Glass - Introduction to Festive Fusing Workshop

Course intent

This one day festive workshop offers a fun and creative introduction to fused glass, with a focus on designing and making three unique Christmas decorations. This workshop guides learners through the key stages of glass fusing in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Participants will explore the creative possibilities of glass by making a vibrant Christmas tree, then choose from a selection of seasonal designs such as a snowman, robin, or traditional toy soldier. Finally, they will craft a delicate snowflake or icicle to complete their holiday collection.

Throughout the workshop, learners will gain practical skills in cutting and layering glass, develop an understanding of how glass behaves in the kiln, and discover how colour, transparency, and texture can be used to create decorative effects. Health and safety practices for working with glass will also be covered. By the end of the session, learners will have created three personalised decorations and gained the confidence to explore further fused glass work in future.

What will I learn?

You Will Learn:

Design Techniques

• Plan and create festive designs such as Christmas trees, snowmen, robins, or toy soldiers.
• Learn how to simplify shapes for fusing and use layering to create decorative effects.
• Make creative choices to personalise your pieces and develop your own festive design style.

Material Knowledge

• Discover how different types of glass behave when fused, including transparent and opaque glass.
• Learn about compatible glass for fusing and the use of decorative inclusions like frits, stringers, and dichroic accents.
• Understand how colour and texture change during firing and how to work with them to achieve your desired result.

Craftsmanship

• Improve your cutting and layering techniques to achieve clean, well-balanced designs.
• Create pieces with added dimension and festive flair, such as tinsel-like detail or hanging elements.
• Learn tips for finishing and presenting your glass decorations professionally.

Production Process

• Practice safe and accurate glass cutting and preparation.
• Assemble your design using fusing techniques and prepare your piece for kiln firing.
• Explore basic kiln behaviour and what happens during the firing process.

Workshop Practice

• Work safely with glass tools and materials in a shared studio environment.
• Understand the importance of using safety glasses and protective equipment.
• Learn best practices for handling, labelling, and submitting your piece for firing.

Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

All Abilities: Suitable for beginners with no glass experience. The focus will be on developing skills and knowledge to complete projects.

What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

What to Wear

- Old clothes or an apron

- Sensible, closed-toe shoes (no open-toe sandals)

What Will Be Provided

- All specialist tools and materials required for glass work

- Access to equipment and supplies for classroom use only

All glass will be provided for the three projects of the day.

What can I do when I finish the course?

You will understand the basics of fusing glass together. You will be able to participate in a further one day course, Our Glass Fusing courses provide you with the opportunity to produce fused glass pieces that can be included in the making of a stained-glass panel.

Additional Information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class.

We value and support equality, diversity and inclusion by promoting fairness and respect at all times.

How to enrol

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

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