrival • There is usually parking for one or maybe two cars on the premises • Participants will be covered by Public Liability Insurance. • Following Covid guidance, all workstations and equipment are sanitised following each workshop. The dust masks and gloves provided are new for each person. Goggles are washed and sanitised. Under 18's need to be accompanied by a familiar adult. Inclusivity: We are committed to maintaining a respectful community where all our students can learn and develop their full potential, within a safe environment. If you have a special need, disability or any specific requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us prior to your lesson so we can do our best to accommodate you. If you have mobility issues please contact us to discuss before booking to ensure that we can accommodate you satisfactorily.
What's included in the price?
Glass, safety equipment, training in use of tools and other materials as required. Refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits)
Duration
3 hours
Cancellation policy
Easy - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Come and discover the world of Glass Fusing in my new workshop where you can enjoy the delights of making your very own pieces of glass art. The workshop is set in a small, delightful village in the heart of Buckinghamshire, near Aylesbury. Now retired, I have been working with fused glass for more than 7 years and was a teacher of art and science throughout my working life. With my 40 years teaching experience you are sure to receive the patient guidance you need to realise your own creative potential.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Wheelchair users
- Hearing impaired
- Limited mobility
- Learning difficulties (SEN)
- Romantic
- Easter
- Parking provided
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Hen dos
- Spooky
- Suitable for beginners
- Corporate days out & team building
- Father's Day
- Intermediate level
- Overseas Holiday
- Mother's Day
- UK Holiday
- Christmas
- Pet lovers
FAQs
Just message me and I will change it on the website to a full day course for your chosen date. I also have other dates I can do so I can fit in with you.
No. A generous amount of glass is provided within the course fee. Generally it is more than enough to make a whole range of items, such as 4 coasters and two or three pieces of glass art. However, If you do require more glass, then you are welcome to purchase it from me at cost price.
Yes and No! The glass used is mostly BULLSEYE glass (CoE90). Different types of glass cannot be mixed as they melt at different temperatures. We do make some things with FLOAT glass (ordinary window glass, CoE82-86) and I have some materials for working with this glass. Different glasses are not compatible.
(NB - CoE = coefficient)
Yes, but not until up to a week later. After the workshop visit the glass will need to be fired at least once and this takes 24 hours per firing. I cannot always fire the glass on the same day as the workshop so I always say allow up to a week. Often it takes only a couple of days. The finished and fired glass can then be collected or posted. A fee to cover postage will need to be paid for at the time of the workshop.
Yes indeed. You are free to make anything you like, within reason. You are welcome to contact me if you have a specific idea and I will do my utmost to accommodate your ideas, be it ordering a specific colour of glass for you or other type of requirement.
Yes, if you, the adult, are staying with them and if they are strong enough to use the tools. Usually anyone aged 12 or older would have the strength. You are welcome to contact me to discuss their needs.
Yes. I have restricted my groups on the website to 2 people as that works very well, but I am happy to have 4 people and can easily accommodate you in my studio.
It is possible to get here via public transport. The village is 2.5 miles from Aylesbury. In Aylesbury there is a train station. The bus station is near the train station and the buses run approximately 1-2 times and hour towards Buckingham and Milton Keynes. There would be a half mile walk from the bus stop on the A413 to the studio in the village. There is also a taxi service outside the train station.
Not a problem. The pathway is quite clear and we will have a ramp to get you into the studio itself. Someone will be here to help you manoeuvre the garden pathway. There is room to accommodate a wheelchair in the studio and I can help you with any tools and materials within the studio. Toilet facilities are in the house so you would require help from us to get you into the house, provided you could walk 2 or 3 steps from the cloakroom door to the toilet seat as a wheelchair would not fit in our cloakroom. Soon (later in 2024) we will be installing an outside toilet which will accommodate a wheelchair.
Yes. There is a seat provided for each person. There will be occasions where you will need to move around but you can easily be accommodated. You are welcome to contact me to discuss further.