Fusing Discovery Day – 7 May 2026

Fusing Discovery Day with Amanda Mires

7th May 2026 (Thursday) Duration: 1 day

Location CGUK studio – Rochester, Kent

A compact class to delight and inspire all – from the novice to the artist investigating the set-up of their own kiln-working studio. On this enjoyable one-day workshop you will not only gain a better understanding of glass in general, but also expand your knowledge-base of all the firing processes. It’s the perfect class for those who would like to have a little more insight into what happens to glass behind the closed kiln door and how the firing program affects the end result. You will explore:

Selecting materials & tools
Combining exciting mixtures of materials
Firing techniques for perfect results
Adapting processes to suit your needs
Expressing yourself through your work

Our aim is to present reliable techniques in a relaxed atmosphere, so that you gain confidence with firings and discover your true creative potential. At the same time more complex issues such as compatibility, viscosity and annealing will also be covered, enabling you to build up a solid foundation for all your future glasswork.

Our resident teacher, Amanda Mires will provide a class which will include demos, lectures, written documentation, plenty of hands-on-work and, last but not least – a lot of fun for everybody involved – book now for a class that really delivers!

Projects
A set of small dishes / candle holders
A selection of samples exploring different techniques and firing temperatures

Skill Level
No previous experience required

Please note, places for this class are limited to ensure plenty of support can be offered to each attendee.

NB. A waiting list will be in operation once the class is FULL – please email info@creativeglassshop.co.uk if you would like to be added.

Kiln-Formed Glass: The Sustainable Art of Repurposing with Julia Gonyou

Kiln-Formed Glass: The Sustainable Art of Repurposing with Julia Gonyou

23-24 April 2026 (Thursday-Friday)

9.30am-4.30pm 2 days

Location: CGUK Glass Studio – Rochester, Kent

Please join us for an environmentally conscious new workshop focused on exploring the possibilities of sustainable kiln-formed glass, using recycled glass bottles, and float glass.

Participants will learn how to break down these materials and artistically repurpose the glass – without the use of moulds – into unique compositions using pattern, shape and script. You will explore techniques using expressive mark-making, textural objects and cut-outs to create distinctive relief work.

Explore this more streamlined and Eco-friendly approach to glass-making while building practical skills and creative confidence to support your future work.

Projects
Students will have the opportunity to create 3-4 projects, including sun-catchers, and free-standing panels to take home/collect after final firing.

Skill Level
Beginner/Intermediate

Further Information
More about Julia can be found here: www.juliagonyou.com

All class materials and necessary tools/equipment are provided.

Refreshments are included, but please bring your own packed lunch.

Participants must be 18+ years of age.

Workshops are held in our well-equipped studio above our retail centre, accessed via 2 flights of stairs, there is no lift.

NB. A waiting list will be in operation once the class is FULL – please email info@creativeglassshop.co.uk if you would like to be added.

Scratching the Surface: Engraved Glass Art with Julia Gonyou

Scratching the Surface: Engraved Glass Art with Julia Gonyou

21-22 May 2026 (Thursday-Friday)

9.30am-4.30pm 2 days

Location: CGUK Glass Studio – Rochester, Kent

Join us for an exciting new workshop focused on glass engraving. During the 2-day class, participants will investigate various approaches to sandblasting and engraving with rotary tools, both on clear and coloured glass. Students are welcome to bring in their own drawings but will also have access to a selection of studies to use as stencils, while being encouraged to experiment with expressive patterns and textures.

We will experiment with various ways to achieve our designs through using scalpels to cut through rigid resists and brushes to apply fluid resists. We will examine tonal variation by engraving to varying depths, free-hand sandblasting, and layering engravings. Participants will also work with a range of rotary tool heads to achieve more refined, drawing-like effects.

Develop practical skills, expand your technical understanding, and discover new creative possibilities within engraved glass!

Projects
Students will have the opportunity to create 1 main piece to take home, plus several experimental 10×15 samplers, home-made flashed glass, engrave a 3D object if desired.

Skill Level
Beginner/Intermediate

Further Information
More about Julia can be found here: www.juliagonyou.com

All class materials and necessary tools/equipment are provided.

Refreshments are included, but please bring your own packed lunch.

Participants must be 18+ years of age.

Workshops are held in our well-equipped studio above our retail centre, accessed via 2 flights of stairs, there is no lift.

NB. A waiting list will be in operation once the class is FULL – please email info@creativeglassshop.co.uk if you would like to be added.

The Art of Light and Lead: A Stained Glass Workshop with Julia Gonyou

9.30am-4.30pm 2 days

Location: CGUK Glass Studio – Rochester, Kent

This engaging 2-day workshop offers a structured introduction to the leaded lights technique. Participants will learn the fundamental and artistic architectural processes involved in constructing stained glass panels, including designing, drafting, leading, soldering and cementing. The class will also highlight the purpose and importance of these specialised materials and procedures and why they are essential to the craft.

Students will have access to a selection of patterns and will be encouraged to integrate their own creative ideas with guidance from Julia. A variety of coloured and textured glass, along with different lead sizes, will be provided to support and enhance your compositions.

Although the primary focus will be the lead came technique, participants will also create two small kiln-fired sections, embellished with ColorLine paint, to incorporate into their hanging or free-standing panel.

This workshop provides a solid foundation in traditional techniques while supporting creative development and a sense of technical freedom to carry forward into future work.

Projects

A hanging or free-standing leaded stained glass panel, with the opportunity to incorporate 2 small painted kiln-fired details.

Skill Level

Beginner to intermediate

Further Information

More about Julia can be found here: www.juliagonyou.com

All class materials and necessary tools/equipment are provided.

Refreshments are included, but please bring your own packed lunch.

Participants must be 18+ years of age.

Workshops are held in our well-equipped studio above our retail centre, accessed via 2 flights of stairs, there is no lift.

You can read our terms and conditions for classes here.

NB. A waiting list will be in operation once the class is FULL – please email info@creativeglassshop.co.uk if you would like to be added.

Annealing Kiln For Sale

Garb 12/5 4 shelf Annealing kiln (Kilns & Furnaces) with Stafford ST316B Controller.
Volts: 400
Phase: 3
K.W. 16
MAX Temp: 700oC
Weight: 550Kg
£6000
Bought new in late 2020, based in Liverpool, sale due to closing my studio: Buyer collect or can organize delivery for additional amount based upon location and at cost price for delivery. Quick sale appreciated all enquiries considered.

Annealing Kiln For Sale

Garb 12/5 4 shelf Annealing kiln (Kilns & Furnaces) with Stafford ST316B Controller.
Volts: 400
Phase: 3
K.W. 16
MAX Temp: 700oC
Weight: 550Kg
£6000
Bought new in late 2020, based in Liverpool, sale due to closing my studio: Buyer collect or can organize delivery for additional amount based upon location and at cost price for delivery. Quick sale appreciated all enquiries considered.

‘It’s All in the Technique’ CGS exhibition at The World of Glass, St. Helens

The World of Glass, St. Helens,
Chalon Way East
St. Helens
WA10 1BX

 

Exhibition Dates: 14 March – 11 April 2026

Private View – Saturday 14 March, 12 noon – 2pm

The Contemporary Glass Society (CGS) is delighted to present ‘It’s All in the Technique’, an exhibition celebrating excellence and innovation in contemporary glassmaking.

Held at The World of Glass in St. Helens from 14 March to 11 April 2026, the exhibition will showcase outstanding work by UK-based CGS members whose practice demonstrates exciting and accomplished techniques across a wide range of glass processes.

Exhibiting artists include: Petri Anderson, Sarah Brown, Karen Browning, Madeline Bunyan, Ian Chadwick, Kerry Collison, Maria Donnai, Cheryl Gould, Jianyong Guo, Annie James, Kira Phoenix K’inan, Manuela Kagerbauer, Laura Kriefman, Julie Light, Graham Miller, Pratibha Mistry, Tracy Nicholls, Linda Norris, Stacey Poultney, Laxmi Priya, Verity Pulford, Georgia Redpath, Morag Reekie, Nicholas Rutherford, Sally Scott, Cathryn Shilling, Elizabeth Sinkova, Amelia Skachill Burke, Helen Slater Stokes, Deborah Timperley, Frans Wesselman, Yujie Yang, Zixuan Zhang and Maria Zulueta.

From kiln-formed and blown glass to casting, cold-working, engraving, and mixed processes, ‘It’s All in the Technique’ highlights the technical mastery, creativity, and material understanding that define the very best in contemporary glass art.

Private View – Saturday 14 March, 12 noon – 2pm
We look forward to seeing you there!

Kilncare HF3 Hobby Fuser – For Sale

For Sale – Kilncare HF3 Hobby Fuser

For sale due to lack of space since move.
Although the kiln is around 8 years old it has done no more than 30 firings.
Has been fired up recently with no problems.
Kiln in really good condition.
– The stand has a few scratches on the lower shelf due to storage boxes scuffing it. (See attached PDF for more images).

New current kiln price is £2800 The stand is £350

Looking for £2000 for both.

Location: South Devon – Have a van so can deliver within reasonable distance for fuel – or Collection.

Enquiries: sales@helenmatthewsglass.com

Paragon F240 Kiln For Sale

Selling a second hand Paragon F240 with programmable SENTRY glass-kiln specific controller for £1000 (or nearest offer) – as we have to move studio buildings later this year.

It includes elements on the top and sides internally, has a flameworking door but can be used for fusing, slumping, enamelling etc.

The interior is roughly 45cm W x 45cm D x 33cm H.
Exterior roughly 74cm W x 88 cm D x 74 cm H (but shape is irregular)
Weight: Heavy! Approx. 190kg, (needs at least 2 strong people to lift)

Has a round single phase plug and the socket with master switch breaker which needs to be wired in by an electrician. It has got some issues which need some maintenance (interior bricks, and possibly the breaker/thermocouple needs replaced, but nothing major for someone able to set it up for regular use).

Must be collected from Belfast. Open to discussion or some other payment arrangement for an emerging artist or someone starting out – please email, meadhbhmc@gmail.com to discuss.

Contact: meadhbhmc@gmail.com
www.meadhbhmcilgorm.com

Survey of Contemporary Women Leaders in Glass

Please help me research by adding your glass voice and perspective to the project! Who are the contemporary women leaders in glass you’d like to celebrate? Who do you believe is shaping the 21st-century glass landscape: the women artists, curators, educators, directors, founders, collectors? I’ve recently launched a new project to explore this topic, and I really want your voice and glass perspective! I am hoping you might take a few minutes to complete a survey to capture your ideas (link to survey at the website address). The survey is anonymous and can be completed in about 10 minutes.

I’m a creative practitioner and a researcher…this is a bit of a passion project for me and will be featured as part of a panel discussion at the upcoming 2026 GAS Conference. Given our turbulent times and harsh daily news, I’ve found that this project is one way I can lean into the positive by connecting with our glass community and uplifting the women who inspire us. Thank you for any minutes you spend on the survey and for sharing it if you are willing!