Fused glass art is much more than a creative endeavour; it is a therapeutic journey that intertwines with holistic healing practices. As a holistic therapist, I have witnessed first-hand the profound impact that colour and light can have on mental and emotional well-being. Fused glass creations are a tangible representation of this dynamic, offering beauty and healing through vibrant colors and dazzling light reflections.
The inception of my fused glass journey caught me a little off guard, beginning as a surprise birthday treat in 2022. The workshop was an enlightening experience, offering an escape into a world of creativity, mindfulness, and therapeutic calm. This experience sparked a realisation that I had been neglecting my creative side amidst life’s demands, such as family commitments and my budding career as a holistic therapist.
Every time I gaze at my glass creation, I am transported back to the tranquillity of that day. The interplay of light through the suncatchers and bowls I created, Â never fails to uplift my spirits.
Eager to deepen my knowledge, I embarked on a quest for further learning, attending workshops in Westport and England. The more I learned, the more my passion for fused glass grew. My holistic clients noticed my creations and expressed curiosity, sparking discussions about the process and its therapeutic benefits.
I am often reminded of the power of colour in our daily lives. Colours have the ability to influence our moods dramatically—just as a sunny day can lift spirits, so too can a well-placed piece of colourful art.
This realisation led me to integrate fused glass workshops into my holistic therapy practice. These workshops offer clients a serene space to engage in creativity, crafting unique pieces they can treasure, all while enjoying a calming, mindful environment.
With the purchase of my first kiln, I committed to honing my craft, expanding my expertise, and sharing my creations with the world. My pieces are available at select craft fairs, retail outlets, and through my website, Michelle Brady Studio.
Fused glass, or ‘Kiln-formed glass,’ is an intricate process involving the fusion of two or more pieces of compatible glass sheets in a kiln. This process can reach temperatures of up to 800 degrees Celsius and often requires over 24 hours for completion. A second firing is typically needed to mould or ‘slump’ the glass into desired shapes, resulting in a diverse array of bowls, jewellery, sculptures, and more.
The art of glass fusing teaches the interaction of glass with heat, including the skills to safely cut and fuse glass into singular, cohesive pieces. Three primary techniques—fusing, slumping, and casting—form the foundation of this craft. Mastery of these techniques unlocks limitless creative potential, allowing for the creation of unique and expressive art pieces.
If you have a group or opportunity to host a fused glass workshop, I would love to hear from you and share how we can bring colour to your group.
Zen Therapies NI
At Zen Therapies NI I offer a suite of therapies and yoga classes (in person, & online) that focus on supporting and promoting Women’s Health. The changing hormonal journey of each and every women brings its own challenges. At Zen Therapies NI  the therapies I offer can help alleviate some of those challenging symptoms that women experience at different stages in their life. From painful periods to fertility, pregnancy to menopause you can access a whole range of therapies at Zen Therapies NI to support you on your ever changing hormonal journey.
Some of my therapies can be accessed online where you can learn how to self-administer a treatment such as Facial Reflexology, TFT- Thought Field Therapy (tapping) https://zentherapiesni.com/courses/ . This provides you with invaluable knowledge and techniques to help you support yourself if you are going through a challenging time. Please check our conditions guide to see which of our treatments could be most effective for you.
I have been delivering in person yoga classes since 2016. Each class provides me with new learning, an in-depth appreciation for the challenges that participants can face when attending a class, whether that be emotionally, mentally and physically. I have taken that knowledge and have designed a highly accessible series of online yoga programmes to suit beginners or whose who are relatively inexperienced in their yoga practice.
My approach is gentle, softly paced and considered. Whilst you may be practicing on your own, you can be confident in the yoga programme you have engaged with.
So, Welcome to Zen Therapies NI, whether you are seeking a therapy to alleviate stress, a gentle yoga programme or a unique jewellery piece to celebrate a chakra, you may find what you are looking for here.
Â
