-
The Royal Suite is opening very soon!
If you follow me on any of my social media, you may have seen that there has been lots of work going on down at Shed 2 Studios for a while.
Last year, I took over extra space at the communal studios, which has undergone somewhat of transformation. For the last few months, my wonderful brother and sister-in-law, Ian & Allyson, have been working really hard turning this:
Into this:
Yes, the carpet still needs cleaning! But we’re very, very, nearly there. And I am very, VERY, excited!
What will the new space be?
It’s going to be multi-purpose. If ever you’ve been down to Shed 2 Studios, you will know that it’s wonderful, open space that I share with three other maker-businesses. It’s a wonderful space and atmosphere, but I share with woodworkers, which means lots of dust. It also has a high open apex roof, and single glazed skylights. This means the light can be fabulous, but the space can be really cold, especially in winter. It can be very hard to keep warm. Also, as it’s open, I don’t have a lot of wall space, and what I do have is covered with glass, tools and equipment. It is very much a working artist’s studio, and not a gallery space.
The ‘Royal Suite’ has walls, a ceiling and a door. This means it will be easier to keep clean, to keep warm and to have work out on display.
Workshops can be held in the new space, at any time of year, not affected by the winter chill. There will be art work out on display to inspire students.
Or larger groups, for example hen parties, could have their session in the main space, and we can take a break for a drink and snack in the suite.
I struggle with the physicality of selling events; I am going to also open up as a sort of ‘pop-up shop’ sometimes. I will leave out on display in the new room. If nobody comes to visit, I can be getting on with work in my main space, which will be unaffected.
Last year, I talked about doing memorial glass ; pieces with ashes in from dearly departed loved ones, or pets that have passed over the rainbow bridge. I want a quiet, calm, respectful space to do this when I am making. I also want to offer people the chance to make their own piece, or sit with me whilst I create some special, memorial artwork for them. Again, this needs to be quiet; but also a little more private than my main studio, as it may be an emotional journey.
It’s quieter, and kind of tucked out the way. It will also be an ideal teaching space for people with sensory issues, who might not appreciate the hustle and bustle of the main studio.
And of course, it will be an office space for me. I do most of my admin at home, and will continue to do some of that; but I can do a lot more at the studio going forward, as I have a desk that won’t be covered in bits of glass!
Why ‘The Royal Suite’?
A few birthdays ago, a wonderful friend got me this for a birthday gift:
When talking to my brother about various options we kept saying ‘the new space’. Ian said it needed a proper name. This was going to be installed, and so he dubbed the new space ‘The Royal Suite’ – and it stuck.
Exciting times ahead!
-
Mother’s Day & More
If you’re still struggling for something for Mother’s Day, remember we have a class running on the Sunday 22nd March, although places are selling out fast.
Have you already got plans that day? You could consider a gift voucher. These are redeemable any time up to a year from issue, and there are various values. Plenty of time to book at your leisure.
Here’s the link to the voucher page: CLICK HERE.
-
Let’s Get Learning!
Okay, so I’ve finally got some new dates planned in, see details below. I’m still trying to tweak the workshop space to make it suitable for the ongoing evening classes that I have planned, so for now, there are just single sessions on offer.
There’s the usual mix – some full Introduction to Glass Fusing Days. On these, in the morning, you will learn a little bit (not too overwhelming though) about the science side of glass. You will also be shown how and get plenty of practice scoring and breaking along with as a couple of techniques with window glass so you can cut and make your own designs. In the afternoon, we move on to using colourful Bullseye glass. Again you will have an opportunity to make a variety of things. Whether it’s jewellery, coasters, a wall plaque or a bowl, we’re open to ideas! Full day sessions are £65.00 per person.
For the taster sessions, I’ve planned in a few family fun days during the school holidays; younger people are more than welcome. A responsible adult (yes, that’s you!) has to stay with the child throughout the session, but you have a choice. You can help your young one with their makes, in which case you would only pay for one place. Or, if your child is a older and more capable, it’s a lovely activity to do together and you get your own set of makes each, this is charged per person. Bear in mind though, we do work with glass that, pre-firing, does have sharp edges. Kids are often more sensible and careful than adults though! If you’re not sure, get in touch HERE, happy to answer any questions.
*** APOLOGIES, BUT DUE TO THE RECENT CORONA VIRUS OUTBREAK, ALL GROUP CLASSES HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. GIFT VOUCHERS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AND WILL HAVE AT LEAST ONE YEAR EXPIRY DATE ON THEM***
I’ve added a couple of evening dates for some after work creative time, and also added a Mother’s Day session – what better way to treat Mum than to spend some time together, getting creative? Most tasters are £25.00 per person
Finally, on a diet? Think the kids get too much chocolate at Easter? Well, instead of scoffing eggs all weekend, why not come along and create your own glass Easter Egg hanging? I will be getting some special shapes cut for you to decortate with coloured accessory glass, and for the workshop price of £30, you will get two shapes, approx 12cm tall. This would be a great session to share. Also great for a gift, although it won’t be ready to take away on the day as just like all other sessions, the glass needs lots of hours in the kiln before it’s ready
If you have a voucher to redeem, whether that be one of mine or one from Craft Courses, please GET IN TOUCH so I can reserve your place without having to go through the checkout.Although it’s Paypal, you do not need to have an account, you can check out as guest if you wish.
-
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!
