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 two of those paws, shown from both the front and back.
Last month, Marilyn reached out to me again and asked if I could create more fused glass paws—this time for her stepdaughter, who had also experienced the heartbreaking loss of her dog. These pieces are more than just glass; they’re small, tangible reminders of the unconditional love our furry companions give us, even after they’ve crossed the rainbow bridge.
For Alora’s dog, Aspen, I designed the paws with a “chocolate chip” look to reflect his unique coloring. I’ll admit, I had a bit of a challenge keeping the ashes in the shape of hearts, but even so, the pieces turned out beautifully. I made two fused glass pocket paws paired with special remembrance cards. I also added bails to three others—one became a pendant, another a keychain, and the third a plant stake, just like I created for Marilyn.
Alora loved them, and that’s truly what matters most to me—creating something that brings comfort and helps keep a beloved pet’s memory alive. I’m always honored to create something so meaningful.
While I was giving the paws to Alora, my dear friend Nancy asked if I could make a couple of pocket paws for her friend Joe, in memory of his sweet dog. I ended up creating three—two as pocket paws and one with a bail so it could be used as a plant stake. Just like with the others, I put a lot of love into each one. Joe appreciated them, which means the world to me. It’s always such a privilege to create pieces that offer comfort during a difficult time.
In addition to making fused glass doggy paws with ashes, I also create beautiful paw prints without ashes—just for fun or as sweet keepsakes. Here are a few of my newest designs!
The top row features reactive glass combinations. When copper-bearing glass and sulfur-bearing glass meet in the kiln, they create that striking chemical reaction you see in the outlining and color shifts—it’s such a cool effect and always a surprise!
The second row has more of a transparent style. Interestingly, I used red glass (which contains sulfur) and combined it with blue sulfur glass. Even though the result looks like a deep black or burgundy in places, it’s actually red reacting in a unique way during the firing process.
The third row is where I had the most fun—these are playful, vibrant pieces made using frit, Vitrigraph, and other colorful scraps. Each paw has its own personality, and I love how whimsical and unpredictable they turned out.
These four fused glass puppy paws were just more fun experiments I played around with in the studio. I love testing new combinations and textures, and these were no exception! The photos show both the front and back of each paw, highlighting how different the glass can look depending on the materials and firing process. Each one has its own personality—and while they’re experimental, I think they turned out pretty cute!
Here are a few more of my fused glass puppy paws—this batch includes fun combinations using murrine, millefiori, and reactive glass. I love mixing techniques and textures to give each paw its own personality. From little flowers and bees to rich reactive blends, these pieces are full of playful detail and joyful color. The backs are just as beautiful, especially the soft white glass that gives them a smooth, creamy finish. These were such a joy to create!
I decided to take a couple of my simpler fused glass paws and add a screen-printed heart to each one. Sometimes, just a little touch can make a big impact—and I absolutely love how these turned out. They feel extra special now, like a quiet little tribute to the unconditional love our furry companions give us.
Next, I had fun playing with bright colors and heart details! I made a few playful paws using heart murrine, along with blues, whites, and reds for a cheerful, patriotic vibe. Then I took one of my simpler designs and added a red heart decal to the center—it’s amazing how one small addition can completely transform the piece. These little paws turned out so sweet and full of personality!
And here’s one final trio of puppy paws to round things out. I love the mix of colors and textures in this set—from soft, swirling neutrals to the vibrant burst of pattern in the center paw. Every piece I create is made with love, whether it’s a heartfelt memorial or just a playful celebration of our furry friends. These fused glass paws hold more than just color and shine—they carry memories, joy, and connection. If you’d like a custom paw made for someone special (or yourself), I’d be honored to create it.
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
