Go glass making for a day in Buckinghamshire, learning the art of glassmaking and blowing from a master craftsman. Derek Bransfield has his own state of the art glassmaking studios south of Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire and he is only too pleased to show you how it's done.

We've all seen blown glass vases on mantelpieces, but how many of us have had the chance to discover just how these ornaments are made? It's a very rare treat indeed to be able to spend a whole day in a glassmaking studio and be able to make your own piece. For these intensive full day experiences there is a maximum of two students at any one time, so you get loads of hands-on time.

In the morning you will learn how to work with hot glass, gather glass from the furnace, shape it and apply colour. The afternoon session will see you putting into practise everything you've learnt about glass to make your very own piece, usually something like a paperweight. You will also have time to have a go at the ultimate glass-making art, glassblowing.

This glass making workshop in Buckinghamshire enables you to enter a completely new world, full of creativity, as you work in a studio with roaring hot furnaces and cast iron tools to make the most delicate and beautiful examples of glassware.

This is a 6 hour experience with a maximum of just two students. You will begin with a safety talk and introduction before becoming familiar with the tools, equipment and basic techniques used when working with hot glass. You will learn how to gather glass from the furnace, how to shape the glass and apply colour. After a break for lunch you will create your own piece and have a go at glass blowing under the guidance of your expert tutor. The day course will begin at 10.30am and finish at 4.30pm.


Available from January to June and from September to December on Saturday and Sunday dates.


One day courses take place at a glass making studio in Westcott, Buckinghamshire near the town of Aylesbury.


Participants must be 18 years and over. Comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting dirty is recommended. Avoid flammable materials. Trousers must be worn and jewellery will have to be removed. A basic level of fitness is required as you will be on your feet for the majority of the course.


One spectator per guest are welcome, however please note conditions within the workshop can be hot. There is a deli very close by where lunch can be purchased.