Fused glass is one of the most rewarding and accessible ways to dive into the world of kilnforming — and you don’t need to be an expert to make something beautiful. Whether you’re new to glass or just looking for inspiration, we’ve got you covered with ten beginner-friendly projects you can make here at Make Santa Fe. These small-scale projects are fun, functional, and perfect for exploring what’s possible with heat, color, and creativity.
Each idea comes with a simple step-by-step process to help you get started. Grab your safety glasses, fire up the kiln, and let’s make something amazing.

Fused Glass Coasters
Materials:
Process:
- Cut two 4”x4” pieces of clear and colored glass.
- Stack the colored layer on top of clear (or vice versa).
- Decorate with small frit, stringer, or dichroic accents.
- Full fuse in the kiln to 1490°F.
- Optionally, slump over a shallow mold for curved edges.

Jewelry Pendants
Materials:
- Glass scraps
- Frit
- Stringers
- Dichroic glass (optional)
- Pendant bails
Tools:
- Glass cutter
- Kiln
- Epoxy or bail adhesive
- Grinder (optional)
Process:
- Use a glue-on bail or drill a hole post-firing.
- Cut small shapes (1”–2”) from scrap glass.
- Layer two to three pieces for contrast and depth.
- Add decorative frit or stringers.
- Tack fuse for texture, or full fuse for smooth edges.

Night Light Covers
Materials:
- Transparent glass
- Frit or decals
- Night light hardware
Tools:
- Glass cutter
- Kiln
- Slumping mold
- Glass drill (optional)
Process:
- Cut a 2.5”x3.5” base from transparent glass.
- Decorate with small shapes, frit, or decals.
- Tack fuse to preserve texture.
- Slump over a gentle mold for a curved face.
- Attach to a night light base with hardware or glue

Fused Glass Magnets
Materials:
- Glass scraps
- Frit
- Small magnet backs
Tools:
- Glass cutter
- Kiln
- Epoxy adhesive
Process:
- Cut tiny squares or circles.
- Layer colorful glass bits and frit.
- Full fuse on kiln shelf.
- Attach small magnets using epoxy.
- Give them away as gifts or keep your fridge snazzy.

Garden Stakes or Plant Markers
Materials:
- Colored sheet glass
- Glass paints or frit
- Metal or bamboo stakes
Tools:
- Glass cutter
- Kiln
- Silicone adhesive
Process:
- Cut 1”x6” glass strips.
- Decorate with names, shapes, or glass paints.
- Full fuse or tack fuse, depending on the desired texture.
- Use a silicone adhesive to attach to a metal or bamboo stake.

Fused Glass Cabochons (for Rings or Earrings)
Materials:
- Fusable Glass
- Frit
- Jewelry findings (ring backs, earring hooks)
Tools:
- Glass cutter
- Kiln
- Grinder (optional)
- Jewelry adhesive
Process:
- Cut small shapes or use pre-cut blanks.
- Add a tiny bit of frit or powdered glass for detail.
- Full fuse for a smooth, rounded finish.
- Glue onto ring backs or earring findings.

Abstract Wall Tiles
Materials:
- Clear glass base
- Colored glass pieces
- Stringers
- Frit
Tools:
- Glass cutter
- Kiln
- Cold working tools (optional)
- Wall mounting hardware or adhesive
Process:
- Cut 6”x6” or 8”x8” clear base glass.
- Arrange colored shards, frit, and stringers into an abstract design.
- Full fuse or tack fuse depending on surface texture preference.
- Cold work edges for polish.
- Mount using frame or adhesive wall hangers.

Sun Catchers
Materials:
- Transparent or iridized glass
- Glass Frit
- Decorative inclusions
Tools:
- Glass cutter
- Kiln
- Glass drill or embedded hook
- Hanging wire or chain
Process:
- Cut or shape a base from transparent or iridized glass.
- Add layers of color, stringer, and inclusions like copper foil.
- Tack fuse to maintain visual depth.
- Drill hole or fuse a hook-in-place.
- Hang in a sunny window!

Small Slumped Dishes
Materials:
- Clear or colored glass
- Frit (optional)
- Slumping mold
Tools:
- Glass cutter
- Kiln
- Mold release or kiln wash
Process:
- Create a square or circular base (4–6 inches).
- Design with frit, stringer, or layered colors.
- Full fuse for a flat base.
- Slump into a mold (bowl or dish shape).

Decorative Glass Bookmarks
Materials:
- Thin sheet glass
- Frit or glass paints
- Ribbon or string
Tools:
- Glass cutter
- Kiln
- Cold working tools (optional for edge finishing)
Process:
- Cut thin strips of glass (1”x5”).
- Decorate with frits or glass paint.
- Full fuse to maintain slim profile.
- Cold work edges for smoothness.
- Add ribbon or a beaded string for extra charm.