Latest news:  We have both spent a wonderful four days at North Lands Glass in Lybster - Roy took a two day box casting course with Patti Niemann and then we both had two inspirational days with Denis Mann learning diamond wheel engraving, sandblasting and other techniques.  It is a beautiful part of Scotland and we had glorious weather, we just wished we could have stayed longer but work called.

We have both had an interest in antique glass and jewellery for many years and in 2000 Roy had the opportunity to learn more about beadmaking and lampworking.   He studied with Pauline Holt, Julie Ann Denton and Kate Drew Wilkinson. More recently he attended masterclasses with Loren Stump to learn sculptural glass work, murrini and paperweight techniques. He also took a course with Bill Swann in Cardiff to learn glass fusing. He is constantly researching and experimenting to increase his knowledge of the techniques of glass working and to keep abreast of fashions and colours whilst retaining traditional styles. 

With this experience he is happy to teach students who wish to learn more about beadmaking as a hobby or eventually as a business, please take time to look at the lessons page.

He dealt in antique glass for 30 years and has always been fascinated by the history of glass and the art of glass blowing, paperweight manufacture, enamelling and other forms of glass work. It was a natural progression, because of his interest and love of the medium, to learn the art of lampworking and kiln fusing, to make the beads and fused glass you will find on our site. The possibilities are endless with this wonderful material, colours, finishes and effects continually surprise and delight (and occasionally throw us into complete panic – How did that happen! Can I do that again?)

 

Ojime mouse, ivory sculptural glass

Pat has been dealing in antique jewellery for over 30 years and has amassed a large stock of antique beads and beadwork, needlework tools, beaded bags and bag handles. Having been taught how to knot beads for jewellery, she restrings the antique beads as authentically as possible. She also does braiding, stringing and silverwork for individual beads made by Roy. She is also the support staff, typist, social and events secretary and general gofer!

You can meet us at one of the many bead fairs in the UK – see our events page – but don’t be surprised to find us at a folk festival, canal festival or vintage vehicle event as we occasionally combine business with pleasure!