About
Hello, I'm Ria — the maker behind Tumblestone Studio Glass
Tucked away in the beautiful Marlborough Downs in Wiltshire, Tumblestone Studio Glass is a one-woman studio where every single piece of fused glass is designed, made, and finished by hand - by me.
I've always been drawn to the way light moves through glass, there's something mesmerising about it, I was the child who would stare into a marble for (probably too long) and imagine a sparkling universe of stars.
I'd watch the lampworker at local Littlecote House craft barn in the 80s and 90s when it was owned by Peter De Savary, my parents lost many hours stood waiting for me there, while I watched glass rods be heated over a flame turned into a magical world of glittering animals and treasures, I was completely entranced by the ability to shape such a beautiful material, one that is delicate but strong, can be fluid and solid. I love the way it sparkles and throws light, and that it can transport you into a dream world - and that wonder lives on.
I fell in love with glass artwork - and when I had the chance to do it myself, it became my passion.
How each piece is made
Every Tumblestone piece begins with carefully selected glass — cut, layered, and arranged by hand before being fired in the kiln at temperatures of up to 810°C. The kiln does its own quiet magic, softening edges and fusing layers together in ways that are never entirely predictable. That's part of what makes each piece truly one of a kind.
The science behind the art is more than meets the eye, only compatible glass can be fused together, and that compatibility is called COE or Coefficient of Expansion. Non compatible glass expansion and retraction rates will cause thermal stress and lead to cracking or shattering.
Different colours also have different reactivity, depending on what chemical they bear, i.e. copper, lead, sulphur, gold, the combinations have to be carefully worked out, then comes the thickness of glass and management of thermal stress, consideration for how gravity will come into play when it hits a fluid state in the kiln, all to be mastered, along with specifically tailored firing schedules for each piece.
This complexity on top of the creative challenge really keeps my busy brain...happy.
After firing, pieces are inspected, sometimes cold-worked, and finished before being wrapped and packed ready to go out into the world. No two pieces are ever exactly alike — the colours, the textures, the way the light catches them — it's all beautifully individual.
What makes Tumblestone pieces special
- Truly handmade — every piece is cut, assembled, and fired by hand in my Wiltshire studio
- One of a kind — no mass production; each piece is unique
- Made with care — I put real thought into every design, colour combination, and finish
- Ready to gift — Most pieces arrive beautifully finished in Tumblestone Studio packaging perfect for giving - the exception of large or particularly fragile artworks which will be packaged according to the safest way to transport them to you.
Commissions
Have something specific in mind? I love working on commissions — whether it's a bespoke piece for your home, a personalised gift, or something for a special occasion. Get in touch and let's talk about what you have in mind.
Come and explore the studio
Whether you're looking for a gift, a treat for yourself, or something truly special for your home, I'd love for you to browse the collection. Each piece carries a little bit of the beauty of nature, and a lot of heart.