We are currently running a number of courses at our studios on Sommerville Road. Pop in for a chat or find out more:

Stone carving course
This is a course that would suit both beginners and those with some experience, it will be taught in a traditional manner.  The initial 6 wk course will start with a simple piece and for those that wish to continue we will progress through gradually more interesting and exciting pieces from Tudor roses and ball flowers to crockets and green men.  The course cost includes materials for the beginner’s course as well as the use of chisels, although as you progress you will want to start getting together your own chisels and mallets!

Sculpture
This is a mixed media course for all abilities.  It will cover the initial design and concept of your own piece, through planning, maquet and armature making and then conception of your own sculpture!  Don’t worry if you have nothing in mind we can design something together and I have a large collection of books and images to give you inspiration.  When you sign up for the course we can have a one on one session to discuss your idea so we can hit the class running and get stuck straight in.  This is an ongoing course and I very much hope to put together a creative group that will inspire us all.  I hope to involve group sessions to look at aspects of sculpture and various materials and even a group project!
For the more experienced, come along and share your experience and the workshop space.

Michael Blow ARBS
I have 15yrs experience as a stone mason and carver.  I was trained as a stone mason at Gloucester Cathedral working only by hand in traditional techniques and towards the end of my apprenticeship I was taught carving techniques.  Since then I have worked on a wide variety of projects and commissioned sculptures as well as creating my own pieces.  I am also an associate member of the Royal British society of Sculptors.  I am very excited about the opportunity to share my skill and to provide a creative space for people to sculpt and carve.

I very much hope you’ll sign up for one or both of the courses and look forward to meeting you soon.
Best regards
Mike Blow

Make your own Stained Glass Christmas Gift

Learn all the techniques required to make a traditional stained glass panel to take home with you, either to keep yourself as a memento of your course or to give a loved one a completely unique and hand made present for Christmas this year.
You will have a choice of festive cartoons to cut glass to fit, then I will guide you through the process of cutting lead came and assembling the panel, soldering and cementing to finish.
This course is aimed at complete beginners. If you already have some experience in working with glass and would like more comprehensive training this can be arranged, just give me a ring to sort out one to one lessons or to secure a place on an intermediate level course, where I will help you to design your own more complex panel.
  I am also considering running copper foil technique courses, so if interested please contact me.
  All materials and tools are provided, so all you need to do is be at the studios on Monday 1st November at 6.30, wearing sensible old and warm clothes, and covered shoes, no flip flops or sandals please. I have allowed one and a half hours for each lesson, but everyone will work at their own pace, and you just can’t rush creative genius, so if we run over its no problem for me!
  If you like the course and want to progress with your new hobby, you can purchase all necessary tools, equipment and materials from me at a later date.
  I completed an apprenticeship with a Bristol based stained glass company for about 8 years, and then set up my own company in 2002, which has been running successfully since.
  The studios are just behind the Drum Bank on Gloucester Road, and is a working stone masonry yard, so feel free to pop in anytime for more information. There is a wealth of places to eat and drink within a few yards, so should you need refreshments there is plenty close at hand!
  Thanks for your interest and hope to see you at the studios.

Jenny Varney

To see more of my work have a look at:

www.inspiralglass.co.uk