Workshops
I have given workshops in both fused-glass and silver-clay since 2021. In small groups and one-ones.
I was very honoured to run my "Ashes Workshop" in fused-glass with the ashes of a much loved "nan" and "mum" for a close friend. It was an emotional but cathartic experience. I also offer this service for the ashes of beloved pets.
My new Studio was completed in 2023 where I spend my time creating and leading workshops. In addition, I can bring my services to you or I can run larger workshops through "The Crafty Cuppa" in Dorchester. Please enquire to see what suits you best.
I love a commission!
I do love taking on a commission. Please get in touch if you have an idea as glass and silver are so versatile that most things are possible. I love a challenge and will work closely with you through each stage so you're fully part of the process.
Unique Fused glass and hallmarked silver jewellery
The jewellery you always promised yourself that no-one else will be wearing and tells your stories.
Joyously, hand-crafted and high quality fused-glass art, fusion jewellery & hallmarked silver jewellery. Commissions welcomed.
Fusion Jewellery Series
Introducing my "Fusion Jewellery Series". These luxury pieces of jewellery are completely unique and combine my glass and silver, through natural and historical themes. Beginning with "Jurassic Sea", "Nordic Sea" and "Lunar Sea". A second "Forest" series is also available including "Enchanted Forest ", "Primeval Forest " and "Nordic Forest".
I have a sponsor mark from Birmingham Assay Office, which ensures my jewellery has been independently verified and checked for quality of materials used.
Suppliers
My pieces can be found in various shops & galleries throughout Dorset as well as here in my online shop. I also attend craft & charity events which I advertise through my Facebook and Instagram pages.
Currently you can find me at the "The Blue Iris Gallery" in Weymouth, the "Sou'-Sou'-West Arts Gallery & Shop" at Symondsbury, near Bridport, "Buttons and Bows Gifts" at Lytchett Minster, near Poole, and in "Phaedra" in Antelope Walk, Dorchester.
I currently exhibit a selection of my larger pieces in the "Halo Gallery", Brewery Square, Dorchester.
I also collaborate with other artists and exhibit in other local galleries in Dorset (Shaftesbury Arts Centre, Walford Mill in Wimborne & Sou'Sou West Gallery).
About me
Hi, I'm Rachel, I began this creative journey into fused glass in 2016. My curiosity led me to silversmithing, I've loved the incredible possibilities combining these versatile materials.
From the age of seven, I wanted to be an archaeologist. Since graduating from Bournemouth University, I spent many years travelling the UK excavating sites. I specialised in archaeological pottery and fired clay, with experience of glass and metal small finds ( brooches, rings etc).
I briefly stopped archaeology to virtually build helicopters with RNAS and work with Dorset Police, get married and have two amazing children.
I was born in Dorset and it has my heart, from the stunning Jurassic coast, woods, rivers, flora and fauna and history. It's an inspirational place to be.
Large range of pieces
Introducing Rachel, the creator of Fusiology Glass Art
Hi, I'm Rachel, the creator of Fusiology Glass Art. I fell in love with glass fusing after a workshop in 2017 and started my creative journey.
This has evolved over the past few years in several directions, of silver clay, silversmithing enamelling, but the main themes are still authentic pieces that attract free-spirited individuals that love quality, colour, patterns and owning something unique. Please enjoy browsing the collections and do get in touch if you'd like to know more.
Thanks for watching x
Background of Metal Clays
Silver Clay was invented in Japan in the 1990s by metallurgist Masaki Morikawa. Its revolutionary formula allowed fine jewellery to be made simply, without years of training or expensive tools
Silver clay is made up of fine silver particles (usually recycled from the photographic industry, X-rays, electronic devices etc) mixed with an organic plant based binder and water.
The binder gives the material a texture and suppleness just like traditional clay, so it can be worked by hand or tools. The clay can be moulded, rolled, textured and shaped.
When heated in a kiln, the binder burns away and the metal fuses together to create beautiful, unique pieces of handmade metal clay jewellery.
All my silver jewellery is hallmarked by Birmingham Assay Office.
Quality is independently verified and each piece is laser stamped with my personal sponsor mark.
Workshops in my studio
Taking a three generational workshop in my studio
Silver clay charms
Silver keyring and fused-glass suncatcher made in a workshop
Spiral earrings from a workshop
Fused glass suncatchers
Workshop suncatchers designed by mother and daughter
History of Fused Glass
Along the shores of the Nile, Egyptian artisans first discovered a way to produce coloured glass objects through a mixture of silica, fluxes, and a variety of oxides melted at over 2500 degrees Celsius.
The Romans were much more prolific glassworkers, developing early fusing techniques.
You can fuse glass without a kiln using a torch, and other specialized equipment, such as a microwave kiln. It's fun and rewarding hobby, and how I first started my journey, but it's important to take safety precautions and ensure that you have the necessary equipment and setup to work safely.
A microwave kiln is a container made of a white insulating fibre and lined on the inside of the chamber with a black compound that absorbs the microwave radiation and heats up to 898.889 degrees celsius.
If you have a programmable controller on your kiln you can begin fusing glass right now! The main difference between a glass kiln and a ceramic kiln, is that glass kilns generally heat a single layer from the top and ceramic kilns heat multiple layers from the side.
There are 4 main stages that occur when glass fuses together.
● 1200°F (650°C) Drape – glass softens enough to bend over a mold.
● 1250°F (675°C) Slump – glass softens enough to bend into a mold.
●1300°F (705°C) Fire Polish – glass melts enough to produce a surface polish.
●1350°F (732°C) Tack Fuse – pieces of glass will permanently fuse together.
GLASS SUPPLIERS
https://www.warn-glass.co.uk
https://linktr.ee/tabithasglassemporium
Visit us
Address
Opening hours
- Monday09:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
- Thursday09:00 - 17:00
- Friday09:00 - 17:00
- Saturday09:00 - 14:00
- Sunday11:00 - 13:00