Copper Enameling Honor - Advanced

Arts & Crafts

Requirements

  1. Have the Copper Enameling Honor.

    Answer: You need to have completed Copper Enameling (basic level) before starting the advanced one. The basic one teaches fundamental techniques of applying vitreous enamel onto copper, handling kilns, safety, and producing simple pieces such as pendants and medals. — Copper enameling is an ancient technique (Celtic, Byzantine, French enamels). The basic one covers temperature (760-820°C), preparing the metal, the grain size of the enamel. The advanced one adds techniques such as cloisonné and champlevé, which are more complex. Without the basics, there are risks of burns and poorly made pieces.

  2. Explain the use of a trivet.

    Answer: The trivet is a 3-legged structure used to support the copper piece inside the kiln during firing. It allows the enamel to melt uniformly without the piece sticking to the kiln floor. — Trivets are made of refractory stainless steel (resists 1,000°C+). Sizes vary by piece. Alternatives: claws, raised stands or firing racks. The point of contact leaves a small mark on the enamel; after firing, sand it or cover it with a new layer. Using talc between the trivet and the piece reduces adhesion.

  3. What materials can be used to decorate or ornament enameled objects?

    Answer: To decorate enamels: silver or gold wires (cloisonné), metal foils (paillons), enamel powder in different colors, metal oxides for shading, ceramic decals, semi-precious stones and acid etching. — Cloisonné uses thin wires forming compartments filled with enamel. Paillons give a metallic shine under transparent enamel. Cobalt, iron and copper oxides create blue, brown and green tones. Decals are transferred images. Each technique has a specific firing temperature for a good result.

  4. Make 4 of the following projects:
    • Christmas decoration
    • Kitchen decoration
    • Metal flower
    • Brooch or pin
    • Metal bookends
    • Metal plaque
    • Three-dimensional object
    • A similar object of your choice

    Answer: Choose 4 projects from the list and produce each one with the copper enameling technique: cut/shape the piece, prepare the surface, apply the enamel, fire it in the kiln (760-820°C), do the finishing. — Each project requires a different technique. A brooch is small and detailed. A bookend has a larger piece. A three-dimensional object requires assembly after firing. A metal flower uses separate petals. Average time: 2-4h per small piece, 5-8h per large piece. Documenting the process facilitates evaluation.