Tag: copper

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Art on the Mall

View of my art fair display at the end of the day showing earrings, necklaces and magnets

I love this little show in Toledo, and this was my best year yet. The setup was a breeze. I’m not sure exactly what was different, but we had no traffic jams. The day started out hot and steamy. It was in the mid-70s at dawn, which was when I got there. I paced myself to work in the heat, and saved my energy for opening time. Shoppers showed up early to beat the heat. I didn’t have time to take any pictures until the end of the day. Packing up in the heat was a challenge, but I took my time, just like in the morning. The UT alumni took good care of their artists, and brought us free cold water all day long.

art fair display showing copper enamel ornaments and switch plates

Sales were good. Here are a couple of the switch plates that sold:

copper enamel 2 gang light switch cover
copper enamel gfci outlet cover or rocker switch plate
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Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair

My booth after the rain

Another hot weekend in Michigan. And we had a storm roll through around 2:00. It lasted about a half hour and cooled things off for a bit. This is my booth as I opened back up after the rain. I pulled the awning in and hung my overnight covers. My metalwork and enamels got a bit of a bath, but no damages. Sunday was also cooler than Saturday, and sales were much better.

I usually don’t take time to photograph my booth before I set it up, but Royal Oak starts on Friday afternoon. It gave me a chance to take my time as I open up my display.

copper enamel framed artwork entitled Eye

One of the pieces that sold this weekend, this framed enamel piece of wall art.

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Summerfair in Cincinnati

clocks on display in my booth at Summerfair

Just as I started to load up for this show, I noticed an ugly bulge in my tire side wall. Ugh. Then, the weather forecast shifted, and the first day was going to be very wet. Though I was able to arrange for alternate transportation, I missed the Thursday setup with fair weather. I was stuck setting up Friday morning in the rain. At least it wasn’t windy. The rain was steady, and I got thoroughly soaked. However, the rest of the weekend was beautiful. The patrons gave me and my work a warm welcome, and that made everything worthwhile.

Saturday was too busy to take photos, but I did snap a few on Sunday. I’ve just started making enamel clocks, and they did get quite a bit of attention.

And a few more switch plates sold over the weekend.

copper switch plate with kiln fired glass enamel color

I’m glad to be back in my studio and garden, working on new lines of jewelry and artwork!

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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.

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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.

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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.

The outlet cover on the left was flattened with a weight while still soft after firing. The one on the left cooled without weighing it down.

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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Enameling Light Switch Plates

necklace made from a sterling spoon bowl carved with the silhouette of a woodpecker

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.

The kiln and fired pieces cooling

Here is the opaque color before firing:

3 light switch covers after firing

Before firing, an opaque red switch cover before firing

And after firing
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Enameling Copper Pipe Rings

Copper enamel bands

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.

After forming the rings, I cleaned them carefully and applied the powdered enamel to the rings.
After firing in the kiln, the glass melts and fuses to the copper.
After firing, the edges need to be sanded down before the next layer of glass is applied and fired.
The rings look so much more beautiful after the second layer of color is applied. I gave the bands a final sanding to remove any sharp edges to finish them.

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New Embossed Wrap Rings

Finished 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!

The rings in progress

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.

Antiquing the rings

After forming, I add the dark, antique patina. It adds a nice depth to the embossed designs.

3 of the new style of wrap rings

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.