CATHERINE BRUCE talks to a woman who is looking to turn one of the world's most

traditional crafts into an international business.

You don't get much more traditional than glassblowing.

The craft first saw life about 4,000 years ago on the Syrian/Egyptian coast but, much closer to home, Angela Henderson is bringing it into the 21st century by opening an online shop.

Angela, from Fulford, York, began Jorvik Glass in the grounds of Castle Howard in 1995, and it is now one of the most popular hot glass studios in the north of England.

The handmade glassware already makes its way into galleries, department stores, gift shops and florists.

But now it is hoped the website, www.jorvikglass.co.uk, will boost trade even more and attract more international customers.

Angela, 37, started her glassblowing career after studying for three years at The International Glass Centre at Brierley Hill, in the West Midlands. Originally from Chelmsford in Essex, she moved to York as she needed to start her business in a thriving tourist hotspot to give it the best chance of success.

The first few years were a bit of a struggle for the business. The monthly gas bill alone costs around £900.

While Jorvik Glass was always busy in the summer season when Castle Howard was open, during the winter, many customers assumed the business would be closed.

"From November to March, we didn't really see a soul. But now Castle Howard has plans to keep its courtyard open all year round," she said.

"It's finally all coming together. I'm really excited about it, hopefully we'll be busy around Christmas."

One of the appeals of Jorvik Glass is the showmanship involved in glassblowing and some regulars are so impressed that they come back to watch again and again.

Angela said she got hooked on glassblowing because it is such a special craft.

"It is always a challenge and you can always improve and come up with new designs," she said.

Starting the business was hard work but Angela's efforts are finally paying off. She now employs two full-time workers, including her boyfriend, Richard Scott, and one part-time employee during the summer.

Updated: 11:06 Wednesday, June 09, 2004