Florals

[erinj]

Some more pendants done with the enamel marking crayons and a pendant called Forget-Me-Not (because that is the name of the blue enamel). All are done on copper. The black around the blue flower petals is fire scale which I normally file off but I liked the effect so I left it.

2001

2002

[Jewels]

Erin,these are beautiful, the Forget-Me-Not,is gorgeous, what a stunning effect you have created.

[Judy]

Very nice. Can you please tell us the process of using these crayons? Are they just painted on a copper surface ? Are they fired or torched ? Thanks.

[Helm]

I really like the green one! and yes like Judy asks, the process you use?

[erinj]

Thanks Jewels, Judy and Helm.

Judy, I pre enamel the metal first with two coats of opaque white enamel which is then ground back so it is flat and has a bit of tooth for the crayon to grab hold.

I draw the outline of the design with pencil which eventually disappears during the firing process. You can draw directly on the piece with the crayons or use them like water colours (which is what I have been doing), building up the colour and detail with each layer. You fire between each layer to set it. I use a kiln. The colour dulls quite a bit after firing so its a bit hard to tell what you've got until after the firing and the firing needs to be fairly controlled as the colours burn out easily.

That's about it. Its quite a process but I find it enjoyable. Thanks for your interest.:biggrin:

[chardonnay]

Those pendants are just so nice.

[Judy]

Thanks Erin, very interesting.

[inkgal8290]

i love the pendents....copper is such a versitile material

[erinj]

Thanks Jodie and inkgal and you are welcome Judy.