Creative Retreats & Glass Workshops




The Art and Soul Retreat, Wimbourne, Dorset

I’m absolutely delighted to share with you the details of a very special event I’m co-hosting next year, The Art and Soul Retreat at The Gate House on the Deans Court Estate in Wimborne, Dorset. This retreat is crafted to nurture your body, mind and soul, offering the perfect balance of creativity, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

You will explore your creativity through art, nature walks, gentle yoga and breathwork (with the amazing Ellie Loves). You will be guided to create three beautiful pieces of art while help you spark you discover your unique voice and deepen your self-awareness. Whether you’re new to art or seeking fresh inspiration, this retreat provides the perfect opportunity to explore your creativity and nourish your soul. 

There are just 12 spaces available on this 2-night retreat which will take place from 7th - 9th March 2005. Prices are from £525 - £690 and we are offering a special 15% off if you book before Christmas day! 

For more info please to get in contact or visit vivreretreats.co.uk


Glass art workshops in Lulworth, Dorset

  • Glass art workshops for beginners and intermediate levels.
  • Techniques: fusing, slumping, screen-printing, and embossing. 
  • Materials: coloured glass fragments, granules, rods and metallic foils.
  • 2.5 hours = £90, create 2 items.
  • 5 hours = £160, create 3 large items.
  • In Lulworth Cove village, Dorset
  • Themes, ‘Seascapes and meadows'
  • Additional large sheets of coloured and patterned glass are availble to purchase.
  • Glass is fired and ready in 10 days.
  • Postage is £8 or collect in person. 
  • Stands & framing available. 
  • Gift vouchers are available. 
  • Private group lessons are available.
  • See below for places to eat & stay.
  • Pet allergies - I have a dog (hypoallergenic) and cat, neither are present during the workshops.  
  • Cancellation Policy - Workshop booking can be transferred to another date up to 10 days before the workshop. Sorry no refunds.

Private glass art workshops

Book private workshops at a date convenient to you. It can be weekdays, week evenings or weekends. This is perfect for birthday celebrations, family get-togethers, works dos or hen parties (fizz and cake are very welcome). 

  • 2.5 hours - 4 + friends / family = £90 per person
  • 2.5 hours - 2 people = £120 per person.



A little about me

I've worked with glass for over 25 years and love sharing my knowledge and skills during the workshops, helping you create gorgeous glass artwork. I graduated with a 1st class degree in glass from Edinburgh College of Art in 2000 then received the prestigious Crafts Council Start Up Award to purchase equipment to start Red Brick Glass. The business name came from my 1st studio, a small red brick building in rural Dorset. 

6 years ago I moved into my new home and studio, a gorgeous barn conversion in the beautiful Lulworth Cove village, Dorset. The workshop room is filled with light and looks out over the Lulworth hills.


"Thank you so much for a morning of creative heaven! We had such an enjoyable time and it totally exceeded our expectations.

Wendy was so helpful, and ensured we had all the resources we needed to get started. Her passion and knowledge for creative glass was amazing, and she guided us through the best products to use and cut the glass for us individually - depending on what we were creating. We had a throughly chilled out session, which wasn't rushed or hurried. I can not wait to see the pieces once they've been in the kiln.

The studio is in an idealic place, with views of the Purbeck hills which was very calming and theraputic - just what's needed to create some beautiful pieces of glass art. I would definitely recommend Red Brick Glass, it was a morning of pure bliss".

Paula, Wareham Dorset.

I went to one of Wendy’s workshops with friends – we made a weekend of it and stayed in a local B&B. Had a great time - the opportunity to relax and create in a lovely home-studio space was most welcome. We were introduced to some simple techniques and could choose from a wide range of resources - beautiful glass in different textures and colours – where to start? Wendy was there to support and advise with adaptations and to model glass cutting skills. I made three different things in the session which I was really pleased with when they arrived beautifully wrapped a few days later. Thank you Wendy – highly recommend 5.

Jen


What is kiln formed / fused glass?

Fused glass (sometimes known as kiln-formed glass, warm glass or glass fusion) is a creative technique where two or more glass elements are fused together in a kiln. The glass comes in a variety of forms in a huge range of gorgeous colours: sheets (which are cut by hand), crushed glass, thin flakes rods and powders.

The kiln temperature can be controlled so at a lower temperature the glass will lightly stick together, keeping its shape (tack fusing) or at a higher temperature the glass will start to move, distort and melt together (full fusing). In the kiln the glass can also be bent over a plaster mould to take on the form of the shape like a bowl (known as slumping) or cast in a mould so the glass becomes completely fluid. Additional kiln formed techniques include embossing, screen – printing and painting. The temperatures at which glass is worked in a kiln are usually between 1000–1700°f (538–927°c) and the kiln firings often take 24 hours as the glass must cool down slowly.