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About 10 years ago, Opie and I studied enameling for almost a year. Enamels are finely ground colored glass aka vitreous glass that is usually sifted onto either copper or silver and then fired/fused. The results are nothing short of amazing and the colors range from transparent, to opaque, to combinations of both. Our classes back then required a kiln, counter-enamel, pickling and steps that were very precise. Firescale (once considered the bane of enameling) was not a welcome addition in our classroom. In fact our teacher would look at our work and sadly shake her head as Opie and I excitedly compared our beautiful firescale which we adamantly refused to clean in the pickle solution. Today, alternative approaches to enameling have re-kindled our love of this medium and while there are several interesting styles and techniques to explore, this class will focus on Basse Taille (pronounced bas-TIE) enameling that will not only embrace firescale but will incorporate it into etched copper sheet using transparent enamels that are fired using non-intimidating torches instead of a kiln. Other techniques include stacking, doming, incorporating gold, copper, variegated leaf and glass threads, and using a new and really cool mini grommet for layering metal. A simple 2-sided etching process will be covered, as in the interest of class time, disposal of etchant and clean up, some of your metal will already be etched.
Students will leave class with an eclectic assortment of completed pieces. All levels.
A material fee of $20 payable to the instructor includes: assorted sheet and shaped metals, enamels, gold, copper and variegated leaf, glass threads, klyr-fire, rivets, use of the torches, steel wool, other incidentals and more.
Student Supply List: (items with an * are available at http://burntofferings.etsy.com)
· *tin shears
· *jewelry pliers (round and chain/flat nose)
· *metal file/s
· *2-hole metal punch - or a rotary or hand drill with a 3/32” bit (if riveting layers)
· *small rivet/ball peen hammer
· bench block
Optional:
· *bail making pliers
· *a wood dapping block and rawhide mallet to dome your pre-cut copper circles (we’ll have one to share and also have them available in our etsy shop)
· chain or cording and/or jump rings
To see more examples of our work and/or the tools we use/sell visit our website and our etsy shop at www.burntofferings.com or http://burntoffering.etsy.com
Please email us with any questions at: gourdart@burntofferings.com
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