by MaryAnn Carroll
So, I'm new to this enameling art and I've got to say I am really enjoying it. What I think I like the most is that I can create pendant style pieces to coordinate with my ceramic beads. I've decided to keep this a "semi" silent tutorial ;o) ...one without words..... one where I hope the pictures say all of the words....
If they don't, however, please feel free to leave a comment asking me anything that you have a question on. I will be happy to answer asap.
The earrings....
They are reversible if you know how to switch around the ear wire. If you like the side with a more solid color look like this....
or.... the backside like I prefer....
just simply reverse the ear wire and you have an entirely new set!
The style below is made in the same way, but I've kept this set closer to the actual enamel colors before I decided to use my artistic license with the torch ;o)
Let's get started....
I guess I will add a few words here for safety reasons:
Please keep in mind that the set up that I have include fire bricks which are the same bricks used to build my husband's wood-fire kiln.
Repeat until you get the desired colors.
Some smaller steps were left out. Please feel free to ask if there is anything that you want to know. You can leave a comment and I will respond or contact me at artisanbeadsplus@gmail.com
Please check out the following sites for more about enameling:
Here is are a couple of great tutorials by Barbara Lewis:
~thanks for reading~
MaryAnn
11 comments:
beautiful earrings, and a great tutorial! Thank you :)
GREAT tutorial! I've tried enamel in a kiln, you make torch enameling look so easy!
terrific tutorial maryann! enameling is such an incredible way to add color to your work... it is one of my most favorite techniques... wait until you see barbara's book!
I have had my enameling set since March but haven't tried it yet. So basically you heat the copper and dip the hot metal in the enamel?
I'm excited about the book! Also, here is a 5 minute tutorial by Barbara Lewis: http://www.youtube.com/user/babsadoodle123
I'll add it to this post also. I was too tired when I was finally done taking pictures while enameling to look for it ;o)
That looks like so much fun. I will have to add it to my list of things to try. I think it'll be number 2,479,076. =)
Thanks for sharing, Mary Ann! The photos say it all. :-)
Thanks so much for sharing. This is a great tutorial. I have two questions. What gauge copper do you recommend and are you using enamels for glass or for metal? That's it. Thanks again.
Patricia
Thanks so much for sharing. I have a couple of questions. What gauge copper do you recommend and are you using glass enamels or enamels for metal?
Kind Alohas,
Patricia
In all honesty, the sheet of copper I got by walking into a local welding place and asked if they have scrap. I'm guessing it is 20 gauge. Also, since I'm still a beginner, the actual type of enamel used would better be addressed by contacting Barbara Lewis through her website http://paintingwithfireartwear.com or her Etsy shop http://paintingwithfire.etsy.com
She is great about answering any questions that you might have. She also has a ning website specifically for enameling. I am a member but haven't had too much time to really explore the site as much as I would like to. That site is http://paintingwithfire.ning.com It is easy to sign onto and I believe that many questions can also be answered by cruising that site.
Also, I don't think I answered the other question about dipping the hot copper in the enamel. Yes, that is exactly what you do. The hot copper acts as a glue. If you watch those videos that I've attached to the end of post you can get a better idea.
Hope that helps :o)
MaryAnn
VERY cool!!!! I just ordered Barbara's book on AMazon. Can't wait to check it out(cuz, ya know, I just REALLY need one more project!!!!!) :)
And THANK YOU Mary Ann for the Friday blog!!! I owe ya one! :)
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