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As a child I always looked at grown ups with a sense of disbelief when they told me time moved faster the older you got. But as I am now into the final year of my 30s, I know what they meant. Here we are already into the second month of the year. How is that possible? How was Christmas so long ago, and signs of spring are peeking through? Winter is getting its marching orders, and the studio is full of workshops, new designs and exciting plans. Given how long it has been since a newsletter last arrived in your inbox, I won’t keep you further, please read on and enjoy.
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What's been happening in the studio?
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We last shared news with you in November. Not through lack of activity, but quite the opposite. November and December are possibly the busiest of months in the studio, with a whole row of craft fairs and markets that kept all available time spent creating or selling Christmas decorations. There were several new designs that went to the Christmas events, the snowman had a revamp, a lovely new angel, the nativity full set now comes on a fabulous slice of wood to keep all the individual figures secure and in place. Plus there are now two styles of badge available with the snowman option having whimsical jingle jangle arms and legs.
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Away from Christmas, and the range of new designs in the studio continues to grow. This year the focus is on 3d or freestanding pieces. For those who for whatever reason cannot hang stained glass in the window, the studio has you covered. The big news is the new range of flower stems now available to purchase in the studio. The pick and mix vase range is just the perfect gift for a loved one or even for yourself. Follow the link to start building your own creation now.
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We started the year at a run it felt like. Lots of gift vouchers meant lots of booked in workshops. It is so nice to watch somebody learn a new skill, to see that caution turn in to delight when glass breaks just the way you wanted, to see that slow smile grow as a project comes to life. We have already seen lead panels, lanterns, feathers, and even some Christmas decorations completed. The studio is a hub of activity all the way through the week, so if you received a gift voucher but haven’t yet booked your course, don’t delay getting in touch so secure your preferred date.
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Coming up...
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February is already looking rather full!
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In the regular workshops we have one class with space on a Tuesday lunchtime, the other regular classes are all fully booked currently, however people are snapping up the one-to-one studio sessions, and the one day workshops where we can fit them in.
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Alternatively book a weekend workshop, or order a gift voucher and bring a friend for a few hours or even a whole day getting creative and having lots of fun too!
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The pop up shop at Leaf & Ground is now a regular feature, I am in once a month (give or take the odd date swap)
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Dates for the diary
March 31st - pop up shop @ Leaf and Ground, Dursley 10am
April 1st - pop up shop @ Leaf and Ground, Dursley 10am
May 12th - pop up shop @ Leaf and Ground, Dursley 10am
May 13th - pop up shop @ Leaf and Ground, Dursley 10am
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These were launched at the recent pop up shop, and boy were they popular. So much so that I already know what I’m making in the studio next week. The stems can be purchased individually as well as part of a set.
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This one off piece is part of the landscape range. Looking at ancient landscape scenes, the Great Pyramids of Giza have long captivated the hearts and minds of generations. Measuring 56 × 20 cm It is mounted into a beautiful natural wood frame, and will be couriered if purchased with postage.
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These were the fly away top sellers of 2020. Available in 4 different designs, with a neat little hook to ensure ease of hanging, the rainbow of colours catches in the sunlight perfectly.
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Working with glass top tip
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Just because a saw makes the cut technically possible, does not mean that you should now make the cut!
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I have recently seen a lot of online questions about cutting using a saw to achieve the right points that are impossible by hand or with a grinder. Yes these can be cut with a saw, and then you get lovely sharp corners jutting into that impressive glass you want to show off. Glass you kept for a special use, glass that WILL down the line crack due to the stress point you have created. Redesign! Change the angle, add in another cut line, or if you really need that point, go about it a different way.
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Take this very handsome chap for example. He is demonstrating all those awful sharp edges you need to avoid. In reality, he doesn’t have them. The points are achieved with foil overlay and solder over a curved cut. It looks sharp, it’s not! Don’t make those sharp cuts really, please!!
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Poppy Glass Studio, February 2023
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