DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS

Fused glass decorative items

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WHEN DID YOU START?

My Etsy shop opened in May 2020. I have lived in Chobham since 2017.

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WHAT IS YOUR STORY

I was a teacher of modern foreign languages, French and Spanish, and when I retired from 40-plus years in secondary education and teacher training, I was looking for new experiences. I took a couple of basic fused glass classes and created pictures and from that moment I was hooked! During Covid I further developed my techniques and taught myself to make coasters, dishes, wavy decorations and lantern panels.

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HOW IS FUSED GLASS DIFFERENT FROM STAINED GLASS?

The process is different. I can be free with my designs and create a greater variety of shaped items.

 

Fused glass requires cutting and using powders, different grades of ground glass and pieces of glass placed in specific areas, then firing in a kiln at least once. With stained glass there is no kiln firing required but there is precision cutting to patterns and detailed work attaching the glass to other pieces with lead came.*

*The extruded lead channel used to form the framework of stained glass work

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DESCRIBE YOUR PRODUCTS

 I make lanterns, freestanding decorations and panels, tealight holders, suncatchers, coasters, dishes, recycled bottles as dishes, platters and hanging decorations, pictures, greetings cards.

 

HOW MANY PIECES HAVE YOU MADE IN TOTAL

I estimate over 3000 which includes multiple small hanging decorations!

 

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE?

My orange trees design in pictures, panels, coasters, tealights, suncatchers and dishes is very special to me as the first piece I created was an orange tree picture.

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HOW DO YOU SELL YOUR PRODUCTS?

I have a shelf in Craft Coop Camberley, a display tower in ArtHouse Galleries Woking and a shop on Etsy. I also attend many local fetes and events and take commissions from customers who contact me via my website or in person.

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IS THERE ANYTHING NEW IN THE PIPELINE?

Large freestanding suncatcher panels for the garden and window ledges

 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I love working with colour and being free to create my own designs, also meeting customers and fellow crafters at events.

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WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT THING?

The timings of the firing can be challenging as the kilns need between 16-24 hours depending on the schedule. I make sure that the kilns are full before firing to save energy.

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WHAT IS THE BEST THING A CUSTOMER HAS EVER SAID TO YOU?

"This is so special. It’s perfect and your beautiful glass will always remind me of my dear mother."

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AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHOBHAM?

Chobham is a wonderful community with so many lovely people who live and work here.

 

www.orangetreeglass.co.uk

Facebook and Instagram @orangetreeglass

enquiries@orangetreeglass.co.uk

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Orange Tree Glass is listed in ARTISTS & CRAFTMAKERS where you can find more creative local businesses making beautiful things