When I moved into my studio, I became the proud owner of not just one, but two high tables at which I can carry out my stained glass work. My dad is such a generous man, for which I have always been extremely grateful :-))) He's the 'why have one when you can have two?' kind of person, so I have one gorgeous table on which I can put my board to cut and prepare my stained glass and the other table to lay out plans and keep pliers, glass cutters, books etc etc. Once the tables were installed, I had a huge grin on my face as, due to safety issues and no suitable place to work, I had not been able to do any stained glass work for almost a year.
(arch mosaic-style mirror (copper foil technique) made for a dear friend, November 2005)
So, my studio has become the ideal place for yet another craft, the original one that started me on my glass quest. When I found a quiet moment, I put all my float glass out on a large table and stood there quietly admiring the amazing glass one can buy. One piece is just like a Monet and I know I shall never take my glass cutter to it: it will have to be the central piece in something I create especially for it. Even my colleagues at the studio were stunned by the different types of glass one can buy. I have some software with which I can design pieces and I have a few commissions (from very patient family members!) that I can now finally complete.
I am extremely fortunate, in that there are some great stained glass suppliers not that far away from me. Juli Stone at Spellcast Studio in Horsham is an amazing lady, a completely no-nonsense person whom I deeply appreciate. If you ever need any help, she is always ready to impart her expertise and knowledge, which is vast! They do some great courses over there too, so do give them a call. This craft can be challenging and you do need to have a fairly steady hand to cut glass, but the wonder of having created your own window or mirror or anything else you wish to make, is truly worth it.
To play with colour and light warms my soul...
Last updated: Wednesday 9th April 2008