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
Copper Enamel Ornaments: How I Make Them
I began the ornaments by cutting them out of my stash of reclaimed roofing copper. I like to create freeform oval shapes. For some, I drilled holes, and for others, I used a punch and die to cut the holes for hanging the ornaments.
The shape was refined later, since the edges need to be sanded after each firing. After cutting, I annealed them in the kiln to remove grease, oil and residue before cleaning them in a corrosive salt solution.
After the copper is clean, I fired layers of transparent enamel on the front and back. I followed that with a layer of opaque enamel to provide a contrast to the reflective metal shining through the first layer of transparent glass. I often scratch through the enamel before firing. In the image below, the ornament on the right is before firing, the one on the right is after firing. Both pieces are mounted on kiln furniture that allows the glass to melt freely on both sides of the ornaments.
After the opaque layer, I’ll add another layer of transparent color. And on top of that, I use separation enamel that causes the colors to mix during the final firing.
You can see some of the finished ornaments on this page:
https://kristinellis.com/product-category/copper-enamel-objets-dart
Making enamel rings for Waterfront Invitational
This past week I made enamel rings from copper pipe. I started with an ordinary pipe cutter to cut different widths for the rings, and then formed the rings, making some concave and some convex. After that, I applied the first coat of transparent enamel.
After the first coat is fired and the edges sanded down, I apply more enamel colors.
I was quite happy with the results this time and I’ll have more to come soon.
The rings were well received at the Waterfront Invitational Art Fair in Saugatuck, Michigan last Saturday.
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.
Home from Lakefest
Lakefest was beautiful. The staff and volunteers were very supportive and made the show a pleasure to do.
I took a stroll around Sunday morning before opening my booth. It was the perfect place for an art fair. Ample parking in a garage, a bottle filling station for water, and plenty of shade trees made the experience for shoppers and exhibitors alike.
I had lots of interest in my work and talked with so many interesting people. I’m happy I exhibited, but that drive was just too long to do again.
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.
New enamel flower earrings for Three Rivers Art Fair
These new earrings have been a long time coming, and I have them ready for Three Rivers in Pittsburgh. They’ll be available from Wednesday til Sunday this week.
My creative process for these earrings began by cutting copper sheet metal with a flower punch and die.
Between Lake Wawasee and Three Rivers
With the first 2 shows complete, I’m now preparing for Three Rivers Art Fair in Pittsburgh. Last weekend at Chautauqua Wawasee was lovely. Perfect weather, talented neighbors, and a friendly crowd all made for a splendid day.
I’m loving the mesh panels as I get better at setting them up. They give me more versatility and space to display. I’ll have even more work to show at Three Rivers June 5-9!
Art Fair Season in Full Swing
The Wyoming Art Show in Cincinnati, my first show of the year, went quite well. The weather was hot and sunny, and people came out to shop. My new booth design worked out better than expected!
I was happy with the integration of wall art, light switch plates, and decorative bowls with my jewelry. Now, I’ll have work displayed on all 4 sides of my booth. I’ve added lighting to the inside display, since the new mesh panels leave it a bit dark.
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.
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