My Experience
Having first taken up glass engraving in the 1980s, I found it very satisfying to create a work of art by hand on such a delicate medium as fine glass. I quickly acquired my own engraving tools and developed my own personal style. At this early stage I produced engravings for friends and other contacts, including a tankard for my then boyfriend's 21st birthday (as he is now my husband, it must have been quite good!). Whilst at university I continued to engrave pieces such as tankards and wine glasses for important occasions for friends and family members.
After leaving university I began a full time career in London and so it was difficult to find the time to keep up regular glass engraving. However, since starting a family and deciding to stay at home to bring up my two children, I have managed to find sufficient time to focus on creating and producing new designs. Having gained some initial commissions, it soon became clear that my work was popular and this gave me all the encouragement I needed as I certainly enjoy crafting it. I now concentrate more seriously on engraving, work often by commission and am always looking for new opportunities.
I mainly concentrate on engraving designs that represent and reflect the natural world. I enjoy photographing plants and wildlife and often draw my inspiration for engraving designs from these photos. Sometimes, a particular piece of glass will lend itself to a particular form of design which inspires me to develop a fitting theme. I enjoy producing a variety of designs, no two of which are the same. In particular I have tackled subjects as diverse as curvy flowers and spiky seashells. I equally relish the challenge of each new commission which often involves subjects which may not have naturally come to mind, including race cars, emblems, buildings and drinking vessels, and finding where such designs take me. Examples of my work can be found in my gallery.
The techniques I use most are usually referred to as either point or line engraving and drill engraving.
Point engraving involves marking the glass with a hand-held diamond or tungsten carbide point and does not involve the use of any machine! The point, held on the end of a hand-held scriber, scratches the surface of the glass and creates white lines which sparkle in the light. The level of applied pressure affects the intensity of the lines and is used to create different shading and effects. This technique produces very different engravings from those created through using a wheel or drill.
Drill engraving uses an electric drill with a rotating burr in the handpiece and this technique is often called 'flexible drive engraving' which refers to the type of drill which is similar to those used in dental surgery, with a flexible drive shaft running from a pendant motor. This tool is used to create surface effects similar to those of hand engraving techniques but can also cut into the glass more deeply, creating the illusion of three dimensions.
All of my pieces are unique works of art.
After leaving university I began a full time career in London and so it was difficult to find the time to keep up regular glass engraving. However, since starting a family and deciding to stay at home to bring up my two children, I have managed to find sufficient time to focus on creating and producing new designs. Having gained some initial commissions, it soon became clear that my work was popular and this gave me all the encouragement I needed as I certainly enjoy crafting it. I now concentrate more seriously on engraving, work often by commission and am always looking for new opportunities.
I mainly concentrate on engraving designs that represent and reflect the natural world. I enjoy photographing plants and wildlife and often draw my inspiration for engraving designs from these photos. Sometimes, a particular piece of glass will lend itself to a particular form of design which inspires me to develop a fitting theme. I enjoy producing a variety of designs, no two of which are the same. In particular I have tackled subjects as diverse as curvy flowers and spiky seashells. I equally relish the challenge of each new commission which often involves subjects which may not have naturally come to mind, including race cars, emblems, buildings and drinking vessels, and finding where such designs take me. Examples of my work can be found in my gallery.
The techniques I use most are usually referred to as either point or line engraving and drill engraving.
Point engraving involves marking the glass with a hand-held diamond or tungsten carbide point and does not involve the use of any machine! The point, held on the end of a hand-held scriber, scratches the surface of the glass and creates white lines which sparkle in the light. The level of applied pressure affects the intensity of the lines and is used to create different shading and effects. This technique produces very different engravings from those created through using a wheel or drill.
Drill engraving uses an electric drill with a rotating burr in the handpiece and this technique is often called 'flexible drive engraving' which refers to the type of drill which is similar to those used in dental surgery, with a flexible drive shaft running from a pendant motor. This tool is used to create surface effects similar to those of hand engraving techniques but can also cut into the glass more deeply, creating the illusion of three dimensions.
All of my pieces are unique works of art.
Glass Engraving Commissions
I have previously engraved:
Once I know what you want engraved and the subject I will work on the design for you, either by researching the subject, using a photo or creating the design myself.
Each glass engraving is unique and made with care for the individual.
Some of the occasions I have done glass engravings for include:
I can provide a jpeg or pdf of the design if required before starting the engraving.
Each glass engraving is unique and made with care for the individual.
Some of the occasions I have done glass engravings for include:
- Special Birthdays
- Weddings, Engagements and Anniversaries
- Christmas
- Other Religious Occasions and Festivals
- To say Congratulations
- Thank you
I can provide a jpeg or pdf of the design if required before starting the engraving.