May 2025 Newsletter

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Upcoming -

June Fused Glass Classes

Do you want to Kick Off Summer with Some Sizzling Glass Fun!
June is bursting with creativity in the studio, and I’m so excited to offer five fabulous, fused glass classes this month! Whether you’re new to glass or a seasoned fuser, these classes are a great way to unwind, get inspired, and make something uniquely YOU.

With tons of project options—like plant stakes, pendants, night lights, votives, and more—there’s something for everyone. Bring a friend, bring your creativity, and let’s make some beautiful glass together!

• Class dates: June 7th, 8th, and 28th

• Times: 9 AM–11 PM & 2 PM–4 PM **Sunday the 8th class is 2pm to 4pm only

• Free fused glass gift for every student!

NOTE: there is a non-refundable deposit of $20 for each student to reserve your spot in class.

Scroll down to see more class details, project ideas, and everything else I’ve been up to this month!

April Fused Glass Classes
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Fused Glass Classes in June – Spark Your Creativity!

Fused Glass Classes in June – Spark Your Creativity!

June is shaping up to be an exciting month in my studio—I’m thrilled to be offering 5 fused glass classes! Whether you’re brand new to glass art or a returning student eager to explore new techniques, these classes are a fantastic opportunity to get creative, have fun, and leave with your own beautiful handmade pieces. Each session is relaxed, hands-on, …Read more.

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Stars, Stripes & Spirit: Honoring Memorial Day Through Glass

Stars, Stripes & Spirit: Honoring Memorial Day Through Glass

Memorial Day is a time to pause, reflect, and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. As a proud veteran and glass artist, I hold this day with solemn reverence in my heart. My patriotic fused glass pieces are more than decorative art; they are heartfelt tributes to the fallen—each red, white, …Read more.

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Helping Mission: Wolf, One Fused Glass Piece at a Time

Helping Mission: Wolf, One Fused Glass Piece at a Time

I’ve shared several posts about donating my fused glass pieces to a truly special organization in Westcliffe called Mission: Wolf. They’re dedicated to rescuing and caring for wolves and wolf-dogs, and it’s an honor to support their mission in any way I can. Here are some of the fused glass and screen-printed ornaments I’ve recently donated for them to sell—each …Read more.

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Forever Paws: Honoring Pets in Glass

Forever Paws: Honoring Pets in Glass

Back in February, I shared a post about a special project I created for my dear friend Marilyn, who had recently lost her beloved dog, Aspen. She asked if I could make fused glass paw prints incorporating Aspen’s ashes—a heartfelt way to keep his memory close. I was honored to create four unique puppy paws just for her. Here are …Read more.

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From One Veteran to Another: Heartfelt Glass Creations

From One Veteran to Another: Heartfelt Glass Creations

As many of you know, I absolutely love making fused glass hearts—almost as much as I love giving them as gifts. There’s just something special about sharing a little piece of handmade art that comes straight from the heart (pun intended!). When I retired from my position at the MDA, I wanted to leave a small but meaningful thank-you with …Read more.

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Aventurine Skies & Golden Roots: A Fused Glass Journey

Aventurine Skies & Golden Roots: A Fused Glass Journey

While I’ve already shared the fun we had in my private classes with Amber and Sandi this month, the very first private class I hosted was actually with Cindy—one of my returning students who’s taken several fused glass classes with this year. Normally, I teach using 96 COE (Coefficient of Expansion) glass, but this class was a little different. Cindy …Read more.

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From Votives to Spoon Rests: A Private Class Full of Heart

From Votives to Spoon Rests: A Private Class Full of Heart

This month has been packed with creative energy—and one of the highlights was a private class hosted by the lovely Sandi, who brought her fabulous friends Tonda, Tony, and Natalie for an afternoon of fused glass fun! There’s just something magical about friends getting together, laughing, and trying something totally new. As always, I had a spread of fused glass …Read more.

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Whimsy, Color, and Creativity: A Joyful Private Fused Glass Experience

Whimsy, Color, and Creativity: A Joyful Private Fused Glass Experience

This month, I hosted another fun and fabulous private fused glass class. Amber discovered me through Google (which always makes me smile!) and brought along her mom Amy, her friend Sam, and Sam’s daughter, Penny, for a few joyful hours of glass fusing magic. As a thank-you, I love surprising my students with a little fused glass gift—and since I …Read more.

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Sips of Joy: Handcrafted Fused Glass Dishes & Stirrers for FestiviTea

Sips of Joy: Handcrafted Fused Glass Dishes & Stirrers for FestiviTea

I've shared several posts in the past about FestiviTea and the custom fused glass pieces I create for their lovely shop. These newest tea bag holders and stirrers are especially close to my heart because I screen printed each one by hand—layering delicate designs onto the glass before firing. It’s such a fun and satisfying process that gives each dish …Read more.

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Did you know ...

Each month, I use this section to share helpful tips, fun facts, or behind-the-scenes insights that deepen your understanding of fused glass, metals, or jewelry. Whether you’ve got a question or just love learning more about the art of glass, this space is for you! And if there's ever a topic you're curious about, let me know—I’d love to feature it in a future edition.

This month’s DYK is inspired by a sweet request from my sister. She asked if she could have a few of my fused glass pieces to give as Christmas gifts—yes, Christmas! It's never too early to start thinking about thoughtful, handmade presents. Her request reminded me how meaningful it is to give (and receive!) something made with love and creativity.

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The first thing I sent her was a collection of fused glass hearts—one of my absolute favorite things to give. Each heart is handcrafted with love, full of vibrant color, depth, and personality. Whether it’s the shimmer of dichroic glass or the softness of transparent layers, every piece feels like a little token of joy. They make beautiful gifts.

Handmade from the heart—literally!

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Next, I sent Laurie a set of fused glass plant stakes. I absolutely love making these—they add such a fun pop of color and personality to any garden or potted plant. Since Laurie runs the town garden, I thought these would be perfect for her! Each stake is a mini work of art, designed to brighten up the greenery and bring a little glass magic to any plant. Functional, cheerful, and totally unique—what’s not to love?

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Next came a few of my 4x4" and 3x3" fused glass dishes—versatile little treasures that can be used in so many ways! From soap dishes and spoon rests to teabag holders, ring trays, or trinket catchers, these small dishes are as practical as they are pretty. I personally have them all over my home, and I thought Laurie would enjoy them just as much. With their unique colors and textures, they’re a lovely way to add a touch of handmade charm.

Of course, I couldn’t give Laurie little dishes without including some fused glass stirrers to go with them! These colorful, functional pieces are perfect for mixing drinks, stirring coffee or tea. I keep them in my kitchen because they’re just that useful (and fun!). Each stirrer is one-of-a-kind, and I knew Laurie would appreciate having a few to brighten her kitchen or to give as gifts.

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I absolutely love making fused glass night lights—they’re not only functional but also beautiful little pieces of art for any wall or hallway. In fact, they’re one of my most popular classes because they’re so fun to create and personalize. So of course, I had to include a few for Laurie! Each one adds a soft glow and a pop of color, making even the smallest space feel a little more special. Whether used in a bathroom, kitchen, or guest room, they’re a perfect blend of light and creativity.

Next to night lights, I absolutely adore fused glass votives. They’re a wonderful way to add light and warmth to any space—no outlet required! Just pop in a tealight or battery candle, and they instantly glow with color and personality. I love how votives can bring ambiance to a dinner table, a cozy corner, or even an outdoor evening. Naturally, I had to include a few for Laurie—they're simple, elegant, and endlessly charming. 

I also included a few fused glass vases, because they’re just so versatile and beautiful. These can be used in so many creative ways—drop in an electric tealight for a soft glow, fill them with potpourri for a lovely scent and display, or add a flower frog and a fresh bloom for a simple, elegant touch of nature. Each one has its own unique flair.

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And of course, I couldn’t leave out one of my true passions—fused glass jewelry! I gave Laurie several fused glass pendants, including some of my special “sea glass” pieces. Each pendant is unique, with a variety of colors, textures, and finishes—there’s truly something for everyone. 

I also included several pairs of fused glass earrings—both dangle and post styles—so Laurie would have a lovely variety to choose from. Whether she decides to keep a pair or two for herself (as she should!) or gift them to friends and loved ones, each set was made with care and attention to detail. Fused glass earrings are such a fun way to wear a little art every day, and I loved being able to send her pieces that are both personal and perfect for sharing.

I also included a variety of fused glass hair accessories—from bobby pins and hair bands to decorative combs. These pieces are such a fun way to add a touch of handmade sparkle to any hairstyle. Each one features a small but eye-catching piece of fused glass, making them both functional and beautiful. Whether Laurie keeps a few or shares them as gifts, I hope they bring a little extra charm to someone’s day—because who doesn’t love a bit of wearable glass art in their hair? 

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Of course, I had to include some fused glass magnets—I just can’t get enough of them! They’re one of my favorite things to make and share. Small but full of personality, they add a perfect pop of color to refrigerators, office boards, or any magnetic surface. For Laurie’s set, I focused on floral designs—bright, cheerful flowers that feel like little bursts of joy. Whether used for holding notes or just adding a touch of handmade charm, these magnets are practical, pretty, and made with love. 

I gave Laurie two beautiful, fused glass crosses—symbols of faith, peace, and love. Each one was carefully crafted and holds special meaning, making them the perfect addition to her thoughtful gift set.

I also included a few Czech glass nail files that I enhanced with fused glass dots for an extra touch of handmade elegance. It’s those little details that make a gift feel extra special.

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Okay, I’ll admit it—I may have gone a bit overboard for my sister. But can you blame me? I love her, I love my glass, and most of all, I love sharing my fused glass creations with the people I care about. Every piece I wrapped up for Laurie came with a little bit of joy, a little sparkle, and a whole lot of love.

She’s sharing a little piece of me with others, and I wanted to make sure she had a few special pieces to enjoy herself.  She mentioned how much she liked my fused glass stirrers, so I’m including one of my favorite vases to hold the ones she keeps—the vase has an angel motif, because Laurie has always been an angel to me. Since she lives along a river, I also thought she’d enjoy this iridized dolphin art piece that will shimmer beautifully on her porch. And when she asked for one of my fused glass spa bars for her feet, I gladly added it in. 

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And finally, one very special piece just for Laurie—she asked if I could make her a fused glass centerpiece, and I knew exactly what to create. I chose a mold that reminded me of a boat and used a soothing palette of lake blues, iridescent shimmer, and soft greens—colors that reflect the peaceful beauty of the water and her surroundings. It’s a piece that feels both calming and strong, just like her. I truly love how it turned out, and more than anything, I hope she knows how much love is fused into every inch of it—and how much she means to me.

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Putting together this collection of fused glass gifts for my sister was such a joy. Each piece reflected something I love to make—and use—and it felt even more meaningful knowing they’d be shared with people she cares about. Whether it’s for the holidays, birthdays, or “just because,” handmade glass gifts carry a little bit of heart and art in every piece. 

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