I’ve blogged many times about my fused glass votives — also known as handkerchief vases — and for good reason. I truly love making them. Over the years, I’ve created a wide variety of styles, colors, and designs, and each one feels a little different from the last. From soft and subtle to bold and vibrant, votives are one of those pieces that never get old for me. As you can see from these examples, I’ve made a myriad of variations — and I still find new ways to reinvent them every time I step into the studio.
Recently, I made a new batch of my fused glass votives — specifically my flower votives, which are one of my absolute favorite styles to create. There’s just something about shaping glass into delicate petals and watching the colors blend and flow that never gets old. This particular one is a bit larger than my usual flower votives, which gives it even more presence. The added size allows the petals to open up beautifully and creates a fuller, more dramatic shape once it’s slumped. It still has that soft, floral elegance — just with a little extra impact. To make it even more special, I added murrine — including butterflies and ladybugs — along with numerous millefiori, including sweet little sunflowers. Those tiny details bring the whole piece to life. It feels like a miniature glass garden captured inside a glowing vase.
In addition to my flower votive, I also created a seasons votive — something I’ve wanted to make for a very long time. I’m not sure why I waited so long, because I absolutely love how it turned out. I’ve always been drawn to the changing seasons — the fresh blooms of spring, the warmth of summer, the rich colors of fall, and the quiet beauty of winter. Each season has its own personality, its own rhythm, and I wanted this votive to reflect that. To bring it to life, I added birds and flowers along with thoughtful color choices to represent each time of year. Soft florals and fresh tones for spring. Brighter, fuller elements for summer. Warmer hues and layered details for fall. And cooler, calmer shades to echo winter’s stillness. The birds add movement and life, while the flowers ground the piece in nature’s cycle. When it’s lit from within, the transitions between the seasons feel even more magical. The colors glow differently depending on the light, almost like watching the year unfold in glass. I truly love this one. It feels meaningful — and a little symbolic too.
Creating these votives reminded me why I love making them so much. Whether it’s delicate flower petals filled with butterflies and ladybugs or a meaningful piece that captures the beauty of all four seasons, each one tells its own story when the light begins to glow from within. There’s something so peaceful about shaping glass into something that celebrates nature — birds, flowers, sunflowers, and the ever-changing seasons — and then watching it come alive in the evening light.
And in case you’re curious — yes, I do teach how to make votives in my classes as well. If you’re interested in learning how to create your own flower or seasonal votive, I’d love to have you join me. Please feel free to contact me at elegantfusedglass@gmail.com for more information.
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’d like to take a class please check out the information on my site about my classes. If you would like to stay abreast of what I’m up-to check out our newsletter. It is published the last day of each month.
Karen
