Common myths around working with glass

There’s something magical about glass. The way it catches the light, the way colours shift and shimmer—it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to it. But just as common as the admiration are the myths that swirl around working with it.

We’ve heard them all—from “It’s too dangerous” to “You need to be an artist.” So, we thought it was time to set the record straight. Because honestly? Working with glass is far more fun—and far less intimidating—than you might think.

Let’s bust a few myths together, shall we?

Myth #1: “Glass is too dangerous to work with.”

We understand. When people picture working with glass, they often imagine shards flying, and bandaged fingers.

The truth? With the right tools, guidance, and a calm, steady approach, glass is no more dangerous than any other craft. Our workshops are designed with safety in mind, and we teach you everything you need to know to feel confident and comfortable.

Plus, most of the cutting and shaping is far gentler than people expect—and incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of it!

Myth #2: “You have to be artistic to make anything worthwhile.”

So many of our workshop guests come in saying, “I’m not creative,” or “I haven’t done anything arty since school.”

But guess what? By the end of the session, they’re ready and waiting for something beautiful, handmade, and uniquely theirs, to be fired. And they’re always beaming with pride. 

Glass fusing isn’t about being Picasso.

It’s about playing with colour, texture, and light. It’s about expressing yourself, trying something new, and having fun with it. There are no marks, no judges, and absolutely no pressure.

Myth #3: “Glass fusing is complicated and hard to learn.”

Not on our watch.

Like any craft, glass fusing has its techniques and tips, but we walk you through everything step-by-step in our beginner-friendly workshops. From cutting your first shape to layering your design, it’s all broken down into easy, manageable stages.

We love seeing that “lightbulb moment” when someone realises, “Hang on—I can actually do this!”

Even better? Once it’s been fired, you’ll have a finished piece that looks far more complex than the process felt—perfect for surprising your friends (and maybe even yourself).

Myth #4: “It’s an expensive hobby to get into.”

It can be, if you’re kitting out your own studio with kilns and specialist tools straight away—but most people don’t start there.

That’s the beauty of our workshops. You can try out glass fusing without needing to invest in any equipment at all. We provide everything you need: the glass, tools, kiln time, and plenty of encouragement.

Whether you’re booking a one-off creative session or considering dipping your toe in a little deeper, you’ll find it’s more accessible than you might think.

Myth #5: “Everything has to be perfect.”

Let’s be honest—nothing handmade is perfect. That’s the point of it being handmade. 

Working with glass is about embracing the quirks, the happy accidents, and the wonderful unpredictability that comes with firing something in a kiln. Every piece has its own character, and no two will ever be the same.

It’s that uniqueness that people fall in love with. The slight curve of a petal, the way two colours blend in the heat—it all tells a story. And we’re big believers that “perfectly imperfect” is far more interesting anyway.

Myth #6: “You can only make traditional or decorative items.”

Not at all!

While we love a good floral coaster or sun-catcher, glass fusing can be as modern or minimal as you like. It’s a super versatile medium. Whether you’re into bold abstracts, delicate botanicals, or funky geometric shapes, there’s a style to suit you.

We’ve seen everything from colourful garden stakes to sleek wall art to handmade gifts that’ll have friends asking, “Where did you buy that?”

And the best part? You made it.

If you’ve ever been curious about glass fusing but put it off because of one of these myths, now’s the time to think again.

At Yorkshire Glass Fusing Studio, we run a whole range of workshops designed for beginners and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing solo experience, a fun day out with friends, or something creative for your group or WI, we’ve got something just for you.

You might enjoy:

• Our Two-Hour Beginner Workshop – a brilliant introduction to the basics of fusing, where you’ll learn new skills and once it’s fired, you’ll have your own glass artwork. 

• The Umbellifer Mini Taster Session – a quick but satisfying session for anyone short on time but keen to try something new.

• Or our Basket of Flowers Workshop – perfect for group bookings, including the WI or community organisations, where you can create something vibrant and joyful together.

You don’t need experience. You don’t need fancy tools. Just bring yourself, a splash of curiosity, and a can-do attitude.