Cynthia Billhartz Gregorian: Four glass finds that knocked my socks off

While perusing Kansas City shops for last week’s House + Home story on fall accessories for less than $100, several shop owners pointed me toward new pieces of glass.

They really didn’t fit the autumnal theme of the story, but they were too pretty to ignore. Glass is a nice way to add some shine and elegance to any room, particularly when it’s handcrafted like these.

Best of all, they’re priced just right — all less than $100.

▪ Blown glass on driftwood, ($67.25, Fiddly Fig, 22 W. 63rd St.): This intriguing piece, which was created by perching a molten-glass vase on a piece of driftwood, can stand on its own. But it would also make for a nice terrarium or floating candle display.

▪ Green Stockholm glass vase, ($39.99, Ikea, 6000 Ikea Way, Merriam): This one I found on my own and was floored by the price, given that it’s handblown and, at more than a foot in diameter, substantial.

It’s definitely one of those things that makes you understand why Ikea is as beloved as it is. It would look great with a single large bud or branch poking from its narrow hole.

▪ White glass sculpture, ($19, Trapp & Co., 4110 Main St.): Looks like an expensive glass toy, but it’s actually quite a steal.

▪ Aqua dream plate, ($70, Trapp & Co.): The blue-green is absolutely exquisite. It’s so deep and oceanic that if I were Lilliputian, I’d be tempted to stand on its white rim and dive in.

You could prop it on a plate stand or lay it flat on a coffee or side table. And it looks nice with the white glass sculpture, right?

This story was originally published September 26, 2014 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Cynthia Billhartz Gregorian: Four glass finds that knocked my socks off."