I’ve always been enamored with stained glass. As a kid I could stare at those kaleidoscopic church panes for hours. It’s the play of light through the vivid pieces that tickles my eye, color addict that I am. So our home has its share of stained glass lamps.

My love affair has expanded beyond typical leaded stained glass, to include glass art of all kinds. I recently discovered fused glass, and even dabbled in it myself. I am smitten with this art.

Simply put, fused glass is a technique where starting with a base sheet of glass, the artist cuts and layers stained glass pieces on top, in a pattern to their liking. This is then baked in a kiln to melt into one multicolored sheet. The sheet is often fired a second time to shape over a chosen mold (for example into a bowl shape); this is called slumping. Artists are fashioning everything from gorgeous platters, to dramatic wall sconces, bowls, funky art tiles, and unusual furniture knobs.

After I first attempted fused glass, I promptly ordered a book about the art to learn all I could. This is a typical pattern for me as my stuffed creative bookshelves will attest to. I gasped with delight when I saw Martin Kremer’s glass work that is in a word striking. I think Martin is one of the finest fused glass artists on the planet and like me, he finds inspiration in Native American designs and American quilt patterns. His Zig Zag platter (above) is phenomenal.

Although I am sure his artwork involves many more than two steps, Martin is an inspiration for us newbies. Some of his pieces, including his stunning Rainbow Bowl (top) are available for purchase through Artful Home.

Less pricey pieces are offered by talented Etsy artists. I like the graphic simplicity of Robin Kittleson’s iridescent purple platter. And what I could do with a flea market nightstand and a jewel of a knob like one of these Hot Lava babies from Joan Rosen of Uneek Glass Fusions.

Want to DIY? Craft studios around the country offer classes or studio time so you can try your hand at fused glass. The materials are a little pricey, but I think the resulting pieces are well worth it. A shout out to The Glass Palette in Charlottesville, Virginia, where I made my sushi plate. What a clean, welcoming studio; our family had a great time there. I was impressed that my nephews’ pieces came out as well as the adults’!

Have you ever made fused glass? How would you use a piece as art in your home?