Beginner Cloisonne and Enameling

If you've been reading my blog you know that I began taking metal classes this year...can't believe this year is almost over! During many of my classes there would be someone in the class working on enamel and/or cloisonne. As I watched I thought, oh I don't think I'm interested in doing that. Fast forward to about July and I saw a piece of cloisonne that knocked my socks off. My plan was to begin taking enameling class in January 2013. But the class I was going to take was canceled, so I'm flexible and began enameling class sooner then I expected. I have learned a lot of techniques and these are just a few.

 Stamping on enamel

Just enamel with some beginner issues, but that I think added interest

 Another stamped enamel that I wasn't sure would turn out ok, but looks like antique paper in glass.

Finally I got to the cloisonne....

Enamel goes on the front and you fire, then the counter coat goes on the back and you fire. Then you sand down the front coat to as thin of a layer as possible. The topcoat layer is what holds the metal strips in place. You create a design and lay out your metal strips. I'm working on copper. If I mess this up it's not a big investment in comparison to silver.

 As you can tell this is my first attempt and I will build the color up layer by layer beginning this week. I only have two more classes left so I'm not sure I will be able to finish it. I can't even tell you how intense it is to get the wire strips bent to fit and stay in place until they are fired... Now if I just happen to get a kiln I'll be able to make these pieces at my leisure...glass embroidery!

Keep watching...I'll show you this piece as I add color...no matter how it turns out.  And, thanks to Jewel Clark for her patience and fabulous instruction!

Torch and Needle

I began a new adventure in January... (the reason I've been so quiet)

Now eight months later I have creations that combine my hand embroidery and metalwork, my new line will be christened "Torch and Needle."

About four years ago I began thinking about the longevity of my hand embroidery as jewelry. One of my initial thoughts on creating textile jewelry pieces was that people who are allergic to metal have access to an accessory that is beautiful and unique. So I will continue to create the textile pieces as well. My first love will always be fabric, thread, lace....

After working on a piece of hand embroidery I imagine it will last and be handed down for generations. Or, if not handed down, then found as a treasure in an antique shop or estate sale...

With that thought I began brainstorming how to combine metal and hand embroidery. I came up with several ideas, but didn't have the skills to move forward on the ideas. Over the last four years I've contacted a few metal-smiths and just like everyone else they didn't have time to collaborate...

This idea continued to nag at me, so early this year I took the plunge and began taking metal classes....I LOVE IT! Thanks Jonathon and Holly!

I'm sure that I won't contain myself to combining embroidery and metal...I've seen too many cabochons that I've fallen in love with and want to use. I also love just working with metal...the designing, sawing, soldering. I also have some ideas to combine another medium, but that will have to be next years project!

I have a lot more ideas and I hope you will follow my adventure in metal... Other pieces can be found in my Etsy shop.