Our 2011 workshop was held during the week of 11 July,·this year Peter and Tim returned together with Richard Jolley from the USA.· What an inspirational week we had with Richard teaching us some new techniques, and Tim being his ever busy self.· Trevyn and Julian McGowan also returned and Julian spent a few days designing and producing a few new ranges of tableware with Sifiso and his team. James Magagula and Daniel Masuku spent a lot of time working with Richard and learned how to drill holes, and to “carve” hot glass.·Swazi’s have traditionally carved heads and faces out of soap stone, but Richard showed us how to do this in glass. Watch out for some new pieces by James Magagula, he will be spending some time over the next few weeks working on this technique and it is hoped that he will add a new dimension to this old art form. Tim and his team of Isaac and Nathi created some amazing “circus” rhino’s and elephants, and Richard inspired a massive chandelier made from hundreds of glass leaves.· We were only able to finish the first 4 layers of the eventual 8 layer structure, but this will be shown soon in our showroom to its full extent.· Peter worked with everyone on a new range of vases that is hoped will sell into the European market in particular. Eugenie Drakes spent the week revamping our showroom, which now has a much cleaner and open feel.
