Kathleen Kay

 At this time of year, I direct my Dudley College Students with Special Needs into the gentle art of making saleable, enamelled novelties, for the College Christmas Bazaar. The favourite items are key rings, selling at £1 each, and costing in the region of 50p. A similar item, on a leather thong or a chain, makes a pendant selling at £1.50. I try to avoid making many brooches, as my students are not good with super epoxy! I have the job, after class, of re-adhesing these myself, as I insist that the finished item must be of a sales worthy quality.

 Because these teenage students have limited handling skills, short concentration spans and varied artistic talents, I have to use techniques that can be completed fairly quickly, each stage being interesting, and the end result must be well finished, with good customer appeal.

 One technique that avoids too many disasters - and the key rings etc. get snapped up before they reach the sales tables - uses the smaller, stamped copper shapes, in the form of little pigs, rabbits, hedgehogs etc.

 

Log in to read more....