Tucked away in a little suburb of Ladysmith, close to the majestic mountains of the Drakensberg, there is a busy workshop, run by a team who are very talented in stained glass and warm glass work. This seems to be the best kept secret in the Midlands of KwaZulu Natal.

Wally and Jen have been honing their craft over the past number of years and it shows in the amazing quality of their work. They are known to many as Glasshoppers through the various craft markets where they have exhibited their products. “In particular we must thank the patrons and regulars at the Drakensberg Boy’s Choir Festival and Talana Museum, as well as the Ladysmith community for their unstinting support” says Jen “as without their encouragement and belief in our ability, we would not be where we are today.”

After the children left home to study in Durban and subsequently forge their own careers, Wally and Jen decided to take a course in creating stained glass objects (tiffany style). This course was undertaken with much trepidation, but after the first lesson, it was abundantly clear that they were getting such a thrill that there was no turning back.
While they were both employed fulltime, they found themselves working almost every hour of their spare time on weekdays and weekends to perfect their craft. The sparkle and lure of glass had captivated them entirely.

After completing numerous commissions for stained glass doors and windows from Durban through to Dundee, the next step was inevitable. After a few months, they both just had to know more about glass, and attended a course on warm glass work and purchased their first small kiln. Needless to say, this was yet another spoke in the wheel and while Wally continued mainly with the stained glass work, Jenny got really involved in slumped glass objects and now supplies an interior designer in Durban with wall panels and sundry smaller items.

Creativity, Integrity and Pride is what keeps them going, striving to be the very best at all times.

Glasshoppers’ products are many and varied and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor uses. Perfect as a present for that “difficult to buy for” person, you will definitely find something unusual and different at their studio in Ladysmith.

Their products include Lamps, Wall Sconces, Platters, Salad Servers, Salad Bowls, Water Features and many other items. Prepare to be overwhelmed by their friendliness and enthusiasm as they will make you feel right at home. Contact details...