Sometimes a bit of whimsy strikes and I'll use a design seen on tv, such as the Seal of Rassilon from the classic Doctor Who series, as a pair of bookends (it's also on my glass key fob and a tiny pair of earrings).

Making the Seal of Rassilon bookends

Clockwise from top left:

The paint is applied here with an ox hair brush. Once painted it is fired in the kiln to 1250 degrees F to set the glass paint into the glass.

Since brass U channel is rigid, it is passed through rollers to bend it in to a circular shape. This is done to give a finished edge to the glass circles.

Liquid patina (black in this case) is applied to the lead solder to darken and 'age' the shiny solder that closes the brass U channel.

Installing the finished glass panel into the bookend frame requires a snug fit and a small dab of clear silicone to be sure it stays put.