Julia Hayward's workshop is suitable for children and adults.

When does this workshop run?  Two sessions will take place on Saturday 18 May: 11.00am to noon and in the afternoon from 2.00pm - 3.00pm.

What can I make in this workshop?    You can either make a small hanging fused glass decoration (see photos at the end of this post for ideas) or a 10cm x 10cm fused glass coaster.  Please note that the glass work you produce in this workshop will need to be fused in Julia's kiln and so you will not be able to 'take your make' home with you at the end of the session.

Do I have to book?   No - just turn up.  If the table is busy when you arrive just wait until a place becomes free.  

How much does it cost?  £5 for each small hanging decoration and £10 for each coster. If you can not collect your fused works from Marlow there will be an additional charge to cover P&P.

How long will it take?  This depends on the level of decoration you want to add, but we recommend you give yourself 20 to 30 minutes for each piece - which gives you time to try one of the other three workshops that we are running . . .

How long will it take to get my glass decoration / coaster fused?  It will take 10 - 14 days to get completed work fused and posted out to you / ready to collect in Marlow.

To learn more about Julia Hayward and to see some more examples of her lovely glass work do take a look at her page on the 'About Us' tab and read her 'Meet and Greet' blog entry.

In today' 'meet and greet' we are delighted to introduce you to one of the founders of Collective Art in Marlow - our talented glass artist Julia Hayward.

Introduce yourself briefly: Hello, my name is Julia and I produce kiln-formed glass. I have been working with glass for over 10 years, since taking a course whilst on maternity leave with my eldest daughter. I studied English & Theatre Studies at University and worked in marketing for 8 years before taking a career break and embarking on my creative journey with glass!

Describe your style:  My glass is both functional and decorative. I do produce more sculptural 3D pieces in addition to glass platters, panels and decorations. I generally choose restful soothing colours and I like looking for contrasts between textures and colours. I often use inclusions of metal in my glass, or I add other materials like beads and wire to my decorations.
 
Tell us about your workspace? I work in a studio room at home and in the garage where my kiln and other power tools are located!
 
What inspires you? Inspiration comes from the lines and textures of the natural world; seashells, bark, leaves and the natural contours of the land. My more sculptural work is inspired by my place in the world and by the lyrics of Joni Mitchell!
 
How and when did you get involved with Collective Art in Marlow? I am a founder member of the Collective.
 
What is your favourite technique? I really enjoy glass casting and I have recently started working on some 'organic burn-outs'. Basically you put an organic object (like a vegetable!) into a mold and burn it out in the kiln, replacing the vegetable with a glass version! Very exciting...
 
Apart from glass, do you have any other creative interests? I love to sing.
 
Tell us about where else we can see your work? My work is stocked at FROM in Thame, Emerald Gallery in Chalfont St. Peter, Obsidian Art in Aylesbury, occasionally at Zest Contemporary Glass in London and then local art & craft events.

We also asked Julia the following questions as a bit of fun:
 
Favourite film: At the moment it is Despicable Me (I love the music)
 
Pets: Sammy the Labrador puppy, Toffee & Marmalade the ginger sisters (cats), Bubble & Squeak the guinea pigs and an assortment of fish!
 
Favourite place to be: somewhere sunny with my family
 
Person I'd most like to invite to dinner: Graham Norton 
 
Random fact about me: I used to sing with the Chemical Brothers (before they were famous!)