All classes take place at the Ocean Glass studio in Hayle, Cornwall.
Class sizes are small, with a maximum of four students. This ensures plenty of time with the tutor. All classes are run between 10am and 5pm, with a break for lunch.
Class fees are due upon booking a class. We accept credit/debit cards. Full details and terms are included with the booking form, which needs to be signed and returned. If you are interested in a class and want a booking form then please email us and we will send you one.
Introduction to Fusing and slumping
This class explores the use of glass in a kiln to create flat and 3-D pieces of work.
Students will learn basic techniques and skills such as cutting, cleaning, assembling, and firing their glass projects. We will also cover the different types of glass and their properties. The projects that we make over the weekend will allow the students to incorporate this knowledge into their work. We will be using Float and Bullseye glass, and learning how to create texture, use metal as an inclusion, use frit and stringers and how different colours react with each other.
We will use some of the pieces that we make on day one to slump(or form) using moulds on day two. We will explore the different types of moulds available, and discuss the pros and cons of each mould. The students will then make and use these moulds to form their pieces.
We will also cover the basic tools and machinery found in the glass studio.
This class is suitable for all ability levels.
COST - £200 SAT/SUN
2010 dates - 17th - 18th April ( SOLD OUT )
24th - 25th July
11th - 12th September
Working BIG! ( larger pieces )
This class is designed to allow the creation of larger pieces of glass.
If you are unable to make larger pieces, maybe due to lack of kiln space in your own studio, then this class might be the answer. Using a large kiln we can design and make windows, panels, tiles or bowls. We will discuss designs, choose glass and make samples on day one. Following this comes the fusing, slumping and cold-working processes. If you are making a panel we can choose the correct way of displaying your work, and prepare the glass to be displayed. We will of course discuss any technical issues that are involved with making bigger pieces.
It is useful if you can bring along your designs to the class.
This class requires a basic understanding of cutting and working with glass.
COST - £450 SAT/SUN/MON
2010 dates - 5th-7th August
Please note: The price of this course does not include the fittings to display your work. These are charged at cost. The price does include glass, although if your pieces are very thick/large then a surcharge may apply.
Kilnforming week
Having five days in a row allows us to explore in greater depth many of the techniques used in kilnforming.
We will cover all of the basics, including cutting, cleaning, assembling, and firing, as well as the use of the different types of glasses as described in the classes above. In addition to fusing and slumping, we will have more time to use float glass to create texture, creating positive and negative images using fibre paper and other ceramic materials. Using Bullseye glass, students will have a chance to work with more layers of glass and create a box casting with design elements on multiple layers. Other projects include coasters, plates and bowls. We will make samples of all the processes we learn, which the students can take away and use as a reference for future work. We will cover the basics of cold-working the glass, including grinding and polishing, and also drilling glass, either as a design element or as a way of hanging your work. Throughout the week we will cover all of the topics described in the Tech days, and discuss any questions students might have as a result. We also have the chance to make glass rings, which involve a number of different skills to make.
This class allows students to really spend some time understanding the possibilities of kilnformed glass.
This class is suitable for beginners, and those of you who already have some glass working knowledge.
COST - £500 MON-FRI
2010 dates - 17th - 21st June ( SOLD OUT )
12th-16th July
Christmas presents!!
This two day class is similar to the introduction to fusing and slumping class, but we will be concentrating on making glass presents for Christmas. This class will be less structured, allowing students the freedom to make glass pieces of their own designs.
Dates and more information will be posted here in due course. The most likely dates will be 27th - 28th November.