Bonnie Mackintosh

In the Winter issue of the Journal, we looked at:

1. Cleaning and degreasing copper.

2. Sifting opaque enamel and counter enamel.

3. Firing.

4. Finishing.

I have tried to keep instructions as simple as possible. However, please note that there are other methods by which the same results can be achieved. (For example: metal may be immersed in a "pickle" solution for cleaning; enamels may be laid on wet as well as sifted on dry; firing sequences and finishing methods may vary with individual enamellers and techniques employed.)

But more about these in future issues.

I have chosen Pencil Drawing for the first decoration technique, because it is suitable for children as well as adults, for people who can or cannot draw, and is a useful adjunct to other techniques such as painting enamelling.

You will need the following equipment:

For cleaning

For sifting as in the Winter Journal

For firing

For finishing

For drawing, a medium-soft (B or 2B) sharpened pencil will suffice, although the entire range of graphite pencils may be used.

Also useful, but not absolutely necessary, purified water (from chemists), and a glass brush (available from jewellery and enamellist's suppliers).

METHOD

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