One of a Kind Whimsical Glass Art for Everyone
Check out Ralphie's Glass on Instagram!
This Valentine’s Day, I’m holding onto the idea that love must always outshine hate. Especially in times when people’s humanity and their rights are treated as optional. Love is not passive. It’s a choice, a stand, and a promise to protect one another. May we choose empathy, dignity, and love. Happy Valentine's Day.
My studio assistant showed up again today… zero training, maximum enthusiasm, and skillful at popping up like a joyful little photobomb ninja during glass photoshoots. The best part is that he works for snacks and the occasional monster truck toy.
Also I guess I have to confess, most of my "professional” product photos happen on my bed frame in the best window light in the house 🤷♀️👌
#bestassistantever
#behindthescenes
#fusedglassartist
A bighorn sheep inspired by my grandma’s painting 🎨
She’s always been an incredible artist, and getting to bring her work into mine feels really special.
I am also lucky to see the Big Horn Sheep right here in my yard or passing them on my drive to Crested Butte, usually licking salt along the roadside in Almont.
Wild neighbors, family inspiration, and a whole lot of love is in this piece and I am excited to share the final product.
#generationsofartists #bighornsheepcrossing
#wildlifewednesday
When the world feels heavy and unjust, posting about your own work can feel… trivial. It's a tug-of-war between “carry on” and “how can I act normal right now?”
Here’s the thing though, sharing art isn’t ignoring suffering. Art is one of the ways people process grief, anger, and helplessness. Beauty, creativity, and expression don’t compete with compassion, they can live in the same space.
Art is the bridge carrying me between grief and hope.
May we take care of one another and move through the world with grace.
#justiceforminneapolis #humanityfirst #artheals
These are the moments that stop me in my tracks and make me want to create.
The wild, the light, the magic in everyday nature — it all finds its way into my art. I am also so grateful to live where this is just… normal.
Also, shoutout to my 11-year-old for her beautiful photos. Seriously, all the good shots are hers.
#inspiredbythewild #natureismymuse #wildathome #gratefulheart
My favorite pictures will always be my art in your homes. Creating brings me so much joy, and I hope it brings the same to those who live with it. Thank you for supporting my art dream—I can’t wait to see more Ralphie’s in the wild in 2026. Happy New Year 💫
#RalphiesGlass #artinthewild #coloradocreative #thankyou
This little rainbow spoon rest has officially been claimed and looks beautiful on its new countertop home! A huge thank you to my sweet friend who scooped it up at Paragon Gallery. Your support means everything!
#feelingthelove❤️ #countertopceleb #ParagonGallery #ralphiesglass #artisanfartisan #kitchenbling #FusedGlass
Hummingbirds are one of my favorite animals to create out if glass. They are elegant, earthy, and full of magic ✨️🪶🌄.
I can't wait to share them framed and hanging in their new home. I am also working on two other forest furries for this commission and can't wait to share when they are completed!
#fusedglass #ralphiesglass #hummingbirds #commissionwork #supportlocalart
Our little Almont house might sit in a town with a population the size of maybe 100 people?😅… but trust me, you can see us from space once Christmas hits.
I blame the magic (and chaos) entirely on my three kids and my young-at-heart husband, who treat holiday decorating like a competitive sport. ✨🎄and I love it😍
#christmasinalmont #wereallylovexmas #almontlandmark #coloradoart #ralphiesglass
My fused glass ornaments are officially clocked in—serving sparkle, spreading joy, and slaying their little holiday hearts out. 💅✨🎄
#HandmadeOrnaments
#FusedGlassArt
#GlassArtist
#HolidayDecor
#ChristmasDecor
#HandcraftedHoliday
#MakersGonnaMake
#SmallBizHoliday
#SupportSmallBusiness
#FestiveVibes
#HolidayAesthetic
Only 4 more days until the Paragon Gallery reopens for the winter season! ❄️✨
I’ve been working hard in the studio and can’t wait to share a bunch of new art with you all.
So excited to see everyone back in the gallery soon! 🤍
#ParagonGallery
#ColoradoArtist
#GlassArtLove
#winterartseason
#handmadeincrestedbutte
These fused glass dishes came out bursting with color—little squares of sunshine that make me smile every time I look at them. I love how the shapes and layers shift in the light. Cue the happy dance 💃
#RalphiesGlass #boldandbeautiful #glassygirl #COLORado #happydance #modernart #fusedglass #fancyandfunctional
I am working on another custom set; a hummingbird dance off!! 💃
I am so excited to see how they turn out once they hit the kiln. 💚🩵
#CreativeLife #InTheStudio #artcollectorsofig #HummingbirdArt #NatureInspiredArt #WildlifeArt #BirdArt #ColorfulArt #NatureInGlass #BirdLovers #ralphiesglass #almontart #fusedglasschristmas #colorado_creative
Fused glass + alpine magic = my kind of therapy. 🔥🏔️💫
#FusedGlassArt #MountainMade #RockyMountainVibes #CraftedInColorado #ArtTherapy #GlassArt #HandmadeArt #ColoradoLife #MountainArt #WesternSlope #SupportLocalArtists #MakersGonnaMake #StudioVibes #ArtCollectors #ColoradoCreatives #MadeWithFire #RalphiesGlass
I feel truly blessed to have completed my first custom pet portrait in fused glass. 🐾✨
It's even more rewarding to see how delighted Biscuit's parents are!
#FusedGlassArt #PetPortrait #GlassArtist #CustomArt #HandmadeWithLove #ColoradoArtist #PetArt #SupportSmallBusiness #ArtistJourney #GlassArtistry #RalphiesGlass #MadeWithLove
🌞🍂 I am bursting with autumn joy!
This little bird found the perfect perch between glowing aspen trees.
It’s a reminder that even the smallest moments can feel magical. 🐦✨
Would you display this in your home year-round or just for fall? 🍁
#GlassArt #HandmadeJoy #FallVibes #ColorfulArt #ArtThatMakesYouSmile
I took a little hiatus from technology to be in nature with my family and it was a beautiful, amazing, and all the things❤️
But now I am home and I finally finished this sweet doggy portrait of Biscuit. I can't wait to frame her and show her parents 😍
#doggylove #dogportait #fusedglass #arthiatusover #fallincolorado
I was asked for a picture of me with my art. After going through my phone, I realized I dont have one! I do have a couple of photos with my daughter and of me at shows, but nothing of just me and my glass.
So I put on some real clothes and grabbed a glass piece that lives in my home and had the hubby take a picture. So here it is 😘
Now, the next chore is to clean up my "studio" since people keep asking to see it. Let's just say it gives off dingy underground lair vibes 😬
#ralphiesglass #fusedglassartist #cestmoi #photoshoottime #glassisthenewsexy #artstudiofun
Excited to be recognized as Artist of the Month at the @paragongallerycrestedbutte! It's also nice to have a little artcle in the Crested Butte paper too🌟 Thank you @alyshinejewelrydesign for writing it ❤️
Here's to following dreams and inspiring one another! 🎨
#ralphiesglass #artistofthemonth #crestedbutte #paragongallerycrestedbutte #artinspires
Did you know I create over 200 nightlights every year!? Every piece is different and completely handmade by me! I photograph and catalog every piece I make. It takes a lot of time, but I love it and I love seeing my growth.
So here are my top 10 favorite nightlights so far this year. I love them because of the gorgeous glass or the extreme cuteness or it was technically challenging with a pleasing outcome, or it's just a happy accident. Eachof these are a little more special to me.
2025 isn't over, so I dont know what the final count will be this year, but I am still creating. Im excited to see if any others will be added to the list.
Which one is your fav?
#ralphiesglass #top10 #happyaccidents #glassart
It's going to be a GREAT Friday in the Gunnison Valley. There will be TWO art walks and of course, Cattlemen's days!
So if you are in Gunnison stop by @gunnison_gallery and if you are in CB, check out @paragongallerycrestedbutte ir go to BOTH!
#fridayartwalk #gunnisoncolorado #crestedbutte #cattlemensdays #Mountainlife
Summers are CrAZy for myself and my family.
This last week, we camped at the Sand Dunes, spent the weekend in Montrose for my Beck's little league tournament, worked my part-time jobs, and battled a dang summer cold!
But, in my free time, I did make a few ornaments to represent my Gunny Love for the @gunnison_gallery because living in the Gunnison Valley and making glass will always be my happy place ♥️
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers of all types. To the ones working hard raising children in this crazy world, to the ones whose fur babies are loved so deeply, to the ones uplifting others, to the ones whose souls are in line with our great mother nature, and to all who have had provided that greatly needed maternal love this world needs ❤️
I am very excited to announce that I have been selected as a new artist at The Paragon in Crested Butte 🤗 ! I made this collage for my little brochure and thought I would share. Feeling pretty good about my Photoshop job 😉
Anyway, once again, I am going to try to be better about my social media. That is until I remember how destructive and evil it can be. BRB!
Made with love!
Ralphie aka Ashley Akerlund creates colorful and abstract creations out of fused glass. She is inspired by the love from her family, the beauty of Colorado, and the infinite possibilities for color!
Ashley is dedicated to creating art that delivers joy for all who cross paths with her work. She believes art has the power to heal and inspire. Simply said, surround yourself with things that make you smile!




































































































