I love incorporating decals into my glass pieces—they add such a unique layer of detail and personality. Over the past year, I’ve used them on everything from candle shields and night lights to jewelry, and each project takes on a whole new life with their addition. Decals come in a variety of styles and finishes—color, classic black and white, and even elegant gold—making it easy to create anything from bold and playful designs to something more refined and sophisticated. They’re a simple addition that can completely transform a piece of glass into something truly special. ✨
Recently, I got several new decals and couldn’t resist turning them into a beautiful little collection of dishes. Each one feels like its own tiny work of art, and honestly, I’m not sure I can pick a favorite! These petite 3-inch dishes may be small, but they’re incredibly versatile—perfect for holding tea bags, resting a spoon, or even keeping little treasures like rings safe. I love how the decals bring each piece to life, adding personality and charm while still keeping them simple and functional. Sometimes it’s the smallest pieces that bring the most joy, and these little dishes definitely do just that. ✨
These next six dishes step things up just a bit at 4 inches, giving the designs even more room to shine. I had so much fun playing with different styles—from soft florals to bold, colorful patterns—and I absolutely love how vibrant these decals turned out. Each piece feels cheerful and full of life, like a tiny pop of art you can use every day. They’re just the right size for tea bags, spoon rests, jewelry, or even spare change, but they also stand beautifully on their own as little accent pieces around the home. Functional, decorative, and full of personality—these are the kinds of pieces that make you smile every time you see them. ✨
These next two step up in size and really let the designs shine. One of my favorite things about working with decals is how beautifully they come to life on white glass—the colors feel richer, the details sharper, and the overall look just pops. Paired with the soft movement of the glass and that touch of blue, these pieces feel a little more elevated while still being completely functional. They’re perfect for soap, watches, jewelry, or a spoon rest—but honestly, they’re just as happy sitting on a counter looking pretty and adding a bit of artistic charm to the space. ✨
These next four dishes are all about color, personality, and a little bit of fun. From bold florals to playful hearts, each one feels like a burst of happiness captured in glass. I love how the patterns draw you in—there’s so much detail to explore, whether it’s the delicate linework of the flowers or the whimsical charm of the hearts scattered across the surface. These pieces don’t just serve a purpose; they tell a story and add a pop of joy wherever they land. Perfect for everyday use, but just as perfect for brightening up a space and making you smile every time you walk by. ✨
This next piece is just pure whimsy—I can’t help but smile every time I look at it. The sweet little owl paired with the playful flowers gives it such a lighthearted, cheerful feel. It does have an indentation designed for a candle, but honestly… it’s so adorable I’d have a hard time covering it up! Sometimes a piece like this is meant to shine all on its own, bringing a bit of fun and personality to any space. ✨
These next three pieces are a little different—more like small works of art than everyday dishes. I combined several techniques here, layering decals with frit, millefiori, and vitrigraph to create depth, texture, and movement in each design. There’s so much going on in these pieces, and that’s what makes them so special—each one draws your eye in a different way. While they’re still functional, they really shine as artistic statements, showcasing how versatile and expressive fused glass can be. ✨
Working with decals has opened up a whole new world of creativity for me. Whether I’m keeping things simple with a single design or layering in techniques like frit, millefiori, and vitrigraph, each piece becomes a chance to experiment and have fun. I love that something as small as a dish can be both functional and a little piece of art that brightens your day. If you’ve never tried working with decals before, I highly recommend it—you might be surprised at just how much they can transform your glass and inspire your creativity. ✨
While you’re there, be sure to explore the full site — and don’t forget to check out my Elegant Fused Glass by Karen YouTube for even more inspiration! If you’d like to stay up-to-date with my latest projects, classes, and special offerings, you can also sign up for my monthly newsletter, published on the information on my site. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a private class, feel free to email me at elegantfusedglass@gmail.com. I’d love to help you create something beautiful!
Keeping my kilns warm,
Karen
