If you’ve ever strolled through an art fair and found yourself drawn to all the colorful, shiny glass pieces on display, you’re not alone. I can’t tell you how many people come into my booth, wide-eyed and curious, and ask, “Wait… how is this made?”
The world of glass art is full of beautiful techniques—and if you’re new to it, the terminology can feel a little overwhelming. Is it fused? Stained? Blown? Lampworked?
I thought it would be helpful to break down these four popular types of glass art so you can see what makes each one unique—and maybe figure out which one calls to you the most.
🔥 Fused Glass: My Personal Favorite
What it is:
Fused glass is made by layering pieces of glass together and heating them in a kiln until they melt (or “fuse”) into a single piece. You can fire to different temperatures to get different effects—lightly melted with some texture (tack fuse), a little rounded (contour fuse), or completely smooth and flat (full fuse).
What people make with it:
Jewelry, magnets, coasters, sun catchers, wall art, small dishes, the list goes on...
Why it’s awesome:
It’s super versatile and beginner-friendly. You don’t need a fancy setup—just some basic tools and a kiln. (And yes, you can even get started with a microwave kiln, which I talk more about in this post!) You can mix colors, layer designs, and experiment like crazy. It’s kind of addictive in the best way.
🪟 Stained Glass: Think Church Windows & Tiffany Lamps
What it is:
Stained glass is created by cutting pieces of colored glass and connecting them with lead or copper foil, then soldering it all together. The glass stays solid—no melting involved.
What people make with it:
Window panels, hanging pieces, decorative lamps, and home decor.
Why it’s cool:
It has a timeless, handcrafted feel. There’s something really satisfying about fitting all the little pieces together like a puzzle. Plus, you can do it without a kiln, which makes it a little more accessible if you’re not into heat.
🌬️ Blown Glass: Fire, Movement, and a Lot of Heat
What it is:
This one’s made by gathering molten glass from a furnace (we’re talking 2000°F+), blowing into a pipe to form a bubble, and shaping it as it cools. It’s mesmerizing to watch and takes some serious skill.
What people make with it:
Vases, bowls, ornaments, abstract sculptures—mostly hollow forms.
Why it’s beautiful (but maybe not for beginners):
Blown glass is elegant, fluid, and show-stopping. But it also requires a specialized studio and some serious equipment, so it’s not really a “start from home” type of thing. Still—amazing to admire and super inspiring!
🔥 Lampwork (a.k.a. Flamework or Torchwork): Tiny Torch-Fired Magic
What it is:
Lampwork involves melting glass rods in a small torch flame and shaping them into beads, mini sculptures, or intricate components. You can pull, twist, dot, and decorate while the glass is molten.
What people make with it:
Beads, marbles, animal figurines, decorative pins, and small pendants.
Why people love it:
It’s incredibly detailed and perfect for people who love working small. It does require a torch, but it’s a more compact setup than blown glass—and it opens up so many creative possibilities.
🎨 So… Which One Should You Try?
It really comes down to your personality, space, and budget.
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Want to make beautiful pieces from home without breaking the bank? Fused glass, especially with a microwave kiln, is a fantastic place to start.
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Love fitting shapes together and don’t want to deal with heat? Try stained glass.
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Fascinated by hot glass and don't mind a serious setup? Blown glass might be your dream.
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Love precision, detail, and tiny tools? You might fall in love with lampwork.
Whatever path you choose, glass has a way of pulling you in. It’s creative, colorful, and kind of magical.
👋 Curious to Learn More?
I created a free guide that dives even deeper into all these techniques—what tools you need, project ideas for beginners, and how to get started without spending a fortune.
👉 Click here to grab my "Beginner's Guide to Glass Art Techniques"
It’s a great starting point if you’re still figuring out what kind of glass art speaks to you most.
What kind of glass art are you most drawn to? Let me know in the comments—I love hearing what sparks people’s curiosity.