A bit about me & my work
I gained BA Hons in Three Dimensional Design from Brighton University and I am a fully qualified and experienced Art & Design teacher.  I have specialised in creating flameworked glass beads (originally called lampworking) for the last 15 years. I also blow hollow glass beads on a small blow pipe as well as creating 3D copperfoil vignettes, often using medieval stained glass techniques with paints and silver stain to colour the glass. 
If you are in Brighton, you are very welcome to visit my garden studio to see my work and watch the making process.  Just email me to check I am workshop based. I have two fully equipped work stations for glass making, kilns and a jewellery making bench. I use duel fuel (propane & oxygen) surface mix torches.

My studio is in the Round Hill conservation area of central Brighton, East Sussex, UK. Close to public transport links, there is also easy on road pay parking.

How I make my lamp work glass beads
Each lamp-work bead is made by melting glass in a flame and then, when molten, winding the glass around a steel mandrel (which creates the hole!). Decorations are added using glass stringers, twisties & murrinis which I also make. 
Lampworking  is thought to have been used in 15th century Venice as a domestic craft by the wives of the Murano glass blowers.
I also blow glass beads, by melting glass onto the the end of a hollow pipe, before shaping and decorating the 'gather' and then blowing into a hollow round bead before adding the holes.
All my beads & free form glass pieces are kiln annealed for strength
I use best quality 'soft' transparent and opaque glass rods from Italy, Germany and the USA.
My inspiration comes from the natural world, particularly the landscape, sea and beach. As a material glass has incredible properties and these also inspire new ideas.

Learn to make your own beads?
My studio is a great space to try the craft of lamp-work. If you want to develop a new skill or just fancy having a go, I offer taster, beginner & improver courses for individuals or pairs. Courses include health & safety;  all the equipment and materials you need.  You will take home all beads you make & my demonstration beads. Contact me for more information and to arrange a suitable date. Gift vouchers are available.
​
1.5 hours - £45      (£75 for 2 people)
3 hours - £80     (£140 for 2 people)
6 hours - £140   (£250 for 2 people) - this can be spread over 2 days if paid in advance
​
I also offer 'torch time' for experienced lamp-workers wanting to practise their skill at £12.50 hr (tuition/glass not included).