Explore the potential of using reactive glass powders, frits, silver leaf inclusions and Alchemy glass to create a range of beautiful jewellery. Enjoy and experiment as heat from the kiln brings chemical reactions and surface pattern to life. An exciting course exploring the reactive potential of Alchemy glass.
This course will give beginners and those with some glass fusing experience the opportunity to learn new techniques in jewellery making and understand the process of using reactive glass powders and frits together with great effect. The tutor has developed a variety of recipes for wonderful chemical reactions and will share these with the group. You will also have the chance to explore your own reactive combinations by making small glass tiles to be cut up at a later stage into sets of earrings and pendants.
You will learn the correct way to work with powders and frits, how to add and fire silver leaf successfully, and how to work with Bullseye Alchemy glass to produce wonderful organic effects. Each of the projects will be demonstrated clearly, with an opportunity to ask questions, take photographs and record the process, if you wish.
In addition, you will learn how to successfully cut small circles, drill holes and cold work with grinders and diamond hand pads. You will learn how to use a fire polishing schedule in the kiln to finish your jewellery pieces to a high standard.
Your tutor will share the different ways to apply findings, including her own technique of adding sterling silver grommets to pendants and how to create unique earwires from sterling silver head pins. You will also learn how to apply the correct adhesive to your bails and how to glue them successfully.
A comprehensive written handout will be followed throughout the course, with space to add your own notes. You will leave this course with a good understanding of reactive glass, cold working techniques, professional jewellery finishes, firing schedules and at least three to four sets of fused glass jewellery.
Included
The course fee includes the cost of providing all glass and materials. Some silver plated jewellery findings are supplied, other sterling silver findings will be available to purchase from your tutor.
What students need to bring
Please wear old clothes and bring an apron if you have one and any glass tools you like to use.
Enclosed footwear
Available to buy
Available from shop:
- A good variety of general art materials including paper, pencils, pens, scissors, paint brushes, rulers, PVA glue, etc.
Available from tutor:
- Sterling silver findings to purchase if wanted
Additional information
Please note: finished work will be fired overnight and the final pieces will be held until they can be collected by you. Pieces from the last firing can be posted (if they are not too heavy) or can be collected later the following afternoon. Your work will be kept for collection for six months.
If you wish to have your work posted, please pay the postage cost before you leave.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required