This copper enamel ring is sold and I need to make another this color. I used Thompson 2030 and Woodrow red. The combination was a glowing success. Can’t wait to get back to the kiln with this one…
Copper Enamel Ring
Tag: copper
Covington Art Fair in Fort Wayne, Indiana
It’s been a week since the Covington Art Fair and I just want to express my deep appreciation for the people of Fort Wayne who came out to support the artists exhibiting in the heat.
The first day of the show was the last day of an intense heat wave. I set up early Saturday morning and it was already warm.
I was at the end of the aisle, making it easy to find my booth and get to work. I don’t usually take time to snap progress shots while I’m setting up, but this time I did.
The shoppers came early and the show was crowded by 10am sharp. People made quick decisions, bought their favorite pieces, and by noon, just a trickle of people remained. I was so relieved and so happy, despite the heat.
Rain moved in overnight and a cool breeze continued all day Sunday, with an occasional gust that worried me, but I came through it just fine. Some artists suffered damage, which is always a shame.
I am so grateful for the sales I made at Covington, and to all the nice people who stopped at my booth to shop. I’m looking forward to my next trip to Fort Wayne when I exhibit at Jefferson Pointe in September.
From an Award in Pittsburgh to Columbia Festival of the Arts in Maryland
This is a whirlwind week where I have a chance to reflect on my booth at 3 Rivers and make new pieces for Columbia.
The highlight of 3 Rivers was receiving an award for the best use of recycled materials. Considering the caliber of talent displayed in the Artist Market, I feel honored. I use recycled materials because of the challenge it presents to my creativity, and to be recognized for this warms my heart.
My new copper enamel light switch plates received plenty of attention, and I will be posting many of them for sale in my store soon. People had many different requests, so I’ll be working on the best ways to take custom orders.
I also got to see Randy Land, which was a short walk from where I was staying during the festival. What fun colors and installations!
As I direct my attention to the Columbia Festival of the Arts starting this Friday, I’m making new wrap rings in sterling and copper.
Back Porch Enameling
Summer is just around the corner, so I’ve set up a small kiln outdoors. I was a little nervous about it at first, but then, I hit my stride and enjoyed the view.
To my delight, the new weight I had made for me flattened all my new pieces easily. With some practice, I got the timing just right without cracking the glass.
Enameling Light Switch Plates
My latest adventure in copper enameling, sgraffito light switch covers. I begin with a layer of clear and the follow with a layer of opaque color. I incise away the top color to reveal the luminous clear underneath.
Here is the opaque color before firing:
Enameling Copper Pipe Rings
To make these rings, I start out with copper pipe. I cut out cross-sections and formed the pipe to shape, convex or concave. I stamp designs into some of them.
New Embossed Wrap Rings
Now that most of my new pattern rollers fit my Cavallin mill, I have spent a few days on wrap rings. It’s a good thing, too, since I was almost out of them. I am very happy with the results!
After hand-cranking plain wire through the rollers, I cut and formed the rings into shape. Here, you see a pile of spirals on my anvil… These are so much fun to make.
After forming, I add the dark, antique patina. It adds a nice depth to the embossed designs.
These rings are adjustable and pretty. Right now, I’m making them in sterling silver and copper. I’m pleased to be able to finish these rings in time for Art on the Green in Hudson, Ohio coming up tomorrow! If you come by and see them at the show, I can size them for you on the spot.
On modifying tools…
I’ve been wanting these for so many years. I special ordered them from FiveFoxes to fit my old Cavallin rolling mill.
After all the measuring, planning, and agonizing, the new pattern rollers arrived in the mail. Much faster than I expected and in perfect condition. I was ready to roll, or so I thought. Most of them were too small to fit on my mill! Luckily, I know a little bit about metal working. I resolved to modify them to fit.
The measurements were all correct, even a bit larger than I ordered. That meant all they needed was just a fraction of a hair’s breadth removed with some abrasive, and I would be embossing wire with beautiful patterns.
My humble Foredom saved the day. After diligent and tedious sanding, I was able to use the rollers. I can’t wait to make some new rings!
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