A Journey Through Glass: An Interview with Sarah Keeley-Norris

Please note, this interview has been updated in 2026 to reflect the journey that Sarah has been on since we last spoke in 2024.

When you look back at the early days of Yorkshire Glass Fusing Studio, what feels like the biggest change in the business since then?

One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed over the years is that people now really want to make things themselves rather than simply purchase them.

When I first started, many customers were looking to buy handmade glass pieces, which was wonderful. But gradually, there has been a real shift towards wanting the experience of creating something personal.

Your workshop offering has grown and diversified over the years. What prompted you to introduce things like mini taster sessions and Fuse & Fizz events?

The Mini Taster Sessions came about because I wanted to show people that you can create a beautiful piece of fused glass in a shorter time frame. Many people feel nervous about cutting glass, especially if they’ve never done it before.

I wanted to remove that fear and make the experience feel accessible.

By using accessory glass, enamel and carefully tested designs, I can guide participants so they achieve something truly lovely while still making it unique to them. It’s amazing to see how proud people are when they realise what they’ve created.

Fuse & Fizz events developed in response to the popularity of group workshops, particularly on Saturdays. I wanted to offer something with a little extra for those who work during the week and are looking for a relaxed, sociable creative experience. It’s a lovely way for people to meet new friends, celebrate occasions, or simply enjoy a creative evening with a glass of fizz in hand.

How do you decide which new workshop ideas are worth developing and which ones don’t quite fit the studio anymore?

Social media has been incredibly helpful for this. I often post new pieces or ideas online and the response gives me a very clear sense of what people are interested in. If something sparks conversation and excitement, I know it’s worth developing further.

I also think seasonally. Some designs naturally lend themselves to particular times of year. For example, garden art panels are very popular from spring through to the end of summer, but they don’t really suit the winter months.

I like to keep the workshop offering fresh and relevant, so not everything is available all year round. That variety keeps things interesting for returning clients as well.

Community has always been important to you. How has the sense of community around the studio evolved as the business has grown?

Over the years, the studio has built a lovely core of returning clients who feel very comfortable here. Even though I’m not involved with community events like the FEVA festival in the same way now, there is still a strong sense of connection within the studio itself.

Many people return again and again, sometimes bringing different friends or family members each time. There’s a warmth when people walk through the door because they already feel part of something familiar. That ongoing relationship with clients is something I really value.

Creativity and wellbeing are talked about much more openly now. How have you seen glass fusing support people’s mental health over the years?

This is something I see all the time in the studio. When clients are working on their pieces, whether on their own or with friends, they often comment on how wonderful it feels to switch off from everything else. They become completely focused on what they’re creating.

Glass fusing requires concentration and attention, and because of that, outside worries tend to fade into the background. Time flies by. People often look up and say, “I can’t believe how quickly that went.” It gives them a break from daily pressures and a sense of calm achievement. There’s something very grounding about working with your hands and seeing something tangible take shape.

Do you notice different reasons people come to workshops now compared to when you first started?

Glass fusing has definitely increased in popularity since I first started. People now see fused glass pieces in shops and galleries more often. They admire them and sometimes assume they could never make something similar themselves.

Many come along simply wanting to “have a go”, not quite believing what they might achieve. They’re often genuinely amazed at the results. I love seeing that shift from uncertainty to confidence. It’s a joy watching someone realise they are capable of far more than they thought.

How has your confidence as a teacher and workshop leader changed since the early days?  

My confidence and teaching ability have grown tremendously over the years. In the early days, I was still finding my rhythm as a teacher. Now I feel much more aware of how people approach glass and the nervousness that can come with it.

We’re all brought up being told to be careful around glass, so there’s naturally a hesitation. I focus on teaching confidence as much as technique. Quite often someone will say, “I’m not the slightest bit artistic,” and I always gently challenge that. Everyone is artistic in their own way. My role is to help draw that out and give people the reassurance to trust themselves.

What has been the most rewarding part of watching people grow creatively through your workshops?

One of the most rewarding things is seeing someone take their creativity to the next level. Some clients go on to purchase their own kiln or attend open studio sessions to continue developing their skills. That’s incredibly special.

My passion has always been to pass on my love of glass. When someone catches that same enthusiasm and runs with it, it feels like a full circle moment.

Has your idea of what “success” looks like changed since you first started Yorkshire Glass Fusing Studio?

Yes, very much so. When I first started, I never imagined that I would be able to leave traditional employment and focus fully on teaching and creating. What began as something I loved doing has grown into a very successful business.

Success for me now is being able to go to work each day doing something I genuinely enjoy. I never have a bad day at the office because I’m surrounded by creativity and lovely people. That feels like a real achievement.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the next chapter of the studio?

I’m very excited about moving into glass sculpture this year. I’ll be creating three-dimensional objects, designing and making my own moulds, and casting glass.

It feels like a natural progression and a new creative challenge. I’m always learning and evolving, and this next step allows me to push my own creativity further while continuing to share that journey with others.

In case you missed it, Sarah was featured on Robson Green’s BBC series, “Weekend Escapes.” Series 3, Episode 2, which is available on BBC iPlayer here.

You can connect with Sarah and the rest of her community on her social media below.

Facebook – Yorkshire Glass Fusing Studio

Instagram - @YorkshireGlassFusingStudio