A method for making perforations or forming depressions in a glass work piece is described. Pursuant to the method, a two piece housing for the work piece is provided. The housing when assembled has a cavity conforming in size and shape to the work piece. The lower housing piece has a continuous upper surface and the upper housing piece has a smooth lower surface and openings in the housing piece conforming in size and position to the perforations or depressions desired to be made in the work piece. The work piece is enclosed in the housing and then plugs are inserted in the openings in the upper housing piece. The plugs snugly fit the openings and extend above the upper surface of the upper housing piece. A weight is then disposed on the upper surface of the plugs. The weight may be a flat metal sheet and is of sufficient weight to cause the plugs to exert a pressure of at least about one half pound per square inch on the work piece. The resulting assembly is then subjected to a temperature intermediate the softening point and the working point of the work piece and the temperature is maintained until descent of the plugs into the work piece ceases. The assembly is then cooled to ambient temperature, the work piece is removed from the housing and then the plugs are removed from the work piece.