Alexandra Simpson

My background

Jeweller with jewellery workshop but no enamel workshop (yet!)

Why did I choose this workshop?

Several years ago, I bought a tripod that I could use in my workshop, with a mind to dabble with some torch firing. A few years on and it still lays untouched. I watched Carol Lockwood’s master class but still didn’t have the confidence to have a go. Finally, this opportunity turns up with a tutor to hold my hand and I’m on the course.

To start

1 Prepare a copper/silver shape and raise a wall or lip to hold the enamel in and stop it from pulling away from the edges.

2 Prepare some enamel as usual for wet laying (if using reds prepare at the latest opportunity - 10 minutes before using!)

3 If laying wires, use a hard flux. silver - SOJE 3.

4 Use some glue to hold the wires in place and fire from underneath with a hand torch (can get large ones from Screwfix or B&Q). With the other hand press the wires ever so gently into the flux so no gaps show underneath.

5 Fill the enamel into your design thinly, tap it gently to level the enamel grains evenly, hold tissue against the edge, firing in between each layer. Remember to clean wire mesh.

6 Fire the last layer so it is shiny and flat.

Next: soldering on your fixing

Log in to read more....