Studio & Process

My studio is my happy place. Although I began working with stained glass (also called leadlight glass), I quickly became fascinated with the process of glass fusing as it allowed me to add another dimension to create striking and functional items for everyday use. 

Whether I am working on a bold pendant or colourful bowl, each project begins with cutting distinct shapes by hand from large sheets of transparent, semitransparent or opaque art glass. The carefully selected mix of colourful pieces is arranged and layered according to my design. I use the varying transparency, colours and textures of glass to create special effects or patterns. I enjoy experimenting, for instance by including metals, mica or natural materials between layers of glass to add depth or create special effects. 

The fusing process during which the glass pieces melt together involves at least two, sometimes up to three, four or more  firings in a kiln at temperatures of up to 750 C / 1475 degrees F. In between the firings, the objects are cold worked to finalise and optimise their shape and achieve clean edges. Often, the last step involves a fire polishing to guarantee a smooth and shiny finish. 

This multi-step process results in one-of-a-kind, unique creations.

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While my studio is my happy place, with my pencils and tools, sheets of glass and of course, my kilns, my work schedule also involves taking and processing pictures, updating the Website(s), submitting applications for markets and stockists, writing captions for social media and the occasional blog post. 

 

Photo: Rainbow swizzle sticks in the making.