I’ve been away from stained glass for a number of years. But when I saw glass mini blocks at Glasstronomy Studios, I couldn’t wait to make them! These stained glass blocks are so much fun! And they use up those glass scraps!
Given the time of year, you could make this a truly themed Christmas project, using snowflakes, ginger bread men and stars for the ‘carved’ features. However I took it a different direction. I’m using a few of my favourite things (but skipping the rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens!). You may know how we love our upcycled kitchen cabinets so of course I’m immortalizing a VW beetle in a little red block 😉.
Image Transfer for Glass Mini Blocks
Transferring the images with carbon paper didn’t work. Luckily I prepare a plan ‘B’. Using curved scissors to cut my shapes, I just traced around with pencil. I wore a mask to cut the actual fibre paper; you don’t want to breathe in the fine particles!
Cut Squares
I started by cutting double thick clear glass into 2″ squares using the morton system as a guide to make our cuts.
Then I upcycled leftover scraps of glass and cut a rainbow of colours to complete the bottom layer of our stacks.
Stack ‘Em and Wrap ‘Em
Each individual block gets separated by two layers of fibre paper, which is then pinned through the centre to the DuraBoard that’s sitting right underneath the kiln paper.
Once the blocks are in position, tightly wrap each stack with kiln paper first. You’ll notice that it only comes up to just below the top layer. That’s so the top will nicely round over once fired.
As each block stack is placed, more double layers of 1/8″ Durafiber are added in between to form the column.
Once the first column is complete, cut the end of the Durafiber evenly with the edge.
Wrap the edges with more fibre paper to encase the perimeter.
Ready to Fire!
The day ended 6 hours later with the blocks ready to be kiln fired. It’s amazing how time flies when you’re having fun!
After firing, I picked up the blocks at Glasstronomy Studios a week later.
The blocks are soaked in water to release the fibre paper so it can be removed from the recesses.
Even after peeling away, there’s still residual fibre on the back of the block. It can be easily scrubbed away with soapy water and a toothbrush.
With kid-like glee, I couldn’t wait to stack them to see how they look with light coming through them! We stopped eating sugar years ago, but I think they’re the next best thing to candy!
Take a Course to Learn Fused Glass!
If you’re local to Toronto and would like to learn stained or fused glass, check out Glasstronomy Studios for workshops and private lessons!
I love how these turned out, but next time I make these I may leave an additional 1/4″ around the edge of the pattern to see if it cuts down on the distortion from certain angles.
The day I picked these up, I tried my hand at something I’ve always wanted to do: needle felting.
So I topped the blocks off with this adorable elfette I call Grizelda. After taking that first class, I subsequently advanced to this needle felted elf.
Small Glass Blocks that Pack a Punch
If you don’t have room for a tree around the holidays, add some air plants for a touch of green. This unconventional makeshift tree will help get you into the holiday spirit 😉.
Grizelda turned out pretty good for my first attempt at felting, if I do say so myself! So you better believe that I’m going to explore needle felting further (as you’ll see by exploring the link).
Want more holiday inspiration? Check out these 31 Christmas Craft Ideas for Adults! Or check out these amazing upcycled planters for ALL our planter ideas!
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Very cool! I’ve never worked with glass. Very interesting and very pretty results!
Thanks Kim; I’m so lucky to have glass studio not too far away where I can take classes every once in a while! It’s been a long time since I worked with glass; this was the perfect project to ease me back in.
Oh this is so cool! I love all the pretty colors and the different images. So Cute!
Thanks so much Linda! They’re like eye candy to me 🙂
What!!!!! How did I miss this. I have always wanted to try fused glass. Love how these turned out Sara. Those colors are beautiful and I actually like the distortion on the edges. I adds a little something extra plus Grizelda is adorable.
Thanks Michelle! You should definitely try it one day; it’s one of my favourite creative outlets! Glad you like Grizelda; she’s pretty special because she was my very first needle felt project 🙂
Wow, what a cool and unique project. I have never worked with glass yet, but it is on my list. I dont think it will be anything as fancy as this but maybe one day.
Thanks Anita! I’m lucky to have a stained glass studio in the area so I can continue to learn!
I have all the stuff but no studio. I was given everything for free. I will check it out with my tutor “youtube” when I run out of ideas. 🤣
Wow, free? That’s awesome. I’m sure you won’t run out of ideas – lol!
This is so clever and colorful, I love it so much! Plus I love anything glass for holidays.
Yes!!! The only downfall is I wish I had more windows to display MORE glass!
This is a unique project – it looks like stained glass. Thanks for introducing us to a new art medium!
I love to explore new mediums; so glad you like it 🙂
These are absolutely adorable! Love the colors!
That’s what I love about glass. I’m like a kid in a candy store :).
I would love to try this. Beautiful!
Thanks Sherry! If you have a glass shop in your neighbourhood, you should try it.
This is just such a fun idea Sara!
Thanks Janet!
So creative and beautiful, Sara. I haven’t ever worked with glass like this. It sounds intriguing, and like a lot of fun. Thanks for piquing my interest.
Thanks Meegan! It really is fun 🙂
Wow this is great! I have not worked with glass at all. Love the designs.
Thanks Kim; I was going to do Christmas designs but want to use it year round too!
Wow! That is amazing!
I have never worked with glass.
You are SO Talented!
Aw, thanks Robin!
Oh this is really cool! Love the finished pieces!
Thanks Kristi! I love pieces that can be adapted to any time of year 🙂
So cute- I’ve always thought about trying glass but looked so intimidating. Maybe this I could do.
I think it’s achievable for a beginner because it’s just straight cuts.