Years ago, I took a class all about creating fused glass pattern bars. Recently, while cleaning and organizing my studio, I came across several of the pattern bars I had made a while back. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to give them new life! I decided to transform them into fused glass dishes, and the results were stunning. I paired each of the three pattern bars with a soft, elegant grey glass that really made the designs pop. These dishes turned out absolutely gorgeous—functional pieces of art that showcase the beauty of pattern bars in a whole new way.
The next four pieces also feature my pattern bars, but this time I paired them with some very cool stringer and confetti glass for a playful effect. Each one turned into an awesome little dish, full of shades of green and personality. They’re the right size for so many uses—spoon rests, soap dishes, tea bag holders, candle plates, or just about anything else you can dream up. I love how each dish feels both functional and decorative, making them perfect for everyday use or as a special gift.
These next two pieces also started as pattern bars, but instead of slicing them into thin strips, I decided to keep them whole. I fused each one and then slumped them into shape, letting their natural designs shine through. Because they’re thicker than my usual dish pieces, they have a substantial, almost sculptural feel. With their vibrant colors and weight, they lean more toward art pieces than everyday dishes—perfect for display or as a striking centerpiece.
This next piece is hands-down my absolute favorite! The pattern bar itself is stunning—the colors are vibrant and flow together beautifully. To make it even more striking, I paired it with a piece of opaline glass, and wow, what a combination! The soft, milky opaline highlights the pattern bar’s colors and gives the dish an elegant, almost ethereal quality. It’s a larger piece, and with its presence and artistry, it definitely feels more like a statement art piece than a simple dish. I can’t help but smile every time I look at it!
For those who may not be familiar, pattern bars are created by stacking layers of glass—often different colors, both opal and transparent, and sometimes even stringers or frit—into a dammed mold and firing them in the kiln until they fuse together into a thick, solid block. Once cooled, the block is cut into slices, revealing beautiful cross-sections of color and pattern. Each slice is completely unique, which is what makes working with pattern bars so exciting. You can use them for jewelry, accent pieces, or, like I did here, turn them into stunning dishes that showcase the intricate designs inside the glass. I still have a few pattern bars left over and can’t wait to make something with them too. In the first row of photos, you’ll see some pattern bar strips. The bottom left shows full pattern bars that I honestly don’t think I can bring myself to cut up—they’re just too pretty as they are! And in the last picture, you can see how they start: a big chunk of fused glass and a few slices cut from the bar.
The next four pieces are a little different—they aren’t exactly pattern bars but rather leftover pieces from other projects. Instead of letting them go to waste, I cut them down and transformed them into tiny little dishes. They’re the perfect size for holding rings, tea bags, or other small treasures. Each one is iridescence that catches the light beautifully, making these small but striking pieces stand out despite their size.
These next two pieces are a little different as well. I started with a piece of glass that I had hand-painted with enamels, full of bold and playful colors. I cut the painted sheet into four sections and then fused two pieces together for each dish, which gave them a layered, artistic look. The end result is two fun, vibrant little dishes. I love how hand-painted glass adds such a unique, personal touch to fused glass projects.
These last two dishes came from leftover bits of other projects, but I loved the colors and shapes so much that I couldn’t resist turning them into tiny dishes. There’s something so satisfying about giving little scraps of glass new life. I adore making small dishes—they’re not only fun to create but also so versatile. These would be perfect for holding rings, small trinkets, or even as incense holders to add a pop of color and artistry to any space.
Working with pattern bars and leftover glass always reminds me why I love fused glass so much—the possibilities are endless, and no piece ever goes to waste. From intricate pattern bars to tiny scraps turned into charming little dishes, each project has its own story and personality. I especially enjoy pairing different textures and colors, whether it’s elegant grey glass, playful confetti, or even hand-painted enamels. These pieces prove that both art and small functional dishes can come from the same passion for creating.
If you would like to see more of my fused glass work, please refer to my website Elegant Fused Glass by Karen. If you get a chance, check out all my site and my Elegant Fused Glass by Karen YouTube. If you’d like to take a class, please check out the information on my site about my classes. If you would like to stay abreast of what I’m up-to check out our newsletter. It is published the last day of each month.
Karen
