A glass journey

Julia Swann creates beautiful fused glass giftware and jewellery. Caroline Lindsay finds out more about her burgeoning business

Dundee-based Julia Swann creates fused glass products from her garden studio overlooking the River Tay.

When Julia Swann moved into her 1930s house a few years ago, the front door had a broken stained glass panel. An estimate of around £500 for the repair inspired Julia to think about fixing it herself.

With this in mind, she took glass lessons.

“It took an enormously long time and, with hindsight, it would have been £500 well spent,” she laughs.

But something good came out of the experience: her tutor was also an expert in fused glass, and loving the colours and textures they were working with, Julia was immediately drawn to trying it for herself.

Several courses down the line, the former behaviour support teacher not only makes beautiful fused glass items, including decorative giftware, bowls, dishes, candle screens and clocks, but is also a dab hand at creating jewellery.

“On my very first course I met an image consultant called Hilary Hayes,” Julia says.

“She recognised my eye for colour and encouraged me to get in touch with local consultants with a view to making jewellery for their clients.”

Despite being handy with a needle since primary school, no one is more surprised than Julia that she’s a glass artist.

“I can’t draw to save my life and never dreamed of attempting any kind of glass work,” she says.

Julia works her magic under the name Halycon Glass, in her studio overlooking the Tay.

“The first step is to think of a design, and I’ve discovered that certain ones are more popular than others,” she says.

“The glass is cut, thoroughly cleaned and then assembled before putting in the kiln.

“After the ‘cooking’ is finished it then cools in the sealed kiln and is checked for imperfections.”

To finish off an item of jewellery, Julia attaches a bail or earring stud to the glass with industrial glue and the client’s choice of ribbon or other accessories.

“My jewellery is inspired by nature and I can make it in a colour ‘season’ and ‘personality’ to suit each client, matching outfits, or existing jewellery,” Julia says.

“I love commissions, and then receiving photos of clients wearing it.”

The jewellery is available at House of Colour stylists and Julia also has a range of giftware in St Andrews Museum from time to time. She will be holding a pop-up shop at the National Trust for Scotland Christmas fayre at Hill of Tarvit mansion near Cupar on December 1, 2, 8 and 9.

“I love the endless possibilities of working with fused glass,” Julia says.

“Each morning, when I open the kiln, is special as I never really know exactly what is going to be in there. I love the colours and the ways they can be combined – the results can be quite unexpected.”

Her advice to anyone thinking about taking up a craft is not to spend money on equipment unless you know you’re going to stick with it.

“Try a course first, then make sure you get good instruction,” she says. “Nothing beats a quality tutor to guide and advise you.”

I can’t draw to save my life and never dreamed of attempting any kind of glass work