I start with sketches, see additional pictures. Then I sawed out a piece of copper sheet metal, cleaned the metal and placed counter-enamel onto back of copper which was heated in a kiln at 1500 degrees for about 5 minutes. Next a thin layer of opaque white Shauer enamel is sifted onto front of copper and heated in kiln for about 5 minutes. Gold and silver foils must be cut between paper and applied to cool enamel in places I want, according to sketch, with a mixture of Klyre fire & water 50/50 solution. Allow to dry before placing in kiln for a few minutes. Burnish foil when it comes out and the piece is cool. Cloisonné wires are cut to fit design and placed over small squares of foil, heated in kiln, to tack down. Application of transparent enamel over foils, opaque black in several squares and opaque white in background area. Build up enamels, with firing between layers. I try to obtain 12 to 14 layers. Then polishing begins with wet/dry sandpapers, from 220 to 1000 grit, enamel held underwater while polishing. Then soak in ammonia and heat in kiln until smooth finish is obtained.
For the frame I sawed the square wire to fit around the enamel and soldered onto silver sheet metal. Then I sawed out the shape, flush with the square silver wire bars. On the back I soldered down a 2 part silver pin bar findings and attached the pin bar. The silver setting was finished by hand and polished and the enamel was set into it with a two-part epoxy.I start with sketches, see additional pictures. Then I sawed out a piece of copper sheet metal, cleaned the metal and placed counter-enamel onto back of copper which was heated in a kiln at 1500 degrees for about 5 minutes. Next a thin layer of opaque white Shauer enamel is sifted onto front of copper and heated in kiln for about 5 minutes. Gold and silver foils must be cut between paper and ... Read full instructions »Difficulty:
Copper sheet metal, sterling silver sheet metal, sterling silver square wire, pure silver cloisonne wire, sterling silver 2 part pin back, pure silver foil, 24kt gold foil, Shauer enamels: opaque white, opaque black and transparant. Two-part Epoxy.
What was your inspiration?
The transition of one metal to another.
What are you most proud of?
The movement in the enamel.
What advice would you give someone starting this project?
Learn basic metalsmithing and enameling techniques. I have been working with metals for 39 years and studied enamels while a student at Parsons School of Design.
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