People are always asking me if I give classes in glass-making. So I’ve developed an opportunity for those with an interest in glass, or a creative spirit of any kind, to indulge in a little me-time, and leave with a memento of their experience.
Fused glass-making is a slow, patient craft. By its nature, it needs focus and thoughtfulness – you get absorbed by what you are doing, and it occurred to me recently, that it is the ultimate mindful activity. You leave all your daily preoccupations at the door, when you enter the Forge!
First of all, look around the forge, hear about the history of the building, and see how it was brought back from dereliction to its new lease of life as a glass studio. Learn a little about fused glass – what makes it different to blown or leaded glass, and see the kilns and some of the machinery needed for the craft.
Your first task will be to learn how to cut glass. You can practice on pieces of clear glass, until you’re comfortable with the technique. In the meantime, you will become familiar with all the different sorts of glass at your disposal, and start to think about how you would like your own piece of glass to look.
Over refreshments (Covid restrictions permitting), we can discuss your design, and then it’s time to get making.
With my help, advice and guidance, you will cut, grind and stack your glass onto a clear base, using any colour combination you choose, until you have something you are happy with.
See your very own work going into the kiln before you leave – if you wish, you can even say a little prayer to the kiln-gods, that your piece will be fused exactly as you’d intended!
Your piece will be fused by the following day. I will drill it, and finish it with ribbon, and you can either collect it yourself, or I will post your finished glass to you. You will have made yourself a 4-inch sun catcher in a design all your own, and you can hang it up in a window or on a wall. It will always remind you of your experience at King’s Forge Glass in the hilltops of rural County Monaghan.
A maximum of four people can be accommodated at any one time. The glass-making experience lasts 3 hours, at a time to suit you. Get in contact in advance to book. This is a relaxing, creative, immersive experience – ideal for individuals, couples, grown-up families, girlfriends, or anyone who would like a time-out from their ‘real’ lives!
Below are some of the finished pieces that people have made on their glass-making experience! I’m sure you’ll agree they’re all different, and equally fabulous!
