I wasn't really sure what to expect and to be honest I was starting to regret booking a course on the first weekend of January - right at the end of two weeks off work and just before I went back to work on Monday. And with a yellow snow warning in place.
Enamel is made from crushed glass, which is how this course made it onto my list of things to try in the first place, but it is closer to fusing glass than the lampwork I'm more used to.
On our first session Sheila gave a demonstration and I was surprised how quick it was. I'm used to putting things in the kiln and having to wait for hours before seeing the end result. The small tiles we were working with were cooked in minutes and we only had to wait for them to cool down before adding our next layer!
We started by sieving the enamel powder (powdered glass) onto copper squares. A couple of layers of white and we could make a design on top. I tried a stencil, which took a few attempts to get a clean 'print' but I'm very happy with the end result.
We then tried wet packing which is where you add the enamel powder while wet. You need to dry your design before putting it in the kiln otherwise the enamel pops off.
We then tried a technique called cloisonne, which involved adding very fine silver wire to your work and working the wet enamel powder round it. This can look stunning but I over heated my first attempt and melted the wire. Doh!
My second attempt was much better, but I found it fidderly.
I also tried ginding my own enamel from a chunk of glass which was very satisfying. (And does involve a hammer to start with.)
On our second day we were given silver discs to decorate and turn into whatever we wanted. I decided on earrings and a matching pendant. I started by adding texture to the silver, before dilling a hole and doming it. Finally I added my enamel and fired it. I am so pleased with the results!
With some time to kill I also had a play with some colour. I love this brilliant pink!
Considering I didn't know much about enamel a couple of days ago, I'm now at a place where I'd be more than happy to mess about with some in my studio. I'm wondering if the powders I use for making glass leaves would work? Something for next weekend I think...
