Dawn Turner Designs

Sorry, couldn’t resist that title.

A few months back, before all this lockdown malarky, I posted about a commission I had received from a delightful gentleman called Jon, who asked me to make some Spitfire themed panels for his ‘man-cave’

Jon kept to his promise back then and took some photos.  He couldn’t get them processed due to the pandemic and being isolated though.  He eventually had them done and sent them to me this week.

It is an understatement to say that I am thrilled to bits with the final result!  Hasn’t Jon done an amazing job of installation, and really setting a theme to suit.  He says the poster adds a bit of atmoshphere, I think he’s right and it’s fits the age perfectly.  The map to the right hand side of the door tracks Amy Johnson’s record breaking flight from the UK to Australia in a Gypsy Moth bi-plane in 1930.  And I just love the door plate for the room.

I love what I do.

Finally, lockdown is slowing down.  Have you been out to a cafe, pub or restaurant yet?  It’s all been a bit strange; but I think we’re all ready to get back out there, in one way or another.

A creative activity is a great way to relax and forget about the worries and pressure of the last few months. Lose yourself in the moment during a glass taster session.  Be absorbed while you get to make something beautiful for your home, or to give as a gift.  Taster sessions are easy going; no need to worry about learning to cut glass – just enjoy experimenting with colour and light.

What Will The Studio Be Doing?

This next week or two, I will be working hard at the studio to get it all clean and tidied and set up so we can receive visitors and students again.  I may, or may not have bought a transit van load of hand-sanitiser and paper towels.  We’ve got a new handwashing heater for the ‘smallest’ room, and I will be setting up two cleaning stations.  One for when people first arrive and for regular hand-washing in the bathroom just off the communal area.

I will space classes out so I have time to clean down before and after. I will be limiting to half capacity, and only offering taster sessions, so we’re not cooped up all day.  Only people within their own social groups – no mixed classes for the time being.

It’s not practical to clean down all the individual small pieces of glass. I am not sure if cleaner residue will affect the finish anyway, but I have a steam cleaner.  If steam sterilising is good enough for operating theatres, it will do me!  So another measure in place will be me steaming down all the glass as well.

When Will We Start Back?

Still working on the finer details, but we’re looking at beginning of August onwards, I won’t be offering any specific dates as all classes will be treated as private bookings.  You get to choose your day and time, all very flexible.  Are you itching to come along but aren’t 100% sure of a date that you and your friends/ family can do?  Why not use the class voucher option?  That way, you’re not going to feel rushed to book your session.

How Do I Book?

Voucher details can all be found by CLICKING HERE, or get in touch with me directly on the CONTACT ME page.

With all this lockdown malarky going on, all of the lovely galleries and stores are cannot open; we cannot do our events and fairs right now. I am not able to run classes either.

So what am I doing with my time right now?

Well, I have spent a bit of time in the studio with my trusty Canon dSLR, as well as my phone, taking lots of photos.  I have been editing, and uploading them to my new online store – you can find it here DAWN TURNER DESIGNS STORE.

You will find a mixture of new products, designs samples and old favourites.

Don’t forget, you can also find a list of stockists by CLICKING HERE, along with gift voucher links at the bottom of that page, or WORKSHOP GIFT VOUCHERS here.

I’ve always done gift certificates for workshops, now you can buy gift vouchers for lots more lovely things!

These can be used in many ways.  Not sure what the recipient would like?  A gift voucher is great for that!  Know they love a piece of glass art, but you cannot afford buy it outright for them?  Send them a gift voucher, they can use it towards part payment.

Maybe you know they’d like to do a workshop, but not sure if they want to come for a full day or taster?  These vouchers can be redeemed, part or full, against classes too.

My shop is looking a little sparse at the moment, but over the next week or two, I will be filling it up.  I will be posting images on the website and social media and will be using the Etsy Platform to list items, so the person you are gifting it to will need to take a look there and then get in touch with me to use their voucher.  Or they can come to the studio in Ilkeston, by appointment only.

I normally email them directly to the buyer to print at home, but I can email direct to the giftee or print and post if you prefer (first class standard post).

You don’t need to have a Paypal account, just check out as guest if you wish to pay on card.  You can buy multiples of any of the gift vouchers to make up the amount you wish – just adjust the quantities during checkout.

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