As I know you have all been waiting so terribly patiently, here is the kiln carving pattern for September 2013.  This is a versatile pattern with four different pumpkin/Jack O’lantern designs.  You could use them in a square like I did, or put one each under four different projects.  Bottle bottoms are the perfect size and you could make four different suncatchers with the same pattern.

Step 1-  Download the pattern from the link at the bottom of the page.  It’s completely free, no credit card required. **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**

Step 2 – Cut a piece of fiber paper large enough to accommodate the whole pattern.  I am using 1/32″ thick paper for this pattern.  Pin both the pattern and the fiber paper down to a cut proof surface.

Step 3 – Carefully cut out all of the gray areas from each pattern.

Step 4 – When all of the gray areas are removed, trim fiber paper to desired outside dimension (I cut mine to 8.5″ x 8.5″), and place under an appropriately sized piece of glass on a prepared kiln shelf and fire to a full fuse.

Step 5- After your firing is finished, you can slump the pumpkin glass into a dish, or use it as a hanging piece.  For mine, I painted the raised ‘carved’ areas on the back of the dish with mica and slumped it into a square dish.

This kiln carving pattern has expired!  Please make sure you’re on the mailing list to be notified when it will be available again in the 2013 compilation book.  To see the current free kiln carving patterns, visit the Kiln Carving Patterns page.