A New Year, A New Creative Beginning

Trying a new craft is one of the simplest and most fulfilling ways to bring something positive into the year ahead. Creativity gives us space to slow down, use our hands, and rediscover the joy of making something from scratch.

Glass fusing is especially rewarding for beginners. It’s tactile, colourful, and relaxing, and you don’t need any artistic background to create something beautiful.

Working with glass encourages you to focus in a gentle, mindful way — choosing colours, placing pieces, stepping back, adjusting, and watching your idea take shape.

And the best part? When your piece goes into the kiln, it transforms into something even more magical — flattened, fused, softened, and full of depth and light. You may not take your piece home on the day, but collection day becomes its own small delight: the moment you see what your creativity has become.

If you’re looking for a meaningful resolution this year, consider making room for creative time. Just a workshop or two can open the door to a hobby you carry forward for months or even years.

Workshops to Begin Your Creative Year

Below are some of our most popular January workshops and events — each beginner-friendly, each designed to spark creativity in a different way, and each a lovely option for anyone stepping into a new hobby.

Beginners Half Day Workshop

For those who like to get fully immersed, this half-day workshop gives you plenty of time to slow down and play with shape, colour and layering. You’ll learn how to cut glass, build up your design, and understand how different textures behave in the kiln.

With a longer session like this, you’re able to experiment more freely — adjusting as you go, trying out bolder colour combinations, and creating a piece with more detail. It’s a brilliant choice for those who want a deeper introduction to the craft or are thinking about developing glass fusing as a longer-term hobby.

Find out more about the workshop here. 

Beginners 2-Hour Workshop

Shorter but just as rewarding, this workshop is ideal if you want to try something creative without committing to a longer session. You’ll learn the essentials of glass cutting and arrangement, and you’ll create a piece that reflects your personal style — whether minimalist, bold, or nature-inspired.

It’s a reassuringly gentle introduction for anyone who feels a bit nervous about trying something new. Many people tell us they leave feeling proud, relaxed, and surprised by what they’ve made.

Find out more about the workshop here. 

Petal & Pot Mini Workshop

This uplifting mini session is perfect for brightening the darker winter months. You’ll create a colourful glass flower arrangement that won’t wilt or fade — something cheerful to display at home long after the workshop.

It’s wonderfully beginner-friendly, ideal for gifting, and suits anyone wanting a short, enjoyable creative break. As always, pieces are kiln-fired afterwards to bring out their colour and shine, with collection or delivery arranged once they’re finished.

Find out more about the workshop here. 

Sakura Blossoms Workshop (Event)

A poetic start to the year, this event focuses on delicate blossom themes inspired by Japanese spring. It’s perfect for anyone who loves soft colours, nature motifs, or mindful artistic sessions.

Participants often describe this workshop as calming and refreshing — a quiet way to reconnect with the idea of renewal after the busy holiday season. The firing process enhances the translucent blush tones beautifully, making each finished piece feel serene and elegant.

Find out more about the event here. 

Petals & Fizz Workshop (Event)

If you’re planning a catch-up with friends or want to begin the year with something sociable, Petals & Fizz is a brilliant choice. Creativity paired with a glass of fizz creates a relaxed, uplifting atmosphere perfect for groups, couples, or even solo participants who enjoy a friendly class.

You’ll create a floral-inspired fused glass piece, unwind with good company, and enjoy the chance to start your year with something joyful and different.

Book your ticket for the event here. 

Gifting Creativity for the New Year

Gift vouchers often get given in December, but they truly shine in January. While most festive gifts have been unwrapped and set aside, a voucher becomes an invitation — a reason to pause, try something new, and enjoy a moment of creativity just for you.

Yorkshire Glass Fusing Studio gift vouchers can be used for:

• Any workshop or event

• Any handcrafted item in the studio shop

• A combination of both, for those who want a full creative treat

You can explore them here: https://www.ygfs.co.uk/gift-card

Unlike many gifts, a creative voucher offers more than one moment of joy. There’s the excitement of choosing a workshop, the anticipation before the session, the calm of the creative time itself, and finally the delight of collecting the finished piece once it’s come out of the kiln. It’s a small journey — but a meaningful one.

And for anyone who struggled to find the right presents in December, gifting an experience in January can feel refreshing, thoughtful and perfectly timed.

Start Your Creative Year With Us

Whether your goal is to try a new hobby, spend more time with friends, or simply reclaim a little space for yourself, a glass fusing workshop is a wonderful way to begin the year.

You can browse all workshops and events on the website, or give yourself (or someone you love) the opportunity to create something beautiful through a gift voucher.

If you’re unsure which workshop is the right fit or want help planning a creative start to 2026, Sarah is always happy to guide you and answer any questions.