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Earlier this month at Brick Street Market, my hummingbird suncatchers flew off the table—literally sold out before noon. With another event just around the corner, I knew I needed to carve out some time to make a few more of these charming stained glass birds.
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This kaleidoscope project started as an idea for the goimagine Maker Challenge "Festival Fever" and became one of the most rewarding pieces I’ve ever made, despite nearly derailing it at least twice. I love it's fun, trippy vibes and think it is a great addition to the kaleidoscope aesthetic!
Once the frame was solid, I moved on to the mirror chamber. The kit included pre-cut front-surface mirror strips and hardware—mirrors specially designed so the reflective coating sits on top of the glass, not behind it. It’s a small detail I’d never considered until this build, but it makes all the difference in clarity.
Fusing glass in a microwave? Yep, you can do it!
The results are small, and the process has some quirks, but it’s a surprisingly satisfying way to use up your glass scraps. Making colorful little glass blobs is weirdly addictive—and you don’t need a big studio setup to start. Let’s jump in.
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| pendant necklaces |
Microwave kiln (the ceramic dome kind—some come with starter supplies)
Glass scraps (COE 90 or 96 preferred for consistent results; mixed or unknown COEs may crack)
Kiln paper (prevents glass from sticking; most kits come with a few sheets to start)
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but here are the big ones:
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| Hot Hot Hot! |
The kiln and glass get HOT—up to 1500°F. Use mitts and caution.
Never place a hot kiln directly on your counter. Use a fireproof cooling surface.
Keep pets and kids far away while you’re working and cooling.
The powder left behind from kiln paper can irritate your lungs. Handle gently and avoid breathing it in. (Best practice: wear a mask.)
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| Cool! |
Prep your space. Make sure your microwave is clean, your kiln paper is cut to fit the kiln base, and your safety gear is nearby.
Place kiln paper on the base.
Layer your glass. Stack 2–3 layers of glass, keeping pieces at least ¼" from the edge. Don’t stack too high—glass naturally wants to settle around ¼" thick.
Start heating. Begin with a short cycle at 70% power to ease the glass into the fusing process.
After several cycles, you’ll see an orange glow through the vent—your glass is hot and fusing. If you peek between cycles, be quick—letting heat escape can mess up the process.
Cool it down slowly. Rapid cooling can cause cracks. Be patient.
Once cool, lift the lid gently and remove your fused glass.
The kiln paper will have turned powdery—brush it away gently and avoid inhaling it. (Best practice: wear a mask.)
Wash your fused piece with mild soap and water.
Microwave fusing is a great way to play, experiment, and use up scrap glass in a low-stress way. Have you tried it yet? I’d love to see what you’ve made—tag me or send a message with your favorite fused blobs, jewelry, or decor!
And, if kilns aren't your thing, check this article for some alternative ideas for upcycling stained glass scraps!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, bonus moms, and positive maternal figures!
For a brief history of Mother’s Day in the U.S., check out these articles from the Smithsonian’s American Women’s History Museum and Smithsonian Magazine.
When Goimagine announced their April Maker Challenge theme was Cute Fruit, I knew exactly what I wanted to do!
The results are now in, and you can see the entire collection here. But before you go, let me introduce my own cute fruits window hanging suncatchers!
There may be times when you need to store your stained glass artwork: storing seasonal pieces (like Christmas and Easter ornaments) and moving to a new home are likely the 2 most common reasons. I'll cover how to store your suncatchers and smaller panels. We won't be covering shipping today. Remember, this is just for seasonal storage and moving prep. I'll try to make a video to go along with this, for the visual learners out there.
First, wrap your suncatcher in acid-free white tissue paper. In fact, use a few layers. You want to be certain your stained glass pieces are well protected. Add a piece of tape to secure this layer.
Add protective padding like honeycomb paper, packing paper, or bubble wrap. Be generous here. The goal is to have a nice layer of padding. For honeycomb and packing paper, you may need several layers. More is better. Tape the ends of the wrapping together to prevent the stained glass from slipping out of the ends.
Place pieces in sturdy boxes and label. If you ordered from TCAG, the box your keepsakes shipped in is perfect. Save it and the packing materials. Remember, the care instructions are on the inside of your lid.
Store in a clean, dry, temperature-stable location like a closet or under-bed bin.
Plastic wrap or plastic bags can leave marks on the came or trap moisture. Ask me how I know!
Don’t store in a basement, attic, or garage unless it's climate-controlled
Don’t stack heavy objects on top
Wrap as for storage, but add extra padding at corners and edges
Use a double-box method for fragile or large pieces
Cushion the interior of both boxes to prevent shifting
Use tags or labels for quick identification and gentle handling
Use towels or blankets between boxes in the car for added cushion
Take a little extra time to store your beautiful stained glass sun catchers and window panels the right way. You won't regret it.
I'll post the wrapping and packing video link when it's finished.
If you have a great storage tip, let me know! I'm always ready to learn more!
Finding a thoughtful wedding gift can be a challenge. You need something meaningful, beautiful, and let’s be honest, something they won’t ge...
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