Torch Enameling Art Earrings Tutorial

Torch Enameling art earrings, long oval copper shapes using enamel threads to add an artistic touch. This torch enameling technique using enamel whiskers creates a free form art result. Please see samples at www.basketofblue.com
COPPER JEWELRY MAKING TUTORIALS
www.basketofbl...
SHOP
Earrings
www.basketofbl...
Necklaces
www.basketofbl...
Sign up for my mailing list on website! I have contests and send out notices of tutorials and products.
Check out my Social media:
IG
/ bluefinnstudio
FB
/ bluefinnstudio
AND of course, Please Subscribe to the Channel!

[@kathleenwoffordencaustics5633]

Beautiful! But how do you keep the enamel from sticking to the metal rod and fusing the earring to the rod?

[@Basketofbluecom]

It takes practice. You want to try to dip the piece so that not too much enamel builds by the hole. Also do balancing acts with the rod so that the piece moves on it a bit when adding more layers. Then of course you use the "pulling station" - when it's still hot enough you pull it against a metal edge and drop it in vermiculate. (There are instructions and videos on that on other torch enameling videos.) I made my own pulling station out of hardware from Lowes, but you can buy one, too. (Essentially it is just a metal piece with v shaped slots that is attached to your surface and you use it to pull the bead off.) There is some finesse to the pulling you have to master, because the piece needs to have cooled enough so you don't get divets on the enamel. Sometimes I don't use the pulling station, but let it cool and just crack the extra off with pliers and it will free the piece. You have to do it carefully though and sometimes I end up reheating the piece to melt the left over cracked enamel so that it smooths out nice.

[@wcc101662]

What kind of metal rod are you using?

[@Basketofbluecom]

It's a standard steel enameling mandrel. They come in different thicknesses to fit whatever size hole you have in your piece of copper.