Marjorie Derbyshire

At our September Meeting, Deba McDonald held us all spellbound, with an inspiring show of her work based on “Californian Waves”. She is an American enameller who loves teaching and experimenting. After playing with many different layers of enamel both wet and dry, she has developed a technique that gives a unique and dynamic finish.

 

We began to form the copper into raised ridges using a mandrel and swage block. This was the start of the big bang! The noise in the studio was incredible as everyone concentrated on hammering and banging to produce their own individual pieces. We discussed what sort of finish we were attempting to achieve before moving on to the next stage.

 

After pickling our pieces and spraying with Klyr Fire, we applied Milton Bridge “Blue White” 0143. As they were practice samples, we didn’t bother with any counter enamelling. If having applied layers of enamel powder, you are not happy with the result, Deba advised everyone “not to worry, just add another one and re-fire!”

 

Using the tines of an old fork as a stencil, we sifted translucent powder onto the ridges. Our pieces were then fired and finished with a clear flux.

 

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