Here are two molds for March, there’s something really satisfying about how a mold can influence a piece without completely taking it over. For this heart, I chose a round, shallow textured mold—leaning into contrast rather than matching shapes. One of the things I love about working with molds is that they don’t have to mirror the glass you start with. A heart can be placed into a round mold, allowing the form to evolve in a more unexpected way. Because this mold is shallow, it creates a soft, gentle curve instead of a deep drop. The shape is subtle, almost understated, but that’s what makes it so effective. It adds dimension without overpowering the design, keeping everything balanced and refined. The texture in the mold gives just a hint of detail, while the overall form stays light and elegant. It’s a great example of how the right mold can guide the final piece—enhancing it without ever competing with it.
One of my goals this year is to start incorporating more of my special glass into my work. This piece features a beautiful production glass with soft, flowing pink tones that immediately drew me in. Layers of blush, rose, and deeper magenta move together almost like brushstrokes, giving the glass a painterly, expressive quality. Many pink glasses—like those from Bullseye—are created using gold in the formula, which is one of the reasons these colors tend to be more expensive than other sheet glass. Achieving consistent pinks is also more complex during production, which adds to both the cost and the uniqueness of each sheet. It’s one of those materials that feels a little extra special every time you use it. It feels especially suited for hearts—there’s a natural warmth and emotion in these colors that makes each piece feel a little more personal. No two turn out exactly the same, which is part of what makes this glass so special to work with.
As you can see, I used the same glass for both hearts but chose a completely different mold for this piece. This time, I went with a much deeper mold, which creates a more dramatic shape compared to the gentle curve of the shallow one. Deep molds can be a bit tricky—they require more patience and careful firing to get just the right result. But when they work, they’re absolutely worth it. This piece slumped beautifully, allowing the glass to stretch and settle into the mold, creating a fuller, more dimensional form. It’s amazing how the same glass can take on such a different presence simply based on the depth of the mold—one soft and subtle, the other bold and sculptural.
I love how these two pink heart dishes turned out—especially how the same glass can create such different results. Each piece has its own personality, shaped not just by the glass, but by the mold and the process. They’re fully food safe (hand wash only), so they can be used to serve a special dessert or simply enjoyed as decorative pieces. Either way, they’re meant to be shared and enjoyed. I’d love to hear what you think.
If you’d like to see more of my fused glass creations, 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 channel for videos and inspiration! If you’d like to stay up-to-date with my latest projects, classes, and events, I also invite you to sign up for my monthly newsletter, published on the last day of each month. And if you’re interested in taking a class, you’ll find all the details about upcoming opportunities right on my website! If you have any questions about taking classes or would like to schedule one, feel free to email me at elegantfusedglass@gmail.com. I’d love to help you create something amazing when you’re ready!
Keeping my Kiln warm,
Karen
