This is torch-fired enamel? Yep...

How would you like enamelwork in the shade of a ripe papaya ... or maybe the dusty color of a faded rose ... or how about the green of the Caribbean?  It’s possible and so much more.  

Everyday I’m grateful for my degree in Fine Arts where my understanding of color theory is crucial to designing new enamel colors. Knowledge acquired while pursuing a concentration in ceramics has led to an understanding of how oxygenated and reduced flames are an enamelist’s best friends. Torch firing can produce remarkable results that are only possible by manipulating the atmosphere of the flame ... making it either reduced or oxygenated.  

I love working with transparent enamels to accentuate the details of filigree beads by allowing the enamel to pool in the recesses of the bead. While a color swatch is a good start, it does not tell the whole story ... the depth of color ... its richness. Many of swatches are of colors we have created ... so you won’t find them on the Thompson Enamel color chart. Just know that as beautiful and sensuous as this color chart is, our finished beads are even more beautiful!

This is only part of our color chart ...

Here are a few things coming from our studio that you might like!

"Grunge"

Fused and reticulated sterling on etched copper

"My House or Yours?"

"Little Sayings"

"Sweet"

"Tequila Sunrise"

The Queen and Eye

Thanks for visiting!

Do you remember I promised to clean the studio?

If you were visiting LMAJ two weeks ago, this is what you saw ...

 What follows are photos of how the studio looks today.  Tomorrow may be another matter entirely.  I'm a little bit of a tool junkie. Many times I'll ask for tools for presents: Christmas, birthday, anniversary. One year I asked for a stationary tub for Mother's Day ... !  So, this studio has been acquired over about 15 years.

The studio is in a detached building a few steps from the house.  Here's the view when I walk into the studio. 

Work tables.  Across the continental divide is another set of tables.

5 lb containers of Thompson Enamel.  We're up to over 75 colors!

The packing area ... with the ever-present stereo!

Beads, beads and more beads ... waiting for a little color ... or your color!

3 oz. and 8 oz. jars of enamel waiting to fly off the shelves!

A rolling mill, bench shear, and a hydraulic die press, which I'll use when I get more time!

One of the torch areas with a vent hood!  This torch uses propane and oxygen from an oxygen concentrator. 

A polishing/grinder gizmo with a filter. To the right are two kilns I've never used to fire enamel!

Soldering area with pickle pot.

Bench for working with metal.  I simply turn around and I have dapping blocks at the ready.  

Enamels that David, my son, and I use to add color to our beads.  Right now they're in alphabetical order but don't check back next week!  To the left are plastic bead trays.

What's on my work bench ... some pendants ...

and some hearts waiting for paint and resin!

The studio is very industrial looking.  It will never be in "Where Women Create," but it's my little piece of heaven on earth. :-) 

Go Redskins!

Okay, I just walked in from a 13.5 hour ride from Florida to Maryland and my son says, "Hey, Mom, look at the new Victoria Red color!  With Marigold, they make Redskins colors!" By golly, he's right!

How many other teams do you see in these beads?  I see the Carolina Panthers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Jets ...!  This is way too much fun!