Jane Ball

On the best day of the year weather-wise (at the time of conference), 14 or so members of the Guild gathered inside to ‘play’ with copper shim under the watchful eye of Tilly Wilkinson. She began by introducing the equipment she had kindly brought for our use, in case we had been unable to bring any of the items suggested on the list given before conference.

After explaining the process, Tilly’s aim for the session was to avoid having a fixed goal, but rather to ‘go with’ what happened.

The process is a simple one; take a piece of copper shim, whatever thickness you have. Anneal this in the kiln, pickle it if you wish, but make sure all loose firescale has been removed. Firescale can give great effects under enamel so can be incorporated into your design.

Spray or paint on a wallpaper/water mix, then sieve on enamel and, when dry, fire. Counter enamel to add rigidity to the piece as foil is thin and flexible; this can also be gained by really scrunching or folding the copper foil into a 3D textural piece.