I absolutely love creating fused glass pocket hearts. There’s something magical about taking pieces of glass and transforming them into something so deeply meaningful. These fused glass hearts are more than just pretty—they represent kindness, connection, and care. Every time I sit down in my studio to make them, I feel a sense of joy and purpose. They brighten my day just as much as I hope they brighten someone else’s. One of my greatest joys is donating these fused glass hearts to causes that matter to me. I’ve sent hearts to the various charity groups including cancer, Carolina hurricane support, and Mary’s Home. In a world where it’s easy to feel overlooked or overwhelmed, a fused glass pocket heart can say, “You matter. You’re appreciated. You are loved.”
Recently, I made around 40 fused glass hearts, and I’m excited to share a few of my latest creations. The pictures honestly don’t do them justice—the light, depth, and texture can only be fully appreciated in person. Some glow softly, others sparkle like gemstones, and each one carries its own energy. It’s amazing how such a small piece of art can hold so much heart (pun intended!).
Some of these hearts are layered with iridized or dichroic glass, capturing the mystery and beauty of the night sky. They sparkle like tiny constellations, shifting and dancing as the light moves across their surface. Each one feels like a little galaxy held in glass.
One of my favorite techniques is cutting up earlier fused pieces and re-casting them into new forms. This allows every heart to be completely unique, with swirls of color, texture, and light. These lean toward lighter, more calming tones—soft blues, gentle pinks, and airy pastels that feel like springtime or a peaceful sunrise. Whether bold or delicate, each heart carries its own emotion and energy.
These hearts were all hand-cut rather than casted, which gives them a more organic, imperfect beauty. They’re a little more raw, a little more real—and that’s exactly why I love them.
I also made some really tiny hearts in this collection, and I love how they turned out. You can really see the difference in scale when they’re placed next to the larger hand-cut and casted hearts. The little pink ones are especially sweet—perfect for pendants, magnets, or even tucking into a card. Whether small and delicate or bold and sculpted, each heart has its own personality and purpose.
Most of my hearts are designed as pocket hearts, meant to be carried and held. Each one comes with a small card that shares its meaning, making it a thoughtful and encouraging gift. But they’re more than just tokens to tuck away—they can also be framed and displayed as miniature art pieces. However you choose to use them, these hearts are special. They’re filled with intention, beauty, and a whole lot of love.
Recently, I made the decision to donate 250 fused glass hearts to a cause that’s very close to my own heart. I currently have about 150 ready to go—some fresh from the kiln, others carefully chosen from previous collections. Each one is unique, but they all share the same purpose: to carry a message of love, respect, and deep gratitude. Whether they shimmer with iridized or dichroic glass or glow with layered color, I hope the recipients can feel the heart and intention that went into every piece. These hearts aren’t just glass—they’re vessels of hope and appreciation, crafted by hand and given in the spirit of connection and compassion.
If you would like to see more of my fused glass work, please refer to my website Elegant Fused Glass by Karen. If you get a chance, check out all my site and my Elegant Fused Glass by Karen YouTube. If you would like to stay abreast of what I’m up-to and learn a little more about jewelry, check out our newsletter. It is published the last day of each month.
Keeping my kilns warm,
Karen
