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I’ve gone international!
I’ve got something I’ve been wanting to tell you for a while, but I wanted to check it was okay first. I also had to wait until after a specific event before I could share. I told you back in May about the new products I’d designed and made for the RAF Association. A few weeks after, I was contacted by RAFA. The framed Spitfire had caught the eye of Lady Elaine, wife of the Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier. Up until a few days ago he was Chief of Air Staff for the Royal Air Force.
Sir Stephen & Lady Hillier wanted a similar product to present as gifts to visiting dignitaries to this year’s RIAT – Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford. So a new design was worked on, incorporating the vintage Spitfire, with the latest jet, the F35. Below is one of the pieces.
Sir Stephen & Lady Hillier were also keen to incorporate the background connection as explained in the previous blog post as part of the presented package.
I’ve heard back today that “many recipients commented that they really liked the gift, particularly the story that went along with it” – well, quite obviously I am thrilled to bits that they were so well received.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this change of direction. Being able to incorporate aviation, I knew I’d do it one day! But also a chance to go back to a creative technique I’ve always enjoyed, but not done much of recently. I am loaded with lots of more ideas that will combine glass and print, so watch this space.
Meanwhile, let me show you the quick snap I managed to take of the exclusive ‘RIAT 2019’ piece. Fifty were made, and that is all that will ever be made. Oh, an I will do a little happy dance, knowing that these framed pieces will be taken back to offices and homes around the world. Feeling quite proud to be an international artist!
Final Framed Piece 
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Website Work!
I’ve done a few workshops recently (there’s still some spaces left if you’d like to join us – click here).
When I do classes, especially the full day ones, I tend not to be too prescriptive in what we will make – I’d rather give you the tools and techniques, and you decide and design what you will produce. I think everybody has different tastes, different ideas of what they want to take from a class.
Of course, it can be difficult to know what you can make, when you don’t know a technique, and a couple of visitors recently pointed out they’d looked on my website for ideas but could only find my work – which is, of course, not necessarily typical of what you might be able to make after a few hours!
So, I’ve added a student gallery section – there are lots more photos to add, but this should be a good start!
I’ve been doing “Glass On the Go” workshops for a year or more now – when I bring glass workshops out to venues – but I’ve finally added a bit of information to the website for this as well!
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Flying High….
A few weeks ago, I shared a couple of images over on social media of some new work I had made for a very specific and special customer.
Those of you who have known me personally for a number of years may recall my connection with the RAF – as well as my grandfather serving, my dear brother, Kevin worked as an Air Frames & Propulsion Technician on the incredibly significant Vintage Pair Display Team in the mid 1980s. The Meteor and the Vampire were the first ever two jets in service for the RAF, and Kevin felt it was a tremendous honour to work on the team. As a family, we were very proud, because we knew that he was amongst the best of the best to be allowed and to have the skill to keep these old birds flying. Any technician is, and I admire them all, but imagine what it takes to work on a war-time jet.
Sadly, on 25th May, 1986, their was a mid air collision during the display RAF Mildenhall. This first early example of the Meteor didn’t have ejector seats, and my brother Kevin and the pilot, Andy Potts lost their lives that day.
A few months ago, through a workshop, I met a lovely lady who is involved with the RAFA – the Royal Air Force Association, which supports and fund-raises for RAF members and their families. And so, these items were created – COASTERS, and FRAMED PICTURES. They’re now listed on the RAFA website for sale, and helping raise money for a very good cause. I am very proud to be a part of this.
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Spring & Summer 2019 Workshops
I have finally got around to planning in some more sessions! A few Introduction to Glass Fusing sessions. These are full days where you learn to cut and break glass. You will also have the opportunity to design and make several items. We’ll work in window glass before moving on to colourful art glass and a few more techniques. Without blinding you with science, I will also tell you a little more about the properties of glass and how and why we can do so many wonderful things with it. All safety equipment and specialist tools are provided.
I’ve also added in a few taster sessions. On these, you are provided with glass blanks and you design and decorate your items with my vast array of coloured glass and accessories. No glass cutting is involved, just the freedom to get creative, so the day is shorter. These are ideal for those with a little less time on their hands, or who may be nervous at the prospect of cutting glass. People with hand strength or dexterity issues as well as younger participants can take part in these sessions too. It also serves as a great introduction to the world of glass fusing without committing to a full course. I would point out that the studio is a working space. Access is slightly restrictive because we have three steps at the entrance.
Session timings – any evening sessions will start around 6pm, but willing to be flexible with people’s commitments. Daytime tasters generally start mid to late morning, but again these can be flexible if need be.
*GIFT VOUCHER HOLDERS* – if you’ve got a gift voucher to redeem, please contact me directly to book onto one of these dates – Get in touch HERE if you have any questions or problems!
The dates and prices:
