Enamel and the Bangles

Had a break from the pace of summer this week so I spent the time in my studio. Am pretty thrilled to know I can pierce metal now. (I only broke about 5 saw blades doing so.) Another tool I got to use is my metal hole punch, which actually uses a screwing mechanism for the perfect cut. The enamel coloring is a happy accident. It's all an experiment when you mix two colors, depending on the kiln temperature, the length of firing, and the metal. These enamels are fired on 20 gauge copper. Click on the closeup shot to get the wonderful "feel" of melted glass.

I've wanted plain silver bangles for a long time now, so when I was at Pracht's I bought 2' of 6, 8, 10, and 12 gauge. Obviously I need to buff out the solder, but you get the idea. Not bad for missing one major tool: a bracelet mandrel.

What did I use instead? A can of Rotel. That was of course after I busted a glass glass hammering the same way. I knew it wasn't smart but I just grabbed the closest thing. Yikes! For the record, I did not hammer through and bust the glass, I scooted away from my bench and without the tension (duh) the glass just fell and shattered on my studio floor. I'll clean it up today.

Anyhow, I know the class in the fall will help me refine my work, get the craftsmanship part down. I just couldn't wait until then to try these designs. It will be fun to see how much better I will eventually be at making basics like these.