Nearly a year ago I went to learn how to enamel properly with Lynne Glazzard, artist in residence at Whitby Museum. I ground up scary toxic chemicals and made things very hot and suddenly there was melty glass stuck to my silver.
I haven’t managed to achieve the same results with a blow torch. I’m sorted for brulees but there have been enamelling fails, and some Anglo Saxon words.
I needed some proper hardware. I needed a kiln.
Just before taking the plunge and just to make sure it wasn’t something special about the Yorkshire air that made the enamelling work, I borrowed a kiln on Friday.
Eight hundred degrees. Three very scary words, especially when they’re in your own kitchen. I was told that anything that came into contact with the inside of the kiln could burst into flames. I feared for the dog’s safety, let alone that of my own arm.
I indulged in displacement activities. I even folded undies for a while rather than go in the kitchen but I knew I needed to face the fear so I ground the enamels and just got on with it.
I made a little silver and enamel forget-me-not brooch (3cm wide). It’s a start. In the next day or two I’ll be clicking ‘add to basket’ in the kiln shop.
In other news Nina at Tabiboo has won the little ring and sketchbook giveaway prize. Congratualtions Nina! Please could you email me your address?
Congratulations Nina and a beautiful brooch too. Enjoy that kiln.
Blimey. That is H.O.T.
Could cut down the cooking time of a chicken or loaf considerably. Reduced oven bills…? Possibly not though.
Lovely little f-m-n, you've faced the fear and won. Well done Mrs P. Ax
The brooch is lovely. Is it really a year since you did the original enamelling? Where did the time go? I remember you blogging about it.
The brooch is gorgeous, well done for being so brave and giving it a go, 800 degrees does sound quite scary! Well done Nina for winning! 🙂 x
It's very beautiful, but I can understand the scariness!
very very lovely – and scary………. xxx
Can I come and watch one day? There's no way I'm touching anything that hot but I could spectate 🙂
Was making some easy small girl skirts today. We NEED to make some for your Pebbles before summer is over …
Lucky, lucky Nina!!
I love your Forget-Me-Knot brooch, it's really pretty. 🙂
Vivienne x
Oh! that is scarily hot..does it have to be in your kitchen? On the other hand it would be useful in winter to generate a little warmth in the house! The addition of some colour to your work is worth waiting for too..can't wait to see some more great results…not that I don't love the silver on it's own either.
Oooh how exciting! And hot! My friend Jo is really happy with her kiln so might be a good resource for questions etc.
K x
You are very brave! It is a shame there are no communal kilns, the way we used to have communal bread ovens.
Congratulations to Nina maybe you would like to enter my giveaway too?
Three very scary words to have in your kitchen! But you've made such a beautiful brooch it was well worth facing your fears! Congratulations to Nina. Lucy xx
One hundred and three.
Let's remember this number together.
Delightful, Emma. I agree all that heat is scary. Maybe put the kiln in the garage?
Eeeekkkkk – I'm just emailing now. Double eeeeekkkkkk. Thank you.
The brooch is gorgeous, but eight hundred degrees….phew that is hot – really hot.
Love the forget-me-nots though, thistles would look lovely too, but such a tricky balance. Do you know someone that has a kiln?
Anyhoo – I'm rabbiting…….too excited. I'll shove off now and get back to emailing 🙂
Nina xxx
Good for you for facing your fears — a high temperature fear, at that. Lovely brooch.
It's a lovely little brooch – well worth the effort – although I do understand why you found it scary!
Pomona x
I need to know what those Anglo Saxon words were.
And that is the loveliest brooch in the history of the world.
So sweet – you are very clever.
Yikes, that's proper alchemy that!
Beautiful brooch x
Yes, I know all about displacement activity…I'm avoiding a sewing machine at the moment!
Makes it all the more special when you take the plunge and something as lovely as your forget-me-nots appear though.
It was all worth it for that end result Emma. Lovely!
But that temperature does sound exceedingly scary!
When I was at Junior School we did enamelling – don't remember having a kiln tho' and the thought of us having access to a blowtorch seems downright dangerous! Elf & Safety would have a fit!!
Mind you, we did some good experiments in the Science lessons too. Lots of bangs and flashes!
Have a great Bank Holiday/Half Term week.
Z xx
That brooch is very special!
Lucky luckiest Nina!
Had it been me, I may even have cleaned out the Tupperware cupboard and found matching lids for everything. I may even have scrubbed grouting. Lock up the dog! (but this melty business is looking fabulous).
Well done with facing the fear! The immediate outcome is beautiful!
I am so impressed and that is just lovely! Thanks so much for linking this up to Inspiration Friday this week! 🙂
Vanessa
Wow, I can't believe Silver Pebble is 3 years old! The little pebbles have grown up so much! Absolutely love your little beehive 🙂 I am wearing my little pigeon necklace right now.