This month I welcomed two new students, Brandy and Angela, to my fused glass studio. Since it was their first time visiting, we started the day by reviewing studio safety, completing the required liability forms, and talking about what they would be creating. Once the paperwork was finished, I surprised each of them with a complimentary fused glass gift. Students can choose from pocket hearts, pocket crosses, pendants, magnets, or stirrers, and it’s always fun to see what catches their eye. Those little gifts help break the ice and add a bit of excitement before the creative fun begins.
Since Brandy and Angela were both new to fused glass, I took them on a tour of my studio before we began creating. I always enjoy introducing first-time students to the different areas where glass is cut, fired, finished, and displayed. Along the way we talked about the tools, kilns, specialty materials, and the many different techniques used in fused glass. Seeing completed artwork often helps students begin imagining what they might create themselves, and by the end of the tour the nervousness had disappeared and excitement had taken over. The creative possibilities of fused glass are truly endless.
- Our first stop was the Finished Room, one of the brightest and most colorful spaces in my studio. The room is filled with fused glass jewelry, dishes, artwork, and decorative pieces available for sale. Everywhere you look there’s sparkle, texture, and color. It’s also my favorite place to photograph my work because the natural light and vibrant surroundings make every piece come alive. Students always enjoy seeing the variety of projects on display and learning about the different techniques used to create them.
- Next, we stepped into the Finishing & Inspiration Room, which is exactly what the name suggests—a place where projects receive their final touches and where creativity seems to constantly grow. This room holds some of my favorite fused glass creations, along with pieces that inspire future ideas and new designs. I always think it feels a little magical because one project often leads to three more ideas before I’m done. By this point, I could already see Brandy and Angela beginning to think about colors, shapes, and possibilities for their own projects.
- We wrapped up the tour in the Gallery Area, where completed fused glass pieces are displayed while waiting to find their forever homes. I love ending the tour here because it helps students begin imagining the possibilities for their own creations. Watching Brandy and Angela look around and realize just how many different things can be made with glass was exciting. That spark of inspiration—and the realization that they could create something beautiful themselves—is exactly what fused glass is all about.
By the time we returned to the main studio, everything was ready for a day of creativity. Workstations were set up with cutting mats, glass cutters, running pliers, grozing pliers, cleaning supplies, and plenty of colorful glass to explore. One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching new students settle in and realize they can create something beautiful, even if they’ve never worked with glass before. Before long, Brandy and Angela were sorting through colors, gathering ideas, and beginning their projects with growing confidence and excitement.
Brandy chose to create a beautiful nightlight using a couple of my sample pieces as inspiration. One of the things I encourage in my classes is making a project your own, and Brandy did exactly that. She selected colors that spoke to her and transformed her ideas into a lovely, fused glass nightlight that glows beautifully when illuminated. It was wonderful watching her confidence grow as the project came together. The finished piece is both functional and artistic, and it turned out beautifully.
Angela decided to create a fused glass votive, and it turned out wonderfully. Votives are one of my favorite beginner projects because they allow students to explore color, design, and texture while creating something practical they can enjoy every day. Angela carefully selected her glass and design elements, creating a piece that is both beautiful during the day and magical when illuminated at night. The finished votive reflects her creativity and serves as a lovely reminder of her first fused glass experience.
Classes like this are always a joy to teach. Watching first-time students discover the possibilities of fused glass, learn new skills, and create artwork they’re proud of is incredibly rewarding. Brandy and Angela both embraced the creative process, tried something new, and left with beautiful pieces that reflect their own unique styles. Thank you both for spending the day creating with me—I hope this is just the beginning of your fused glass journey!
If you’d like to see more of my fused glass work, please visit my website: Elegant Fused Glass by Karen. While you’re there, be sure to explore the full site — and don’t forget to check out my Elegant Fused Glass by Karen YouTube for even more inspiration! If you’d like to stay up-to-date with my latest projects, classes, and special offerings, you can also sign up for my monthly newsletter, published on the information on my site. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a private class, feel free to email me at elegantfusedglass@gmail.com. I’d love to help you create something beautiful!
Keeping my kilns warm,
Karen
