Playing with Mica

This technique cam from my friend Susan "Boo" Reynolds.  She said she gets a neat effect if she sprinkles some flakes of mica onto unfired transparent.  I tried it yesterday on some disks I plan to hang on earrings.  I think it looks like snow.  The total process included counter enamel (Thompson Black), Base coat of white (Thompson Undercoat White), then Thompson Transparent in Sky with Mica.  When I was finished and the pieces were cool, I brushed off the excess mica and revealed this beautiful effect.  Keep Creating :)

Adding Skills to My Toolbox

It is my opinion that all the skills you learn, be it metal-smithing, sewing or beading, all help you to create your art.  Each skill allows you to communicate something with the wearer.  This week, I added a new skill to my toolbox, pearl knotting.  Taught by my friend and all around wonderful person, Ndidi, I learned to single and double knot pearls and stones in bracelet and necklace form. (http://www.ornamentea.com/classdescript/SwarovskiPearlBracelet.html)  Thank you to Ndidi, I am now hooked! There is something therapeutic about doing something repetitive.  So, I urge you to add to your toolbox, even if it doesn't look like you'll be able to use it.  Your new tool will help you as an artist, I promise! Keep Creating

Making Color Samples

This past week I made color samples of new colors I orders from Thompson Enamels.  I decided to use pennies as my base for the samples.  If you do this, you have to use pennies from 1981 or before based on copper content.  I also found that this is much more efficiently done is large batches.  And, of course, they are all torch fired.  Here are the steps I used.

 First I washed the pennies with Penny Bright, a fabulous product that I use on all the copper I enamel. 

 I covered 2/3 of the penny with Undercoat White.

 I then added a strip of silver foil.

 Then I covered the entire penny with the transparent color I need the sample for.

This way, I can see how the transparent looks on copper, silver and white.  This makes a big difference in how the color comes out.  Thompson does a pretty good job in their catalog of getting the colors accurate but it helps to see it in person.  I feel it is always helpful to have a reference when putting colors together.  Keep Creating :)

Hard to Stay Focused with Guests

I have had my parents at my house for the last week and I love to share what I do with them.  However, I find that with visitors, I have a hard time staying focused on a project and getting motivated to work.  Does anyone have the same issue? How do you combat that?  Also, if you are going on a trip, how do you enamel in a place other than your studio?