A new flower for the garden

Fused glass flower

A strange flower appeared in my garden recently - it looks like I've discovered a new species. Those swirly purple and clear petals with a dark, mysterious centre are quite something aren't they?

Collage showing stages, techniques and final flower prior to the fusing process

I had a lot of fun creating my new flower at Court Street Gallery's fused glass workshop recently. Here I am cutting and shaping the pieces using the template I'd put together with tutor Alex's clear and friendly instruction.

You can also see some of the tools and equipment used... that dustpan and brush (bottom right photo) is most important as it stops the tiny pieces of glass which inevitably break off during the cutting process from going everywhere. The bottom left photo shows my final piece assembled and decorated ready for the fusing process.

Then it was time for cake and another cup of coffee. There's plenty on offer, plus the owners have created a lovely, warm and relaxed atmosphere at their gallery.

All those extra bits now fused onto the petal base

The petals and decorative elements are fixed on loosely during the workshop, so heating the glass in a kiln to fuse all the elements together is essential to create a usable item. Alex also fused a small holder to the back of the flower, into which a metal stake is inserted ready for planting in the garden.

Thanks to S for discovering Court Street's workshops and the suggestion we go for an afternoon's crafting. I can't wait to go back and try another of their varied possibilities!

Comments

  1. Margaret7 November 2018 at 14:19

    So lovely! The best garden art is that which we make ourselves :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP7 November 2018 at 14:58

      This is inspired by the Fling too Margaret :) I always come back thinking about having more garden art... it's certainly satisfying to make some as well!

      Delete
  2. Margaret7 November 2018 at 15:16

    That's lovely and looks good fun to make

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP8 November 2018 at 15:01

      It was such fun Margaret! I'll probably go back to one of their Christmas workshops :)

      Delete
  3. Sue Garrett7 November 2018 at 15:48

    That looks great. I guess it’s something that I would enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP8 November 2018 at 15:03

      I'm finding myself quite drawn to various glass art techniques. I made a small stained glass window last year and now fused glass and Court Street gallery have opened up a world of new possibilities. I'm sure you could find something similar available near you... go on, have a go!

      Delete
  4. Helen7 November 2018 at 20:24

    Ooooh, what fun! And you've done a great job, Veep.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP8 November 2018 at 15:04

      Thanks Helen, most of it is down to Alex's preparation and guidance on the day, plus the post workshop firing process :)

      Delete
  5. Rock rose 9 November 2018 at 12:20

    I’m glad you visit to Texas inspired you. It’s beautiful. You English ladies have some fun classes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP11 November 2018 at 08:00

      Thanks Jenny, your garden in particular inspired me to do this 😊

      Delete
  6. Diana Studer10 November 2018 at 21:47

    I love glass. What a wonderful opportunity!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP11 November 2018 at 08:02

      I'm drawn to this medium Diana, I wonder if it's because my dad worked for a glass company and my uncle founded Lichfield glass, which put glass ships into bottles.

      Delete
  7. Karin / Southern Meadows11 November 2018 at 02:58

    How fun! I love glasswork. You're lucky to have such an opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP11 November 2018 at 08:03

      It was such fun Karin! We discussed Chihuly too, he's coming to Kew next year 😊

      Delete

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