One of the things I love most about working with fused glass is its flexibility. If a piece doesn’t turn out the way I envisioned—or if inspiration strikes after the kiln has cooled—I can simply re-fire it and transform it into something entirely new. That freedom is part of the magic. That’s exactly what happened with this tulip piece. I originally created a round purple tulip sculpture. It was lovely on its own—elegant, as I spent time with it, I couldn’t stop imagining it as a vase. So… I reimagined it! After another journey through the kiln, it emerged even more stunning than before. The curves, the color, the flow—it all came together so beautifully in its new form. That’s the beauty of fused glass: a piece is never truly finished until you say it is.
I also reimagined a sleek violet rectangular dish and transformed it into a sophisticated, light-catching vase. Now, it practically glows. The way it reflects and plays with the light reminds me of shifting twilight—subtle, graceful, and full of life. It’s amazing how changing the form can unlock a whole new personality in the glass.
Lastly, I had created a fused glass bowl using cane work—but unfortunately, a piece broke. Of course, I wasn’t about to throw it away. That’s the beauty of glass: it always has more to give. So once again, I returned to the kiln and transformed what remained into this fabulous, one-of-a-kind vase. I absolutely love the way the cane drapes organically, almost like flowing ribbons of color frozen in motion. The curves and texture give it such a dynamic, sculptural feel. It’s a reminder that even in imperfection, there’s incredible potential for beauty. ✨💙
Each of these vases has its own story, its own journey, and its own personality. I love how fused glass allows me to keep creating, reshaping, and discovering new beauty—even from broken or unexpected beginnings. Which vase is your favorite? I’d love to hear what speaks to you most!
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
