I spent a glorious time at a one-day glass fusion and enamelling workshop in Michelle O’ Donnell’s Glasshammer studio in County Offaly. I had never used glass for anything artistic before so this was a complete introduction for me.

To prepare us for the glass fusion technique, Michelle began with a glass cutting demonstration followed by a hands-on try out for each us. Her gentle demeanour and easy-going way got us all believing in ourselves so much so that within minutes of the tuition, masks and gloves were on and everyone wastotally absorbed in their own creations.

There was a huge choice of glass colours available to usand it was a great fun overlapping colours and understanding how the light works throughthem. She floated from person to person with tips and guidance as we worked and to my amazement, we had all completed a glass fusion piece before lunch!

We were then treated to a most enjoyable homemade lunch on the patio of her home nearby. We were surrounded by gorgeous countryside with foals running about in the fields for our entertainment. We returned to the studio at a leisurely pace and after more tuition, we began enamelling on glass, again we had access toa great choice of enamel colours and we could make our new piece on any shape of glass that we liked. I have now seen the end results of all the work which she fired in the kiln for us, it is hard to believe how varied the work is and how so much was achieved by novices in such a short time.

We learned so much, had a laugh and were very safe in her spacious studio. Michelle had all the appropriate measures taken to comply with the current restrictions.

In these difficult times, it was so pleasant to have an unusual day away. I recommend it highly especially to anyone who wants a change from the current status quo!

Thank you Michelle for everything.