Frequently Asked Questions

Whether it is teaching glassworking classes or the creation of my beads and jewellery, everything takes place in my two workshops, in a small town in Essonne, south of Paris.

I have been working with glass since 2004 and my passion for this beautiful material has only grown over the years!

Below are the answers to the questions I am most frequently asked.

If you are missing an answer, whether to become a reseller of my jewellery, to be introduced to glassworking, or for a custom piece of jewellery, do not hesitate to contact me: contact@kathryngreer.com.
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Our Jewellery
Are the flowers real? How do you insert real flowers into glass?

The tiny flowers in the jewellery are not real : they are entirely handcrafted by Kathryn Greer. This is her expertise of 20+ years.

Petal by petal, she meticulously sculpts each glass flower in the flame, using a specialized torch and a mastered skillset.

Once cooled, these botanical elements are then set in sterling silver using traditional jewellery-making techniques.
Where do the materials in jewellery come from?

We buy our materials where they are manufactured best and in the best workshop conditions.

The sterling silver comes mainly from the European Union and in rare cases from the USA.

The glass comes mainly from Italy, Germany, the USA and China (high-end!). We only select brands of very high quality materials.
Who creates the jewellery?

La créatrice de vos bijoux est Kathryn Greer. Avec une expérience de plus de 20 ans en création de perles de verre et bijouterie fleuries, Kathryn dessine et crée chacun des bijoux individuellement.

Pour en savoir plus : L'Atelier.
Où sont fabriqués les bijoux ?

Tous les bijoux sont réalisés entièrement dans notre atelier en Ile de France, dans l'Essonne, à Saint-Michel-sur-Orge.
Can I order a custom piece of jewellery?

Absolutely.

We do accept custom orders, though we intentionally limit the number of commissions each season in order to preserve the craftsmanship and high standards of our artisanal work.

Here’s what we recommend:

• As early as possible, share your jewellery wish via this form. There’s no obligation at this stage: we’ll carefully review your request and get back to you to discuss it, and plan the project if possible.

• Join the waiting list to be notified as soon as new spots open.

We recommend starting the process at least 4 months before the date on which you wish to wear or gift the piece.

Delivery and Payment
When will I receive my jewellery?

• For “Made to Order” pieces: please allow approximately 2 weeks for crafting before dispatch.

• For “Custom-Made” creations: the full process takes about 6 weeks, including the design of initial sketches, glass and colour approvals, and the final crafting phase. The estimated start and delivery dates will be shared with you during our exchange.

👉 See the custom-made process

Once shipped, your jewellery will typically arrive within 3 to 4 business days.
How can I pay for my order?

Accepted payment methods are: bank card and Paypal.
Which carrier do you use to send my order?

Shipping is complimentary and with express carriers (such as DHL, UPS or similar).
Where is my parcel?

All packages are sent with a tracking number and link sent to you by email when your order is sent.
How to make a return or exchange and within what time frame?

It is possible to make a return or exchange provided that the product, as well as its packaging, is in its original condition. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer.

Contact us within: 14 days after delivery

Return the items to us within: 30 days after delivery

It is not possible to return custom-made jewellery.

International and VAT
Living outside the EU, am I required to pay French VAT?

Only customers living in France must pay French VAT.

Buyers who are members of the EU will be charged the VAT of the member state in which they are located.

When placing your order, VAT will be automatically removed if you live outside the EU or are a company outside of France with an intra-community VAT number.
I live outside the EU and am being asked for customs taxes.

Any customs and import taxes are the responsibility of the buyers.

We are not responsible for delays caused by customs.
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Our Glassworking Classes
What do you teach?

We teach glassworking, particularly the creation of glass beads.
What is the minimum level required?

We offer courses of all levels, lasting from 2 hours to a few days.

We offer taster sessions for people who have never tried glass beadmaking before.

Beginner classes are also offered for people interested in going further.

For those already initiated, we offer in-depth courses in various techniques throughout the year.

Explore the current program here.
Are the classes open to complete beginners?

Absolutely, you are welcome to try!

We schedule taster sessions at the workshop throughout the year.

Watch this page for upcoming dates.
How do I start lampworking?

I advise you to start with a taster session at the workshop, to discover the malleable texture of glass in its hot state and create your first little beads!
Is the required equipment provided?

All equipment is provided by the atelier during the classes: all hand tools necessary to handle hot glass, torches, ventilation system, safety glasses, glass, gas, coffee/tea , etc.

We provide everything!
What installation do you have?

We have two workshops at home:

  • My private workshop, in which all my personal creations are imagined and fabricated. Students often ask to go there to see my bead/jewellery collections, but also all my glass colours.
  • Our workshop dedicated to training, which can accommodate up to four students. This limited number of places is intentional to ensure you have the full attention of the trainer.

Both workshops are very well ventilated and equipped, to ensure you have a pleasant and comfortable time.
Do you teach safety practices?

Installation and basic safety actions are taught during our beginner classes and discovery sessions.

Discover the current program here .
How long does a class last?

Taster sessions last 2 hours.

The beginner and in-depth classes generally last between one and three days.

Discover the current program here.
Who teaches the classes?

Most of the courses I personally teach focus on my core skill, the techniques for creating detailed botanical glass beads. This brings together a wide range of different advanced techniques: working with fine stringers, laying and manipulating dots, creating canes with more or less complex patterns, encasing techniques, inclusions, etc.

One other teacher works regularely at the workshop:

  • Floriane Lataille, who mainly teaches implosions and glass sculpting techniques.

We also sometimes invite occasional teachers for other specific techniques.
Where do the classes take place?

The classes take place in one of the two glass workshops, in our home, in Essonne, in the Paris region. We are a 5-minute walk from the “Saint-Michel-sur-Orge” RER C train station, 25 minutes south of Paris.

You will be welcomed "like at home", in a warm, family atmosphere.

Important: We have several cats at home, so we suggest you consider taking treatment if you have allergies.
How many students can you teach in one class?

We can accommodate up to four students per class.

This limited number of places is intentional to ensure you have the full attention of the teacher.

In view of the limited number of places, we advise you to register by email here, to be among the first to be alerted of availability.
Is it possible to organize a private class?

Of course! I love teaching private classes. Let me know what you would like to learn!

I would be happy to discuss this personally with you. Contact me: contact@kathryngreer.com.
Can I use my CPF or FAFCEA account?

No, unfortunately this is not currently possible.
I loved my class and want to continue glassworking from my own workshop! Do you provide support to set up a workshop in my home?

Let’s discuss it during your next class at the workshop! I can absolutely guide you in your installation, by sharing with you the suppliers and the elements to order.
Shop the classes

Do you have any more questions?

Contact us at: contact@kathryngreer.com.

I will respond personally within 72 hours.