December 2013 Kiln Carving Pattern

Fused Bottle Glass Star Ornament

December is the busiest month of the year in my studio, and then all at once, it’s quiet.  Which means there is finally time to make new designs and do fun stuff instead of production work.  This ornament pattern is quick and easy, so much so, the original is hanging on my tree at this moment!

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Step 1.  You will need a piece of fiber paper large enough to accommodate the entire piece of glass you intend to use as there isn’t a border on this design.  I used 1/32″ thick paper, but this pattern would work with a slightly thicker paper if you wanted more contrast.  Pin the pattern and the fiber paper down on a cut proof surface.  I use cardboard.

Fiber paper and pattern pinned

Step 2.  Cut out the gray areas and the fiber paper underneath.  I find it reduces tearing of the fiber paper if I cut the pattern out first and then the go back around the cuts on the fiber paper before taking them out.

Star kiln carving pattern

Step 3.  After all of the fiber paper is removed, discard the paper pattern and place the fiber paper on a prepared kiln shelf and add the glass of your choice.  I used a bottle bottom.

Bottle Glass on Kiln Carving

Step 4.  Fire using a full fuse schedule.  You can use mine or whichever one works best for you.

Fused Bottle Glass

Step 5.  Drill a hole in the top and you have a lovely star ornament, suitable for gifting, or keeping for your own home.

Fused Bottle Glass Star Ornament

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