Aveen Keogh is a talented stained glass craft maker based in Kilkenny.
Bringing together community and her passion for stained glass making, Aveen Keogh is a secondary school teacher who runs adult workshops helping those in the area to create their very own stained glass creations. Her studio is in Castlecomer Craft Yard.
Tell us about yourself and what you do, and how long you have been doing it for?
I started working with stained glass in 2020 and initially set up my Glass & Arrow Etsy shop to sell some of the pieces I had made.
I began teaching a small group of students in school and then started teaching adult workshops from my home studio. I now run full day and taster workshops in Kilkenny and the surrounding area, suitable for complete beginners and those are looking to develop their skills further.
How did you first discover glassmaking?
I’ve always been fascinated by stained glass whenever I’ve come across it and had always wanted to have a go at making something myself. When I found a one-day workshop at Creative Glass Guild in Bristol, I thought I’d give it a try. I made a glass feather that day and fell in love with the craft. I loved every part of the process and, by the end of the day, I was already thinking about what I wanted to make next.
Can you describe the process of creating one of your pieces from start to finish?
I create all my stained glass using the Tiffany method, which was developed by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the late 1800s. He is famous for his beautiful stained-glass lamps, which are instantly recognisable today.
So once I have my design, the first stage is to mark out and cut each piece of glass by hand using a glass cutter. I then use a glass grinder to shape and smooth each piece, removing any sharp edges and making sure everything fits together properly.
Next, each individual piece of glass is wrapped in copper foil. I then carefully assemble all the pieces before soldering them together. The solder bonds to the copper foil, joining each piece and giving the finished design its strength.
It’s a slow and detailed process, but it’s extremely satisfying to see all the individual pieces come together to create the finished piece.
Do you have a favourite piece?
The moons would have to be my favourite. They’re quite a simple shape, but I love how they look in glass, and I enjoy using different colours and textures to make each one a little bit different.
What does being an Irish craft maker mean to you?
I moved home to Ireland about a year ago after living in the UK, so being an Irish craft maker feels like a new chapter for me. It’s been lovely to be back home and start building my business here. I’m still finding my feet, but it’s great to be back in Kilkenny, surrounded by such a strong craft community.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into glassmaking, either as a hobby or profession?
I’d say start with a workshop if you can. It’s a great way to get a feel for the craft and see if you enjoy the process before investing in lots of equipment. Don’t worry about being perfect at the beginning, there’s a lot to learn, and you get better with practice.
Social media is also a fantastic resource, as there’s a brilliant glassmaking community where people share tips, ideas and advice. Most importantly, enjoy it and give yourself the freedom to experiment. You never know where your first few pieces might lead.
