A guest blog from Lizzie Norton of Tink Glass…

Lizzie Norton from Tink Glass uses hot glass blowing and sculpting techniques without the use of moulds, making each piece of work completely unique. Not only are we delighted to present her designs on madebyhandonline, but she always adds that little bit extra to make our customers really appreciate the value of buying and supporting British craft. She recently sent one customer a disc of images showing their vase being made.

Here, Lizzie writes a bit about her backgound and the inspiration behind her work...

Ever since my very first gather of hot molten glass out of the fiery temperatures of the university furnace, my love for this super cool liquid has grown and grown. It’s been nearly 7 years since I graduated from Staffordshire University, and my explorations with glass have taken me on many journeys already, not only with my artwork but to many places around the world that have continued to fuel my passion.

Tink Glass is a collection of glassware that has developed from the experience I have gained working within various studios, creating unique handmade items that the public can purchase, knowing that they will own something special, that will find a place in their own homes and interiors.

Within all areas of my artwork I tend to be inspired by the weird and the wonderful, from the phenomenal elements of nature to Science Fiction, basically where my fascination lies, it will influence on my design work and even in the actual making process. Manipulating the glass is inspiring in itself! I love to pull and stretch the somewhat seductive material to create tension and dynamic qualities that capture the light, reflect and refract, as only glass can do best.

Within these new bold, brightly coloured pieces I have started to explore various colour combinations, and develop on existing designs. I believe my glassmaking trips to Canada and the United States may have opened up a whole new world of colour which has just drawn me in to play with!

Many, many thanks to Lizzie for writing for us. You can purchase and find out more about her work here, and please do get in touch if you're interested in commissioning your own bespoke piece of Tink Glass.