One of my absolute favorite things to make is fused glass nightlights and votives. They’re small, cheerful pieces that instantly add warmth and personality to any home — perfect for a cozy corner, a bedside table, a kitchen counter, or a softly lit hallway. I love them because they’re both decorative and functional, and they make wonderful gifts for just about anyone and any occasion — holidays, birthdays, housewarmings, or simply “just because.” Below are some of my recent votives. I couldn’t resist using the adorable little fox and snowman murrine, and I even added glow-in-the-dark moons — which makes them especially magical when the lights go out. Perfect for votives, and perfect for bringing a little extra whimsy into a room.
In addition to the votives, I also created several fused glass nightlights — a mix of cheerful floral designs and peaceful aspen scenes. Nightlights are such a simple way to add warmth and personality to a space. They’re perfect for hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, or anywhere you want a soft, comforting glow. I love that they’re both functional and decorative — little pieces of art that quietly light up a room. For these pieces, I played with bright garden flowers, tiny bees, whimsical murrine, and serene aspen trees — each one bringing its own story to life in glass. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or a special accent for your own home, fused glass nightlights and votives are small treasures that make any space feel a little more magical.
In addition to all of the above, I created one very special nightlight. This piece is a true mixed-media glass experiment — featuring hand-painted details, hand-pulled vitrigraph, murrine, and frit. Every element was placed with intention, making this nightlight feel more like a miniature glass painting than a simple functional piece. Some pieces are made for customers, and some are made for the artist’s own heart. This one falls into the second category. It’s unique, full of texture and personality, and I think it’s earned a permanent spot in my inspiration room — a little reminder to keep playing, experimenting, and following creative sparks wherever they lead.
Whether it’s a softly glowing nightlight, a whimsical votive, or a one-of-a-kind experimental piece, I love creating fused glass that brings warmth, color, and a little bit of joy into everyday spaces. These small pieces may be simple in size, but they have a big impact — perfect as thoughtful gifts, charming home accents, or tiny reminders that handmade art makes life feel a little more special. As always, I’m grateful to share my latest creations with you, and I can’t wait to see where the next burst of inspiration in glass will lead.
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 kiln warm,
Karen
