Torch Enameled Copper Jewelry
Enameling is the art of fusing glass to metal. The basic procedure for enameling is to apply the enamel to clean metal, and heat the piece either in a kiln or with a torch to a temperature of 1500 degrees or so, until the glass enamel melts and fuses to the metal.
I enamel with a hand held torch, for me this allows for a more creative approach and results than using a kiln. It requires working from instinct and engages the maker in an intuitive design process. The torch oxidizes and blends the pigments, creates patterns and causes reactions that do not occur with kiln firing.
In addition to the enamel (which is usually in powdered form) you can also melt other things onto your copper. You might see us experiment with copper wire, crushed glass and/or thin enamel whiskers. You can end up with some very interesting surface effects!
