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

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    1. 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!

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  2. That's lovely and looks good fun to make

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

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

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    1. 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!

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

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

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

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

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  6. I love glass. What a wonderful opportunity!

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    1. 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.

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

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

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