10 Creative Fused Glass Projects for Beginners

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:

  1. Cut two 4”x4” pieces of clear and colored glass.
  2. Stack the colored layer on top of clear (or vice versa).
  3. Decorate with small frit, stringer, or dichroic accents.
  4. Full fuse in the kiln to 1490°F.
  5. 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:

  1. Use a glue-on bail or drill a hole post-firing.
  2. Cut small shapes (1”–2”) from scrap glass.
  3. Layer two to three pieces for contrast and depth.
  4. Add decorative frit or stringers.
  5. 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:

  1. Cut a 2.5”x3.5” base from transparent glass.
  2. Decorate with small shapes, frit, or decals.
  3. Tack fuse to preserve texture.
  4. Slump over a gentle mold for a curved face.
  5. 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:

  1. Cut tiny squares or circles.
  2. Layer colorful glass bits and frit.
  3. Full fuse on kiln shelf.
  4. Attach small magnets using epoxy.
  5. 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:

  1. Cut 1”x6” glass strips.
  2. Decorate with names, shapes, or glass paints.
  3. Full fuse or tack fuse, depending on the desired texture.
  4. 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:

  1. Cut small shapes or use pre-cut blanks.
  2. Add a tiny bit of frit or powdered glass for detail.
  3. Full fuse for a smooth, rounded finish.
  4. 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:

  1. Cut 6”x6” or 8”x8” clear base glass.
  2. Arrange colored shards, frit, and stringers into an abstract design.
  3. Full fuse or tack fuse depending on surface texture preference.
  4. Cold work edges for polish.
  5. 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:

  1. Cut or shape a base from transparent or iridized glass.
  2. Add layers of color, stringer, and inclusions like copper foil.
  3. Tack fuse to maintain visual depth.
  4. Drill hole or fuse a hook-in-place.
  5. 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:

  1. Create a square or circular base (4–6 inches).
  2. Design with frit, stringer, or layered colors.
  3. Full fuse for a flat base.
  4. 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:

  1. Cut thin strips of glass (1”x5”).
  2. Decorate with frits or glass paint.
  3. Full fuse to maintain slim profile.
  4. Cold work edges for smoothness.
  5. Add ribbon or a beaded string for extra charm.