FAQs

What’s the plan?

After a health & safety briefing, I will be demonstrating the techniques I use, from preparing the glass to applying the enamels.  The glass will be cut to size in readiness for you.  You will have time to sketch out a simple design, and prepare any stencils that you might need, before applying your colours to the glass.

What materials will I be using and are they safe?

You will be working with glass enamels, which are in a fine powder form. Some of them contain substances such as lead which can be harmful if ingested. You will be provided with a mask, gloves and apron for protection. Please read our Terms and Conditions for more details on health and safety before booking.

Who else will be there?

We have a maximum of 8 places on each Taster Class.

What’s the cost?

The usual cost of each place is £70. This must be paid in full to secure your place.

What does the cost include?

The all-inclusive cost covers your tuition, all materials that you will be using, protective mask and gloves, and the item you make to take home.

Can I bring a friend?

To allow everyone plenty of space to work only those paying for a place will be able to attend the class.

Where is it?

At my fully equipped studio in Totnes within the picturesque South Hams area of Devon. The address is Unit A5 Dart Marine Park, Steamer Quay Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5AL.

Is there car parking?

Whilst we don’t have a customer car park, there is plenty of “pay and display” parking very close-by (a one minute walk from the studio). We recommend that you park in the Long Marsh Long Stay Car Park (RingGo location 3492) which is £4 for the whole day or free from 6pm.

Where can I stay?

If you don’t live locally I will be pleased to do all I can to help you make the most of your visit to Devon. Please just ask if you would like details of suggested accommodation in or around Totnes.

Can we have a private class?

Yes I also arrange workshops for private groups, on dates to suit.
To discuss this please call 01803 865631 or email studio@vividglassart.co.uk

What’s the plan for the two days?

On day one, as well as glass cutting and fibre-paper mould making, you will be able to make several sample pieces whilst you practise your enamel application techniques. These samples will serve as ‘drafts’ for the main piece that you will be making on the following day. They will be fired in the kiln on the first night so that you can see how they have turned out on the morning of day two.

On day two you will be able to focus all day on making your main piece, a panel which can be up to 60cm x 30cm in size. This course is all about design progression, and learning from your first attempts with the samples – assessing what has worked, and what maybe didn’t come out quite as you expected – so that you can make appropriate adjustments in your finished design.

What materials will I be using and are they safe?

You will be working with glass enamels, which are in a fine powder form. Some of them contain substances such as lead which can be harmful if ingested. You will be provided with a mask, gloves and apron for protection. Please read our Terms and Conditions for more details on health and safety before booking.

Who else will be there?

Places are limited to FOUR to allow everyone plenty of space to work and to ensure I can give everyone individual attention as needed.

What can I take home with me?

Your main piece can be a maximum size of 30cm x 60cm. You can create any design that you wish, perhaps taking inspiration from our local surroundings or you can bring some ideas with you.  You will also be able to keep all the sample pieces you made on the first day.   Everything will be ready for you to collect by early afternoon on the following day (or I can send it to you via courier for an additional charge if you are not able to collect in person).

What’s the cost?

The cost of each place is £625. This must be paid in full to secure your place.

What does the cost include?

The all-inclusive cost covers your tuition, all materials that you will be using, protective mask and apron, a yummy lunch and other refreshments on both days, the items you make to take home, and fixings with which to hang your main piece.

Can I bring a friend?

To allow everyone plenty of space to work only those paying for a place will be able to attend during the day. Usually your friends or family are welcome to come in at the end of the day to see the fruits of your labours before your piece is fired in the kiln – and again the following day for the grand kiln-opening – however to ensure safe distancing this isn’t possible at the moment.

Where is it?

At my fully equipped studio in Totnes within the picturesque South Hams area of Devon. The address is Unit A5 Dart Marine Park, Steamer Quay Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5AL.

Is there car parking?

Whilst we don’t have a customer car park, there is plenty of “pay and display” parking very close-by (a one minute walk from the studio). We recommend that you park in the Long Marsh Long Stay Car Park (RingGo location 3492) which is £4 for the whole day or free from 6pm.

Where can I stay?

If you aren’t local I will be pleased to do all I can to help you make the most of your visit to Devon. Please just ask if you would like details of suggested accommodation in or around Totnes.

Can we have a private course?

Yes I also arrange workshops for private groups, on dates to suit.
To discuss this please call 01803 865631 or email studio@vividglassart.co.uk

What’s the plan for the day?

After a health & safety briefing, I will be demonstrating the techniques I use, from preparing the glass to applying the enamels, through to assembling the piece ready for the kiln. There will be opportunity for practicing the application of colours in the morning, and then a break for lunch. Upon return to the Studio you will then have the rest of the afternoon to make your main panel. I will provide as much personal assistance and guidance as you need.

What materials will I be using and are they safe?

You will be working with glass enamels, which are in a fine powder form. Some of them contain substances such as lead which can be harmful if ingested. You will be provided with a mask, gloves and apron for protection. Please read our Terms and Conditions for more details on health and safety before booking.

Who else will be there?

Places are limited to FOUR per workshop to allow everyone plenty of space to work and to ensure I can give everyone individual attention as needed.

What can I take home with me?

You will be making a glass wall panel, to a maximum size of 30cm x 60cm. You can create any design that you wish, perhaps taking inspiration from our local surroundings, or you can bring some ideas with you. Your piece will be fired in the kiln the same day, and will then be ready for you to collect the following afternoon (or I can send it to you via courier for an additional charge if you are not able to collect in person).

What’s the cost?

The cost of each place is £325. This must be paid in full to secure your place.

What does the cost include?

The all-inclusive cost covers your tuition, all materials that you will be using, protective mask and apron, a pub lunch and other refreshments, the item you make to take home (and probably some smaller pieces too!), and fixings with which to hang it.

Can I bring a friend?

To allow everyone plenty of space to work only those paying for a place will be able to attend during the day. Usually your friends or family are welcome to come in at the end of the day to see the fruits of your labours before your piece is fired in the kiln – and again the following day for the grand kiln-opening – however to ensure safe distancing this isn’t possible at the moment.

Where is it?

At my fully equipped studio in Totnes within the picturesque South Hams area of Devon. The address is Unit A5 Dart Marine Park, Steamer Quay Road, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5AL.

Is there car parking?

Whilst we don’t have a customer car park, there is plenty of “pay and display” parking very close-by (a one minute walk from the studio). We recommend that you park in the Long Marsh Long Stay Car Park (RingGo location 3492) which is £4 for the whole day or free from 6pm.

Where can I stay?

If you aren’t local, will be pleased to do all I can to help you make the most of your visit to Devon. Please just ask if you would like details of suggested accommodation in or around Totnes.

Can we have a private workshop?

Yes I also arrange workshops for private groups, on dates to suit.
To discuss this please call 01803 865631 or email studio@vividglassart.co.uk

Before booking a workshop please read our Workshop Terms and Conditions which include health and safety information and our cancellation policy.

Are the splashbacks suitable to go behind the cooker?

Yes they are. Ideally there should be 100mm from the back of the cooker to the wall – as a minimum this distance must be 50mm. There should also be an upstand (on which the glass splashback sits) with a minimum height of 100mm.

Are they standard sizes?

I make all splashbacks individually to order for each customer. This means that there are no ‘standard’ sizes, and the splashback will be made to fit your requirements perfectly. I can make a splashback as large as 2100mm x 1200mm in one single piece. Larger splashbacks can be achieved by making in sections with neat joins.

How thick is the glass?

The splashbacks vary in thickness according to the design. Most designs, such as Wave, Grasses, Earth and Colonsay series are flat and have a thickness of approximately 9mm. Designs in the Colonsay series have an undulating surface and the thickness varies from 9mm up to 14mm.

Is the glass toughened?

No. Toughening refers to a specific process, which is not compatible with our techniques for colouring the glass.

How are they fixed to the wall?

A specific flexible silicone adhesive should be used which is provided with each splashback order.  I supply full fitting instructions with each splashback, and a copy is available in advance upon request.

Are the splashbacks guaranteed?

Provided that our fitting instructions are adhered to in full, I offer a product replacement guarantee of two years from date of delivery.    Full details of the guarantee are available upon request.

How do I care for the glass?

The glass is easy to keep clean with warm water, washing up liquid and a soft sponge. Finish by polishing with a soft dry cloth. Abrasive materials and boiling hot water should not be used.

Can you do cut-outs for sockets?

We do not recommend that the splashback is cut as it can weaken the glass. If you do require socket cut-outs this should only be done on a professional waterjet machine but is at your own risk.

Are the tiles suitable for floors?

No, these are wall tiles only.

Are they standard sizes?

We offer a range of popular standard sizes (please see the price list), but can also make custom sizes upon request.

How thick are they?

The tiles have a depth of 9mm.

How are they fixed to the wall?

We recommend using a flexible tile adhesive and grout.

How do I clean them?

The tiles are easy to keep clean with warm water, washing up liquid and a soft sponge. Finish by polishing with a soft dry cloth. Abrasive materials and boiling hot water should not be used.

Can they be cut?

We do not recommend that you attempt to cut the tiles. If you require odd sizes to complete an area, you we can make custom sizes upon request.