Enameling - I jump in with both feet.

I don't think I've had this much fun in my studio for a long time.  A long time ago I took an enameling class and ever since I've been dreaming of adding enamel to my silver jewelry.  Because I work with a lot of fine silver the process is a little easier and in my opinion much more beautiful than the usual copper/enamel combinations.  To spend a huge amount of time applying enamel to a cheap copper base seems pointless to me and the end result of silver is so beautiful.

Now that my studio is functional and everything is organized it was easy to pull out the enameling box and jump right in.  I bought a sample box of powders and spent one evening sorting and washing a large selection of blues and greens.  You don't have to wash them ahead of time but it really cuts down on the mess to have your colors ready to use.

Yesterday I fired up the kiln, got out my welding glasses, the long fork, the trivets, the powders, the brushes and whatever else came to mind.  I set the kiln to ramp up and hold temperature for three hours and that was it.  Enameling is mostly patience combined with some skill.  Luckily I'm fairly skilled at preparing the metalwork base which is crucial for the project's success.  I've heard that this is one of those skills that's easy to do but you can spend years perfecting those skills.  I can see that.  These are really pretty crude but at the same time they are very appealing.  The colors are heavenly.

I chose several different styles to work with, a fold formed leaf and some simple textures circles.  I've seen this style done many times but each person puts their own stamp on the piece.  I'm going to do a lot more in different styles and colors.

There will be lots more to show in the future.  These are my first pieces.  One sold about five minutes are being posted on Facebook.  They look like googly eyes, the top ones are before Tequila and the bottom ones are after a few shots, ha!

Peace and colorful days to you.