May’s molds are simple, but that’s exactly what makes them so functional and versatile. I love how the clean shape allows the glass itself to really shine. And this glass… it’s truly extraordinary. The movement, the blending of colors, and the depth all come together in such a beautiful, almost painterly way. Sometimes the simplest designs paired with the right glass create the most stunning results—and this piece is a perfect example of that.
Here is the second dish. I find it so interesting that both pieces were made using the same glass, yet they have such a different presence. While the overall form is similar, the molds themselves are completely different, which really changes the final look and feel of each piece. I also sandblasted both dishes, giving them a soft, satin finish that adds a whole new level of elegance. It tones down the shine just enough to highlight the movement and depth in the glass. It’s a great reminder of how much impact the mold and finishing techniques can have—even when starting with the exact same materials.
Here are the two dishes side by side, along with the molds that were used to create them. It’s amazing to see how similar the finished pieces look, even though the molds themselves are completely different in shape and depth. This really highlights how glass behaves in the kiln—the way it flows, settles, and takes on form can create surprisingly similar results, even from very different starting points. It’s a great reminder that both the glass and the mold play a role, but sometimes the glass has a mind of its own too.
Working with the same glass across different molds has been such a fun reminder of how much variety you can create with just a few changes. Each piece has its own personality, shaped not only by the mold but by the natural movement of the glass itself. Adding the heart was the perfect finishing touch—a simple, beautiful form that really lets the richness of the glass shine. Sometimes it’s those subtle differences and simple designs that create the most striking and meaningful pieces. Notice the red heart from another month’s mold is the same glass.
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
