Trash to Treasure: 6 Creative Ways to Upcycle Stained Glass Scraps

Let's face it - making stuff means making waste.  We try to keep it to a minimum, but it happens.  Stained glass scraps don’t have to be trash. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a DIY enthusiast, those leftover bits of glass can become something functional and beautiful.

Instead of tossing scraps, why not turn them into mosaics, jewelry, or home décor? It’s a fun way to repurpose materials and add a unique touch to your projects.  

This isn’t a step-by-step guide—just plenty of inspiration to get you started!

1. Mosaics & Freeform Art

Turn glass scraps into stunning mosaics! Use them to design:

• Wall art

• Custom picture frames

• Unique stepping stones

Mix and match colors, textures, and shapes to create something one-of-a-kind.

2. Faux Sea Glass Art

With a rock tumbler, you can transform glass scraps into frosted, beachy faux sea glass—perfect for:

• DIY jewelry

• Home décor

• Art projects that need a soft, sea-worn look

3. Epoxy & Resin Art 

Epoxy or resin and shattered glass scraps are a perfect match! Try embedding them in resin to create:

• Coasters

• Trays

• Jewelry

The glass shards add an eye-catching, light-catching effect! 

4. Home Decor Ideas

Glass scraps can elevate everyday items. Some ideas:

• Fill vases or jars with colorful glass bits

• Make DIY wind chimes from stained glass pieces

• Use tumbled glass as a unique accent in home décor

5. DIY Jewelry: Girls Night In

Want to make a one-of-a-kind statement piece? Stained glass scraps can be transformed into:

• Earrings

• Necklaces

• Bracelets

Host a jewelry-making night or create personalized gifts. Grab DIY jewelry supplies and start crafting!

6. Stepping Stones & Garden Decor

Brighten your outdoor space with stained glass scraps! Use them for:

• Custom stepping stones

• Tumbled glass accents in flower pots or garden beds

Stained glass adds a beautiful color to any garden project. Shop stained glass here.

Get Creative with Your Glass Scraps!

From functional home décor to eye-catching mosaics, leftover glass holds so much creative potential.  Looking for supplies? I have, ready to ship:

Stained glass scraps – 2 lb boxes with a variety of colors & textures

Faux sea glass – 8 oz bags of tumbled glass (frosted)

What’s Next?

I’ll be sharing more ideas and tutorials soon! Whether you're making mosaics, jewelry, or experimenting with resin, stay tuned for step-by-step guides. And, check out my handy materials list!

Have a project idea? Share your creations with me! Drop a comment or tag me on social media—I’d love to see what you make!

Until next time,

Ailsa

psst... need a quick rundown on stained glass tools?  Read this article next.