January’s kiln carving pattern is brought to us by happy thoughts of spring and a new year.  This pattern was inspired by some lovely wrought iron railing here in Salt Lake City that I ran across recently.  It much simplified, of course, but I do love the way it turned out.

1. Download the pattern

**This kiln carving pattern has expired.  Monthly kiln carving patterns expire 90 days after posting.  Not to worry though, they will be back at the end of the year in the free compilation book.  To see the currently available kiln carving patterns, you can click here**

2.  Cut the fiber paper

Cut a large enough piece of fiber paper to accommodate the entire pattern.  I’m using 1/32″ fiber paper for this one.  Once you have the fiber paper cut, tack down the pattern and your fiber paper with tacks through the black dots.  A large piece of cardboard makes an excellent cutting mat.

3.  Cut out the gray areas

Using a very sharp razor, carefully cut and remove the gray areas of the pattern.

4.  Cutting the border

After all of the gray areas are removed, cut around the black outline.

5.  Cut the glass

This pattern is specifically designed to work with the body cylinder of a standard size wine or spirits bottle.  You can, of course, use any other glass that strikes your fancy instead.  After you have placed the pattern and the glass on a prepared kiln shelf, full fuse.

6.  Finish the glass

After firing, remove any sharp edges with a diamond sanding pad or diamond file.  The finished kiln carved glass can be drilled and used as a sun-catcher or hanging art, or slumped into a rectangle mold such as a butter dish.