New Years Baby

The tradition of using a New Years Baby to represent the new year originated in Greece around 600 B.C. The Greeks posed a baby in a basket and marched about to observe their God of Wine, Dionysus. The baby stood for the yearly rebirth of Dionysus as the spirit of fertility. An infant was also used as a symbol of rebirth by the early Egyptians. This image was brought to America by the Germans.

Wear this adorable pin on New Years to toast in the beginning of a fresh start to the upcoming year. It does involve the use of a glass saw to cut out the intricate details.

Materials List:

1. Trace and cut out the shape.

2. Set the pieces on the appropriate colorful glass and trace around the design with a permanent marker. Generously cover the traced design with either beeswax or Chap Stick.

3. A glass saw is needed to cut out the shape. Make a point of cutting close to the lines to keep the figure and all the minute details.

4. Rinse and launder the bits with soap and water or use glass cleaner to get rid of any markings and residue. Dry the objects.

5. Arrange the parts on prepared kiln furniture and place the shelf inside the kiln. Be sure to grip the glass by the edge to avoid fingerprints. Before firing, you can use a thin tipped Glassline black paint to write across the banner. If you want to wear this pin for more than just one year, I would suggest you just write “Happy New Year”.

6. Close the unit lid or door. Turn the kiln on high.

7. First look and observe the project at close to 1325 degrees Fahrenheit. When looking at your pieces, wear glasses with IR and UV protection.

8. When the piece possesses your wanted look, switch off and disconnect the unit. If the kiln is built of dense fire bricks, you can let it cool down on its own. If constructed with ceramic fiber, the kiln must be keep the kiln on and monitored so that it does not cool down more than approximately 300 degrees Fahrenheit per hour.

9. Once the temperature shows below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the unit can be safely opened.

Once the pieces have cooled to room temperature, you can add a pin back. Adhere the pin back with a two part epoxy.

You could also add a cute little button nose and some pink cheeks to your Baby New Years pin before firing. Or use you imagination and personalize these pins for your friends.

For more seasonal pins, check out the Seasonal Pins page.

New Years Baby Pattern

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