Select your design from a book, online source or make your own design in a graphics program. Print out your full-sized design. Number each section that will be an individual piece of glass. Tape your paper to your work surface.
Print another copy of your design and number the sections again in the the same order you did in Step 1. Cut out the individual shapes.
Decide on a color for each piece of glass. Attach the corresponding paper shape to that color glass with the number side facing upward, using rubber cement.
Cut out each piece of glass, using the glass cutter. Follow the contours of the lines as perfectly as possible. Place each cut piece on the printed design that is taped to your work surface. Place them in the appropriate spot by matching the numbers. Continue cutting the pieces until the entire pattern is filled.
Remove the number from one piece of glass. Smooth the edges of that glass piece on the glass grinder. Place it back on the pattern in the appropriate place so you won't forget where it goes.
Repeat Step 5 for all of the pieces in the pattern.
Wrap each piece with copper foil. Copper foil comes in a roll with a sticky back. Unroll the foil and press it into place along the edge of each piece of glass. Burnish the foil with a bone folder to make sure it is adhered. Return each piece to the pattern after you foil it.
Choose two pieces from the center of your mandala, add flux to the copper tape and solder them together using a small propane torch.
Continue soldering the glass pieces together, working from the middle outward.
Bend a piece of zinc came around the mandala to form a frame. Zinc came is a flexible metal channel that will hold your piece in place and stabilize it. Cut the came off with a utility knife to fit your mandala and solder the seam.
Clean off your glass and solder with a mild dish soap. Add baking soda to the soap if you need extra scrubbing power to get it clean.