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| Blooming Enamels Jewelry on Etsy |
So I've been quiet, yet busy, for the past year as I've been traveling a path of exploring where my creative needs and artistic expression want to go. I've taken my time but I believe I've arrived at a destination -- it's enameling!
I first looked into working with metal clay but found it too messy and persnickety for my tastes and so as I kept searching I stumbled (very serendipitously I think!) upon torch-fired enameling -- and I love it! It's all about color and using high heat (fire) to fuse the color to a metal base. I mainly use raw copper sheets and cut and forge it into the shapes I want and then fuse the colored glass onto the metal with fire from a torch. I tried using a kiln but found that process very slow and boring! I also use pre-made metals objects, which are either copper or iron, such as beads. Whatever the case it involves dangling the metal through a flame to heat it up to about 1500 degrees Fahrenheit and then dragging it through, or sprinkling on, colored powdered glass. It's a very quick and dynamic two-handed process that really engages my interest and, since it's fire, keeps me on my toes!
Once the colored metal piece is created I turn it into jewelry by adding crystals or mixing pieces together or layering. Also, I make all my own sterling silver ear wires. It takes more time this way but I was told early on that the individuality of the handmade wires adds to the jewelry and makes it truly handcrafted and unique.
So anyway, this is just the beginning! I will talk and write more about my new endeavor as I keep going but just wanted you to know that your weren't imagining things - I *have* changed things around and what was Bloom Spirit Expressions is now Blooming Enamels. I hope you like it as much as I do! :)
