Last week I had a very special fused glass class with one of my friends and long-time student. Her beloved dog, Milo, had recently passed, and she wanted to honor him in a deeply personal way—by creating doggy paw pieces using his ashes. To make it even more meaningful, I scheduled a private class just for Kayla and her boyfriend David. It was a quiet, heartfelt session filled with love, memories, and intention. Creating with ashes is never just about the glass—it’s about preserving a connection, telling a story, and holding onto something that mattered deeply. As with all my classes, we began with the liability forms and, of course, I shared a small free gift with each of them. Even in a session centered around loss, there was also warmth, creativity, and a beautiful sense of remembrance. It was truly an honor to be part of something so meaningful.
I set up the studio with clean, prepped doggy paw casting molds, each carefully washed and treated with separator. Kayla and David were each able to create four fused glass paw, giving them time to thoughtfully place and design each one. Every paw was a quiet moment of remembrance—handled with care, intention, and love. No two were exactly alike, just like the memories they hold.
Here is Kayla creating her fused glass paws. It was a quiet, solemn process—one filled with reflection and love. You could see just how much Milo meant to her in every careful movement, every thoughtful placement. This wasn’t just about creating something beautiful in glass—it was about honoring a bond, remembering a companion, and holding onto a piece of him in a way that will last forever.
Here are some pictures of David creating his paws. Like Kayla, he approached the process with quiet care and intention. Each piece was thoughtfully placed, honoring not just Milo, but the love and memories they all shared. It was a gentle, reflective time—one where creativity and remembrance came together in the most meaningful way.
Since they were working from the same mold, I was able to capture some beautiful moments of them creating side by side. There was something so meaningful about that—sharing the space, the memories, and the process together. They used a variety of materials including frit, sheet glass, murrine of all kinds, and millefiori, each piece coming together in its own unique way. Every paw reflected not only Milo’s memory, but also the love and care they both poured into the process.
Here is Kayla placing the puppy paw pieces into the kiln, along with the special card that will stay with them. It felt like such a meaningful step—carefully setting them in place, knowing they would soon be transformed into something lasting. The card added an extra layer of love and remembrance, a beautiful way to keep Milo’s memory close. It was a quiet, emotional moment—one filled with reflection, care, and a deep sense of connection.
Here are the front and back of the paw pieces. Each one turned out beautifully, capturing not just the design, but the love and intention behind them. Seeing them finished is always so special—but this time, it felt even deeper. These aren’t just fused glass pieces; they are keepsakes, little pieces of Milo that Kayla can hold onto and cherish. A reminder that while he may be gone, the love they shared will always remain.
Classes like this remind me that fused glass is so much more than just creating something beautiful—it’s about capturing moments, honoring love, and preserving memories in a way that lasts. It was truly an honor to be part of Kayla and David’s journey in remembering Milo. Pieces like these hold a story, a bond, and a love that will never fade—and that is what makes them so incredibly special.
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
