Thanks so much for sharing this, Nicole. I've done a bit of enameling, but not 100% successfully. It's always so useful to watch someone do it well, gives me confidence to try again.
In a reply to another comment Nicole explained that enamel gets gummed up when the torch is on it, so she only uses the torch on the enamel-free side. I think also that counter-enamel is less necessary on a curved shape and when the enamel layer is thin - flat sheet and thick enamel is more likely to cause tension in the piece (& cracking/chips in the enamel) as the glass enamel and metal cool at different rates. (Recalling this from an enamelling course I did many years ago!)
woah, this gave me a crazy optical illusion, i thought they were spheres, but if you look at them like that they look soooo fake like they were edited in and i was like, why would someone make fake click bait about enamel balls? then i realized. that was so crazy my eyes did NOT want to see them as bowls! they look so cool!
Great tutorial! I have never considered enamelling before. Can you enamel using a small handheld butane torch or does the enamel need to get hotter to set properly?
I haven't used butane before, but I looked up whether or not it's possible. Seems so! Check out this tutorial by Fire Mountain Gems: www.firemountaingems.com/learn/categories/essential-resources/tools-supplies/D91Z-project-tutorial.html#:~:text=Torch%20Firing%20Enamel&text=Fill%20the%20butane%20torch%20with,onto%20the%20mesh%20firing%20rack.
Amazing video, Nicole. I've always wanted to try enameling, but unsure about investing in a kiln. I only have a torch so I'm glad to have found this video. Question: I only have a Sievert (no oxygen) torch, do I need a torch similar to yours for this project? Thank you!
Great question. For sterling silver you would need to go through the depletion gilding process first. Then it would be the same. I have never enameled brass or fine silver, so I'm not sure how they would hold their shape or how dirty the brass would get beneath the flame.
@@sororbudwiser I don't, but depletion gilding is when you anneal the sterling until, each time you anneal, there is no longer any hint of oxidization. You're coaxing the fine silver to the surface. It takes about 10-12 anneals and then you can fuse enamel to it. Same goes for Keum-Boo.
Thanks for this video! You mentioned they can hold salt/pepper. So if we use lead free enamel they are food safe? Someone will ask if they are dishwater safe? Thoughts on best care? Do you ever clear spray the underside to prevent tarnish
Lead-free is food safe (although I wouldn't test putting it in my dishwasher). I would hand wash and dry. I have not sprayed anything on the bottom side, but I do use Renaissance wax which slows the tarnishing process.
I’m getting some cracking of the enamel around the top edge. I tried some square shapes that I domed and the corner edges are turned up. Those frames on the top edges and one actually cracked off. I’m thinking this is due to no counter enamel. Any thoughts? Have you tried to torch fire a counter enamel on something this large? Thanks!
You know what, I was thinking that maybe Rio will give us a free shipping code only for items that you have used in your TH-cam videos. I was also thinking that Chris with Lion punch Forge might give you a discount code for his Tri quad titanium stand. I’m not sure if that was the correct spelling for his titanium stand !!!!! 🙃I think he already has them on sale but it would be awesome if he could let us who watch your TH-cam video get free shipping with his titanium stand. I already own a titanium trivet, but it is nothing like Chris’s . His is so much larger. And I have been meaning to buy one. Chris is just so talented making these pieces of artwork tools that helps us metalsmiths design our creation. Also, all the videos that you are putting out our amazing on TH-cam. I am constantly checking your TH-cam feeds and of course I get notifications, but sometimes I have so many notifications on TH-cam that I don’t get all of them. Anyway, I just want you to know how appreciated you are and thank you for this extra knowledge that you are sharing with us. Big hugs, 🤗 Michelle Oh also I remember when I went to your website, I saw where you had classes on some of your ring pieces and it came with a zoom meeting one on one talk and now I don’t see those anymore. What I’m seeing are your new courses for 2024 and of course I believe they all say sold out. OK let me know if those rings that I saw are still available to learn. or if you’re just too busy now teaching your 2024 courses??? Once again, thank you big hugs 🤗, Michelle
@@ringgoldnic no not kiln firing, but klyre fire, it's a liquid that you paint onto the metal before the enamel powder. I think it's an adhesive?? I have another question though, what size dapping hole is the dish?? My dapping block is small for a little dish.....what size do you use for these cute bowls?
Thanks so much for sharing this, Nicole. I've done a bit of enameling, but not 100% successfully. It's always so useful to watch someone do it well, gives me confidence to try again.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge on enameling copper! I did not know it is possible to use a torch for that!
I don't understand why you don't have to counter enamel when torch firing, but you do when kiln firing. Could you explain further? Thanks!
In a reply to another comment Nicole explained that enamel gets gummed up when the torch is on it, so she only uses the torch on the enamel-free side. I think also that counter-enamel is less necessary on a curved shape and when the enamel layer is thin - flat sheet and thick enamel is more likely to cause tension in the piece (& cracking/chips in the enamel) as the glass enamel and metal cool at different rates. (Recalling this from an enamelling course I did many years ago!)
woah, this gave me a crazy optical illusion, i thought they were spheres, but if you look at them like that they look soooo fake like they were edited in and i was like, why would someone make fake click bait about enamel balls? then i realized. that was so crazy my eyes did NOT want to see them as bowls! they look so cool!
Great tutorial! I have never considered enamelling before. Can you enamel using a small handheld butane torch or does the enamel need to get hotter to set properly?
I am curious about it too!
I haven't used butane before, but I looked up whether or not it's possible. Seems so! Check out this tutorial by Fire Mountain Gems: www.firemountaingems.com/learn/categories/essential-resources/tools-supplies/D91Z-project-tutorial.html#:~:text=Torch%20Firing%20Enamel&text=Fill%20the%20butane%20torch%20with,onto%20the%20mesh%20firing%20rack.
I have torch enameled with a butane micro torch but only with very small pieces. I definitely didn't make it look this easy!
What brand and size of dapping tool, please. Excellent teacher💕
Amazing video, Nicole. I've always wanted to try enameling, but unsure about investing in a kiln. I only have a torch so I'm glad to have found this video. Question: I only have a Sievert (no oxygen) torch, do I need a torch similar to yours for this project? Thank you!
I tried with only the propane on my Little Smith and it did not get hot enough, unfortunately. I don't know enough about the Sievert... I'm sorry.
@@ringgoldnic Thanks for replying Nicole! Appreciate it.
Thank you, this is a great tutorial! Is the process the same for silver and brass?
Great question. For sterling silver you would need to go through the depletion gilding process first. Then it would be the same. I have never enameled brass or fine silver, so I'm not sure how they would hold their shape or how dirty the brass would get beneath the flame.
Awesome, thank you! Having never enameled before, copper seems like the perfect introduction. Thanks again for a clear and concise video!
great video. The process would be the same for sterling silver, yes?
Yes, except that you would need to go through the depletion gilding process.
@@ringgoldnic Ah okay, do you have a tutorial on this?
@@sororbudwiser I don't, but depletion gilding is when you anneal the sterling until, each time you anneal, there is no longer any hint of oxidization. You're coaxing the fine silver to the surface. It takes about 10-12 anneals and then you can fuse enamel to it. Same goes for Keum-Boo.
Thanks for this video! You mentioned they can hold salt/pepper. So if we use lead free enamel they are food safe?
Someone will ask if they are dishwater safe? Thoughts on best care?
Do you ever clear spray the underside to prevent tarnish
Lead-free is food safe (although I wouldn't test putting it in my dishwasher). I would hand wash and dry. I have not sprayed anything on the bottom side, but I do use Renaissance wax which slows the tarnishing process.
Thank you! I made two last night and they are so cute!
@@dalenawatson2752 Excellent!!!
I’m getting some cracking of the enamel around the top edge. I tried some square shapes that I domed and the corner edges are turned up. Those frames on the top edges and one actually cracked off. I’m thinking this is due to no counter enamel. Any thoughts? Have you tried to torch fire a counter enamel on something this large? Thanks!
@@dalenawatson2752 Are you working on copper or silver? I don't counter enamel when torch firing (I do when kiln firing).
By any chance does Rio give you a discount code for us to buy tools or enamel from your videos??? Great Video, 🤗Michelle
I can certainly ask, but I doubt it...
You know what, I was thinking that maybe Rio will give us a free shipping code only for items that you have used in your TH-cam videos. I was also thinking that Chris with Lion punch Forge might give you a discount code for his Tri quad titanium stand. I’m not sure if that was the correct spelling for his titanium stand !!!!! 🙃I think he already has them on sale but it would be awesome if he could let us who watch your TH-cam video get free shipping with his titanium stand.
I already own a titanium trivet, but it is nothing like Chris’s . His is so much larger. And I have been meaning to buy one. Chris is just so talented making these pieces of artwork tools that helps us metalsmiths design our creation.
Also, all the videos that you are putting out our amazing on TH-cam. I am constantly checking your TH-cam feeds and of course I get notifications, but sometimes I have so many notifications on TH-cam that I don’t get all of them.
Anyway, I just want you to know how appreciated you are and thank you for this extra knowledge that you are sharing with us. Big hugs, 🤗 Michelle
Oh also I remember when I went to your website, I saw where you had classes on some of your ring pieces and it came with a zoom meeting one on one talk and now I don’t see those anymore. What I’m seeing are your new courses for 2024 and of course I believe they all say sold out.
OK let me know if those rings that I saw are still available to learn. or if you’re just too busy now teaching your 2024 courses???
Once again, thank you big hugs 🤗, Michelle
Oh, a dead blow hammer would ultimately be easier on your hands using the dapping block. Safeguard your joints!
Thanks. I have one, but I really prefer the one I'm using in this video. It's heavy, and I like the feel of the handle.
is klyre fire the same as adhesive?? love the vid, thank you for sharing :-)
@@aggiraffelover13 are you referring to kiln firing?
@@ringgoldnic no not kiln firing, but klyre fire, it's a liquid that you paint onto the metal before the enamel powder. I think it's an adhesive??
I have another question though, what size dapping hole is the dish?? My dapping block is small for a little dish.....what size do you use for these cute bowls?
If I may, your bench pin is newcto me. Who produces it? Thank you!
It's this one from RioGrande: www.riogrande.com/product/studioflux-bench-pin/110015GP/?code=110015
why clean it before shaping?
It’s less important for them to be clean than for them to be annealed which softens the metal and ensures that it doesn’t rack while forming.