realtorrose, my wonderful stain glass teacher thought this up so no pattern that I know of. All pieces must be foiled & tined before you start 1. Base pieces are 21/2-3 in x a foot or so depending on what size you are making. Do not go all the way to the bottom with glass. Leave about 6-8 as the totem will be inserted into rebar which is in the ground. 2. solder base pieces together & lay tube on back of the base pieces. Solder a piece of glass from one side the base to the tube & then do the other side. So will be sort of a triangle. These MUST BE attached securely as this is what holds the whole thing together. attach in at least 3 places 3. carefully turn the piece over, now the base pieces will be on top. you have to put something under one side to keep it from turning on its side. I used a small piece of wood 4. Now start laying your pieces on top & solder them to base & each other. Connect pieces horizontally & vertically as this makes the piece stronger. You can use nuggets, sun/moon, agates, etc., to make it interesting. I added beads & pieces sticking out front. DO NOT take glass all the way to the bottom as you don't want it to hit the ground. 5.last apply a nugget to top of tube so water can't get down into tube. Hope this helps. Here is a link that might be useful: webshots

Sorry for not responding sooner - sometime life gets in the way of computer time! ;-) Jeanne, I've been making totems for about 4 years and tried several times to quit! LOL Good thing it's not an unhealthy addiction! I've received so much inspiration from lurking on this forum that I wanted to show others what I do even tho I'm not a good photographer. Thanks Luna, yes there is a little crystal elephant on that one. Jules, I'd love to see your link. While I lurk here from time to time I've missed a lot I'm sure. About condensation - I only make totems when the humidity is low. I also make sure the figurine is glued to it's base and dries for at least a day. I think GE Silicone II may have moisture in it so that's why I wait. I also always do a continuous bead of glue so there are no gaps. Thanks Laura, it's really not difficult to make tall totems but I use a level now or they can get pretty wonky. Trial and error is a great teacher! Ginger, I always use GE Silicone II and it's always worked for me. Do try a totem, they are so much fun. Thanks, Leveta! I knew that gold bird would be perfect for a totem as soon as I saw it in a YS.

That is a beautiful totem, babs. I adore totems...and have several boxes of stuff to turn into totems. As Karen said above..."Procrastination does not create much of anything."...it may not create much, but I've become very good at it anyway! LOL Be Safe, Rach

That's adorable!! Did you make the mailbox too? Most of them use GE silicone II for doors & windows(outside)caulk & be sure the glass is very clean, might even want to use rubbing alcohol & then don't touch area where you are going to caulk it together & let totem dry for few days before placing in garden. Others will add to this but in case you are in a hurry. Welcome & great project! Thanks for pic! Jan