Young Whanganui designers' creations mark NZ Glassworks anniversary

Glass artist Brendon Sole at work on the flower design by five-year-old Kahureremoa Hiroti-Ashford.

Two proud amateur designers have had their creations translated into glasswork by professional glass artists.

Seven glass artists joined forces at New Zealand Glassworks in Rutland St on Saturday to produce two works based on drawings by entrants in a design competition to mark the one-year anniversary of New Zealand Glassworks.

The winner of the 12 years and under category was a flower design by five-year-old Kahureremoa Hiroti-Ashford. Rowan Love won the 13 years and over section with a design depicting a mountain inside a glass vessel.

New Zealand Glassworks retail and facility assistant Briarlee Rees said there were about 50 entries in the competition.

"There were some fantastic entries but part of the decision on the winners was based on how achievable the designs were to make in glass," Ms Rees said.

"The artists said making something new and different was quite a challenge and they were also working with people they hadn't worked with before. They worked really well as a team.

"It was so cool to see a kid's drawing made into a 3D object. Kahu wasn't able to be here on the day but her mum told us she was very excited. It was really great having so many people here watching the whole process."

The competition winners will get to take their glass creations home once they have been finished off this week.