Favorite Project of the Week: Graphite & Enamel Pendants
Jo Ann Wadler has been an enamellist for over 20 years. Having worked in the same medium for so long, you might think there’s nothing new to learn. That’s not the case for Jo Ann, she developed a new technique that you’re going to love—graphite and enamel.
In the September/October 2016 issue of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist magazine, she shared her unique technique for creating one of a kind graphite and enamel pendants. It’s a fantastic technique to try when you’re looking to experiment. As you’ll learn in the download, it’s easy to draw on (and erase) the surface of enamel, giving you limitless possibilities for new design ideas.
As Jo Ann writes:
“Pencil isn’t just for paper anymore! It’s easy to create beautiful works of art on your enamels, and if you don’t draw, that’s ok. You can doodle, even zentangle. And the best part is if you don’t like it, you can wash it off and start again — before you put your enamel piece back in the kiln to make it permanent, of course.”
I think I’ll be making a few graphite and enamel pendants as holiday gifts this year. Since they’re so easily customizable, I’ll be able to create a little something special for each recipient. If you’d like to make some as well, here are the supplies and tools you’ll need to get started making your own graphite and enamel creations.
Supplies:
- Techniques for Graphite & Enamel download
- Assortment of 22 gauge copper shapes or discs
- Etching cream
- Foundation white #1030 powdered enamel
- Pencils
- Erasers
Tools:
ENAMELING:
- 2-3 medium sifters
- 2 new paintbrushes
- Comet
- plastic dish washing scrub pads cut into 4 pieces for better handling
- 220 wet/dry sandpaper, alundum stone
FIRING:
- 2-3 trivets
- Klyr-fire
- Scalex
- kiln
- screen
- firing fork
-Kerry Bogert
Editorial Director, Books
Create one-of-a-kind graphite and enamel projects today!
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