From time to time, a visitor to my studio will ask me if I ever run a glass course to teach some of what I know. Until last year the reply was always a very definite “No!” Then one day last summer, a lovely couple came in to see my work and the husband asked if he could have a quiet word. He explained that his wife was having a significant birthday a few days later and would love to try her hand at fused glass, and would I consider a one-to-one session? To my surprise I heard a voice say “yes!” After they had gone, I wondered what an earth I had done.
The day arrived and so had the butterflies, but undeterred I had a lesson plan worked out and waited for my pupil. Once we had covered the basic health and safety aspects of glass, the fun could begin. The session was going to run for the morning and would include a break for coffee and biscuits. I had decided that the project I would offer would be to make a set of 4 simple coasters. By doing this, my student could either opt to make them all identical or individually different. We explored colour combinations and the way in which we would construct the coasters, as various options are possible.
I had pre-cut some glass to use but gave my student the opportunity to experience cutting her own glass. This is something that I know from experience can be a daunting prospect, but she managed this with relative ease after a short while. The morning sped by but by lunchtime a beautiful set of coasters had been created. We loaded the kiln, and I showed her how to programme it ready for firing.
48 hours later she returned to collect the coasters and was delighted with the result. From my point of view, the whole experience was so satisfying and enjoyable. For this reason, I have decided that I am going to take the plunge and offer more one-to-one sessions this year. If you would like to take the plunge and find out more click here
