This workshop is hosted over two consecutive Saturdays

9.00am - 4.00pm.

This course is offered at regular intervals throughout the year. Please choose your dates from the dropdown menu below.

Capture the delicate intricacies of nature in your own stunning cast glass artwork.

In this engaging two-day workshop, you'll delve into the intricacies of casting glass sculptures which incorporate details from organic matter. Learn how to create blocks or small panels that beautifully capture the delicate impressions of organic matter captured within a transparent glass form. You'll work with a variety of materials, including found organic objects such as flowers, leaves, insects, feathers, shells, and fine barks which will create dimension, texture, and interest to your compositions.

The first day of this course will involve using your found organic objects to create impressions into a clay block which will be translated into glass forms - capturing these details in a mould you will prepare to cast your glass into. Your mould will cast in the interim between classes, and the second day of the course will require you to extract your glass from your mould, and use a variety of coldworking machines and techniques to refine and polish your casting - ready to take home, or even exhibit.

Our workshop provides a supportive environment for beginners through to the more experienced, guiding you through each step of the creative process. No prior experience with glass is required.

Core Techniques Covered Include:

• Integrating organic matter with clay sculpting compositions

• Working with raised and relief impressions to create a refractory mould

• Introduction to basic ‘cold working’ processes 

• Kiln Firing Schedules

• Health and safety

Designed to

Materials provided:

• All tools (sculpting tools, measuring equipment, drawing equipment, etc)

• All safety equipment (safety glasses, P2 masks, etc)

• All artistic materials (glass for casting, silica flour, plaster flour, clay, etc)

PLEASE NOTE: While safety equipment is provided, it is strongly recommended that students bring their own fitted reusable respirators with suitable P2-P100 filters/cartridges, to strengthen personal safety measures while working with harmful silica and plaster powders.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, each student will have the skills to:

• Make moulds for casting glass

• Calculate quantities of glass for casting

• Linish, hand-lap, polish, grind, and engrave their glasswork

• Implement appropriate health and safety procedures