Gin, Cider, Reading and Cake
Back in 2012, Rich and I were sat in a pub garden, chatting with friends over cider, wine and G&Ts (not all in the same glass; that would be vile). We were talking about how you should always push yourself to learn something new. We discussed how it’s not healthy to just have work in your life and nothing else. At that time, I was working at the Citizens Advice Bureau. My hobbies were reading and cake. Yes, I stretched myself at work cognitively (navigating the benefits system on behalf of clients will do that to you), but I wasn’t doing much outside of work.
So. I decided to do something about it. That something involved booking Rich onto a course; I was too scared to do one myself. My thinking was that Rich could learn a craft, then teach me. As he was my husband, I was past the point of giving a shit as to whether I looked stupid in front of him. I was happy to learn from him but damned if I was going on a course myself. I wasn’t arty enough! Also, I speak in nervous riddles when I’m in front of new people; other people on the course would wonder why a fat hamster was learning a new craft instead of, oh, I don’t know, running in a small, plastic wheel eating corn.
Rich was very gracious and went on the stained glass course I’d booked him on. I sat at home reading and eating cake – they were after all my hobbies. When he came home he said how much he’d enjoyed it, and said they also ran a fused glass workshop. I nearly choked on my cake crumbs when he suggested we do it.
The Fat Hamster bites the Bullet
It took several months and many glasses of wine before, in a rare moment of ‘fuck it, what does it matter if I’m the worst there? They’ll never see me again’, I pressed the ‘book now’ button. The rest, as they say, is history. I did not make a fool of myself. No riddles came rushing out of my mouth, and nobody offered me dried maize as a snack.
Why am I telling you this? Well, as you know, I run workshops. I have become aware that many people want to do a course, but get very anxious about it. Some book it anyway, but others cannot get over that hurdle. I was once one of those people. I made myself do it. And you can, too.
With all this in mind, here are some FAQs which might just help you overcome your reticence.
Q) I am a complete beginner. I’ve never cut glass, and what’s more, I can’t even draw. Could I really do a workshop with you?
A) Yes. I teach you the basics you need to know to cut glass. You get the chance to try it on many pieces of scrap glass until you feel happy. The glass you practice on goes in the scrap bin; it’s not a big deal. What’s more, if you are trying to cut a piece which doesn’t want to play ball, I’ll either cut it for you or if you prefer I’ll explain what it is that’s causing you problems, allowing you to make the cut which is frankly being a bit of a bastard.
And, I can’t draw, either.
Q) Everyone else will be better than me.
A) Ok, strictly speaking, this isn’t a question. It’s a statement. But it’s a statement built on no evidence whatsoever. It can’t be because the event in question hasn’t happened yet. What you need to realise is everyone else is probably thinking the same thing! But more to the point, everyone is so engrossed in their own work, they simply don’t notice what’s going on with others.
Yes, I’ll know if you’re struggling, but that’s my job. And I’d be a bit of a shite teacher (and a shite person, let’s be honest) if I laughed at your efforts.
But there’s also the thing of the self-fulfilling prophecy. If you are convinced you will be the worst one there, that isn’t conducive to feeling confident. Instead, you need to wake up on the morning of the class and say to yourself ‘I’m going to learn something new and have fun, today. I can’t expect to be brilliant at something I’ve never done before’. Yes, that sounds a bit Polly-bleedin’-Anna but that’s all you need to do.
Q) What if I’m too slow to finish the class?
A) This has never happened. Never. I plan the class to easily adapt to those who are speedy, and those who like to take their time. It doesn’t matter which of these camps you fall into. Admittedly, if the class is in June but by the time we come out the council are putting up the Christmas lights, then it might be a problem. Otherwise, don’t worry about it.
Q) I’ve seen the piece we are supposed to be making. Do you really think I can make that?
A) I want to sell workshops. I’m not going to put up a piece to advertise said workshop that looks like my cat made it. However, the point is, with the right guidance, you can make something that looks very much like it, or at least your take on it.
The aim of the workshop is not to compare what you do with my example. The aim is to explore the techniques and the materials, with the guidance of an experienced teacher (that’s me, in case you were wondering).
Q) I want to go, but can’t find anyone to go with me; I’m too nervous to go on my own
a) Again, this is a statement. I understand this. I really do. Although I fought my demons to go on my first fused glass course, I still went with Rich and I’m not sure I would’ve gone alone. This probably sounds a bit hypocritical of me.
All I can say, is that I have since been on several courses on my own; I don’t mean glass courses, I mean other crafts I’ve never done before. Here’s the thing: most people go on their own. You can almost certainly be sure that you, on your own, will not be the only one. And once you’ve done it once, you’ll wonder why you were worried. What’s more, you can brag to all your friends afterwards.
Q) I’m interested but isn’t it a lot of money?
A) Yes, of course you want value for money, and of course you don’t want to waste your hard-earned cash. For transparency, here’s a summary of what costs I have to cover:
- Art glass is expensive; you can’t just fire any old glass together, it has to be compatible.
- Cost of firing in the kilns: now that electric is almost as expensive as a trip to the moon in a leaky rocket, I have to factor in those costs. I didn’t use to when I started teaching because cost of kiln firings was minimal. This is no longer the case. Electricity companies are bastards.
- I provide all the materials, so I have a lot of prep to do beforehand.
- I provide all the tools – not many people have glass cutters, running pliers and groziers just lying around the house to bring with them, so I have to buy them.
- I can’t run courses in my own studio, so there’s the cost of hiring somebody else’s studio, too.
All this comes at a much bigger cost than say, some paper and a pencil. Just know that I will never rip anybody off. My courses are costed to consider all of the above, and allow me to pay myself for running them. As much as I would like to be in the position of working for free, I can’t.
Hopefully this explains the cost. Hopefully, you’ll find it’s worth it.
Q) Glass is sharp. What if I cut myself?
A) I have plasters.
There you have it. If you can think of any other obstacles, do let me know! Otherwise, I’ll see you there. And I’ll bring the plasters.