We, Marc and Ruth, are both qualified Pharmacists, we enrolled for a Stained Glass course as a hobby, and have developed this into a thriving business.
Our studio is situated in Morley - Perth - Western Australia. The studio is growing rapidly, so is the interest in Stained and Hot Glass (melting and bending of glass). People are becoming aware of the vast possibilities for which Stained Glass and Hot Glass can be used. We distribute to numerous other studios as well as to stained glass Hobbyists.
Arts & Crafts is the distributor for Bullseye Glass, Uroboros Glass, Gemini Ring saws, Mika International, Carolyn Kyle Publications, Unique Glass Colours, Crest moulds and Stained Glass News. We are stockists of Wissmach Glass, Kokomo Glass, and English Muffle, Spectrum, Glue Chip (clear and coloured), French semi-antique and Optimum Glass.
Lessons are offered in:
- Stained Glass
- Hot Glass and Creative Kilnwork - Fusing (melting) and Slumping (bending) of glass.
- Enamel painting on glass
- Leadlite Windows
- Advanced Kilnwork
- Beadmaking
STAINED GLASS:
The studio offers a beginner's course in which students are taught the delicate art of Stained Glass. The course consists of one three-hour lesson per week for seven weeks. During the course the students complete a lampshade using the Tiffany foiling method. An advanced course is offered in which advice and assistance is provided to students who get together to tackle more challenging projects on a weekly basis. Stained Glass is a very tactile hobby. Each piece of glass is cut, ground, foiled, soldered and constructed together to create the finished product.
FUSING AND SLUMPING:
A one-day course is offered where students learn the art of creative kilnwork. Technical information is provided. Students will make a fused and slumped glass dish and a kiln carving in a design and colour of their choice. Kilns, designed by Marc, especially for glass are available at competitive prices. The studio stocks the complete range of Fuse compatible Bullseye and Uroboros Glass, as well as a large range of moulds, books and all other accessories required for hot glass work. Students can rent space in the kilns until they are ready to purchase their own kilns. Advanced courses are available, such as manipulative kiln forming, mould making etc.
ENAMEL PAINTING ON GLASS:
Arts & Crafts is a distributor of Unique Glass Colours, which is a range of enamel paints developed for use on both glass and ceramic. Students will paint their own unique piece, which will be fired in the kilns. The Studio may also fire any further projects undertaken. There are 54 Colours available in the range and they may be mixed and shaded as required. This provides the artist with a huge palette of colours and endless possibilities.
LEADLITES:
Learn the traditional art of Stained Glass windows. Express your talent and creativity. This is a half-day course offered to students with a basic knowledge of Stained Glass.
ADVANCED KILNWORK:
The glass is manipulated to create dimensional projects. This course is great fun. Course available from October.
BEADMAKING:
Learn how to lampwork and decorate your own unique glass beads. This class will teach you how fun, safe and easy it is to make your own beautiful glass beads. Available from October.
Working with glass is not only creative, but also therapeutic as your mind focuses completely on your creation and your outside worries disappear. Your imagination is your only limitation.
The studio will offer advice and assistance to those who want to open their own stained glass or hot glass studio.
The following extract on our studio is taken from a program that was featured on national television:
" With the progress made in the glass industry relative to the wide range of glass incorporating a variety of colours, blends, textures, bevels, and the development of hot glass techniques and with a burning passion to create , Marc and Ruth Leib founded Plant Hobbywood.
Not only is Arts & Crafts a specialist in the design and manufacture of hand-crafted, custom-made articles viz.; mirrors, lamps , windows, clocks, screens and glassware such as dinner services, platters, and other objects d'art for private individuals, architects and interior designers, it is also an importer and supplier of stained glass, allied tools and accessories. In addition to this the studio offers beginners and advanced courses where students are taught the delicate art of stained glass in a congenial atmosphere."
We pride ourselves on offering efficient quality service to all our customers. Our Studio newsletter " A Touch of Glass" is mailed to all our customers every two months, and includes free patterns, special offers and advice for all glass enthusiasts. We also offer an import service for items, which are not currently available.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any queries.
Marc and Ruth Leib
info@planethobbywood.com.au