What is Enameling?

Enameling is melting glass onto metal. This is done by applying the grains of enamel (it often resembles sand but with lots of colors ) and heating it with either a kiln or a torch until the grains melt and join together, forming a layer of enamel (glass) bonded to the surface of the metal.

Enamel can be opaque, transparent, or opalescent (semi- see through).  Metals used are traditionally silver, copper, and gold, though enamel can be bonded to other metals also. The enamel grains can be sifted using a screen mesh or painted using a paintbrush. 

Layers of enamel can be applied over each other to create a never-ending variety of colors, textures, patterns, and gradations. The background metal can be textured to allow light to reflect back through the enamel layers creating magnificent effects. Enamels are usually fired at approximately 1350 degrees F- 1500 degrees F. The firing time itself is usually short; anywhere from 1-2 minutes for a smaller piece, and slightly more for a larger one. The desired result of the enamel process (how you want it to look) will dictate the firing temperature and firing time. 

Sifted enamel ready for firing

What is Cloisonne´ Enamel?

Enameling is a process of melting a type of glass (vitreous enamel) onto metal. The glass often looks like colored sand, is applied onto metal (usually  copper or silver)  and fired in a kiln or with a torch until it melts and bonds onto the metal base. This creates a shiny glass surface upon which more layers can be added. It's like painting with grains glass and then using heat to melt the individual grains into a "pane of glass"

Cloisonne´ is an enameling technique that uses thin ribbon-like wires to create cells. The enamel is usually painted in using thin layers and built up to create unique color combinations.

The Nature Collection
The Making of a Cloisonne´ Enamel
It takes many skills and steps to move from imagination to a finished piece of cloisonne´  jewelry!

Inspiration from our garden.
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First layer of colors fired. Thin layers are built up to create maximum color transparency.

Cloisonne´ wires and background opaque color layers are created and fired.

Second layer of colors fired. Time to make color changes: darken areas and change colors.

Gold and Silver foil elements added to reflect light and create contrast with opaque colors.

After multiple layers and polishing, final piece is placed into a handcrafted pendant setting.

Wirework Demonstration

From Sketch to Wires to a Finished Piece

Here is the final result!

Let's Paint a Layer of Enamel Color
​The basic process of painting "grains of glass" and creating layers within my wire cells

The Doodle Collection
From Idea to Enamel

Sometimes I begin with a sketch and translate the sketch into a finished cloisonne´ piece.
And when I feel more playful and willing to take a risk, I simply play with my wires, colors, and foil as though making a collage. The sketches are simply "starting points to get me excited and inspired to begin..
I ask myself questions and with each firing, a conversation with the piece develops.
I pay attention, listen, and look for exciting images that emerge.

Play with my Visual Questions

How do the lines, shapes, and patterns relate to each other?
What do I like?
What can I change?
What can I combine?