Weekend Warrior

Well, not exactly! I had a wonderful weekend spending time with my family but a warrior I was not. So I wanted to show you what I'm hoping to do some weekend in the future. Since my experiment enameling the iron filigree beads in my kiln had mixed results and the bead caps were a total disaster, I bought a Hot Head torch and a canister of MAPP gas. I already have the wonderful book Torch Fired Enameled Jewelry by Barbara Lewis so all I need to do is find the time where I can concentrate and experiment!

(almost) Wordless Wednesday

These are the earrings I made using my new enameled components and some small lamp worked beads from blue seraphim.  I love the colors and an instant gratification project!

Weekend Warrior

       Corrugated Enameled Earring Components

I love the look of corrugated metal. It's modern and rustic both and very easy to achieve with my tube wringer. First I measured and cut 24 gauge sheet copper. I usually use 18 gauge copper for enameling but I needed a thinner gauge to put through the wringer and I didn't care if they warped a little in my kiln. I was going for the rustic look.

I made two different sizes and smoothed the corners with a file. I put a hole in the ends using this great punching tool. I will write a blog on this fantastic tool soon.

 I then ran them through the tube wringer holding it tight so the copper crinkled up good. I lightly flattened them with my rubber mallet.

 

I cleaned them good which was a real pain with all those ridges! I enameled them in my kiln using one coat of clear and one or two coats of opaque and transparents. I discovered that the thinner and lighter coats of enamel looked the best because the ridges showed up better and the look was more rustic and appealing. Pictures of some finished earrings soon to come!!