Echoes of Ela

Artistry in metal, stone and glass

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Enamel – a fun way to add Color and Interest to Jewelry

One of the main reasons I love creating jewelry so much is that there are so many fun techniques to explore! I mentioned in my last post that I attended a weekend enameling workshop last Fall. Oh, the possibilities are absolutely endless! Sure, adding fun, colorful elements in the form of beads and other findings is nice. But to be able to create your own custom designs and bring new ideas to life in ways you never thought possible? It’s the cat’s meow, as far as I’m concerned!

So, what exactly is enamel?

Enamel is essentially finely ground glass powder that is applied to a base metal, most commonly copper or fine silver. The powder is melted and adhered to the base metal by applying heat. This can be achieved with a kiln, or as it is in my case, with a torch. Torch firing is as instant gratification as it gets! The drawbacks being that you can only fire one piece at at time, as well as having size constraints. You will not be able to fire an enamel bowl with a torch!

Are there different techniques?

The three main techniques are:

  • Torch/kiln fired
  • Sgraffito
  • Cloisonne

Currently I am mainly focused on torch fired enamel, but look forward to including some sgraffito pieces into my designs very soon!

Here are some brief explanations and examples of each technique to give you an idea of what I’m talking about.

Torch fired enamel:

As the name implies, the enamel is melted onto the surface of the base metal by means of a very hot torch. I have used my Little Torch, but prefer my MAPP torch overall. You can also use a butane torch, but you won’t get very far with the small one! Vitreous enamel powder melts from around 1400 – 1600 degrees Fahrenheit.

The firing goes through several distinct phases:

  • sugar
  • orange peel
  • final, smooth

Each stage is named after the appearance the enamel powder takes on while firing. With enameling it is important to apply a coat of counter enamel to the backside of the fired piece to prevent the front from eventually cracking. Found out the hard way that this is indeed true!

Insert not so happy face… Oh well, I knew better and tempted fate anyway!

Designs can be changed by layering subsequent colors and elements like glass chips and strings into the previously fired surface and re-firing them. Endless design possibilities.

I am currently placing my pieces on special trivets perched on a tripod with a wire screen, but they can also be placed on a mandrel like beads and dipped into enamel powder throughout firing. I am currently not set up to try to fire this way, but sure do want to try!

Here are some examples of pieces I have created so far!

Collection of dark enamel with embedded stars and sterling silver moons

simple color blocked enameled discs with copper chain tassels

pink enamel discs with copper accent beads

multi colored stacked enamel disc earrings

A square enamel pendant with garden motif and leaf dangles on a handmade patina copper chain

I love combining rustic copper elements with the vibrant enamel colors.

For now I have been playing around with many familiar shapes, adding color to some of the designs that sported other textures. I am also creating the same or very similar designs with different base metals and varying colors.

Like this slightly lighter version of the moon pieces above!

Enameled moon and stars on hammered patina copper cuff

Sgraffito

This technique requires the application of a liquid porcelain base layer front and back. Designs are then scratched into the front before various translucent enamel colors are applied. One of my absolute favorite artists employing this technique is Anne Havel. Not only does she have an amazing eye for combining simple shapes and colors, but her settings are just stunning. It wasn’t easy to pick just one example of her work, but you can find many more on Pinterest.

Just so gorgeous! Do be sure to check out more of her work, you won’t regret it.

Angela Gerhard is another enamel jewelry artist to check out! Do swing by her site!

I will write a more in depth post once I get started and learn more about this technique.

Cloisonne

The third technique is cloisonne which you will probably know from Faberge eggs. This technique dates back to ancient times and is the most complicated and involved of all enameling techniques. It is essentially an inlay process that requires great skill and patience. In ancient times gemstones were used as well as ground glass powder that is painstakingly packed in defined patterns. Cloisonne is seen in decorative objects as well as jewelry.

You can delve into the history, technique as well as famous examples here.

And that is my brief intro to vitreous glass enameling for you! I hope you’ll stop by my shop to see what’s new. I try to add new pieces regularly. If you see a design you like, but would like to have it in a different color, just give me a shout!

Thank you for supporting handmade!

Have a great day!

Karin

 

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Hello! It’s been a while…

Hi. I didn’t mean to take such a long break, really, I didn’t. But somehow life got in the way, as it often does. But through all of the ups and downs I am always so grateful for this wonderful creative outlet that is my jewelry.

So what’s new this year? I love adding new skills to the mix and attending an enameling workshop last Fall has really motivated me to add lots of fun colors and designs. So many ideas. I love enameling, because it allows me to create my very own colorful elements without the addition of beads. Don’t get me wrong, beads are lovely, but there is just something special in looking at a piece in which ALL of the components were created by my own two hands.

Blue starry sky and white moon enamel cuff. Hammered patina copper.

Matching earrings!

Moon and stars torch fired enamel drop earrings

Blue starry sky and white crescent moon drop earrings created with torch fired enamel.

And finally the matching pendant:

Moon and starry sky celestial pendant created in torch fired enamel, suspended from a hand forged patina copper neck wire

 

What can I say, I just love the whole moon theme so much right now.

But that’s not to say that that is all I’ve been creating. For as long as I remember, I have loved little hand drawn flowers. I used to embroider them on shirts, even. With torch fired enameling, I can indulge in my flower passion in a whole new way! Check these out!

Patina copper and torch fired enamel flower pendant with Czech glass leaf dangle

I have had these Czech glass leaf beads, but wasn’t quite sure what to do with them. What do you think? Aren’t they perfect in this pendant?

Here is a pair of earrings that combines sterling silver, patina copper with the always popular color combo that is red and robin’s egg blue.

Sterling silver and torch fired enamel flower earrings

And one of my favorite pendant necklaces to date:

Square enameled floral pendant with leaf dangles on a hand crafted copper chain

There will always be metals, of course. Over the past year I have focused on creating more complete lines. I have to say, I really enjoy the challenge of making a specific design work in a necklace, earrings and a bracelet. Although somehow the bracelets seem to want to remain on paper… I promise, they exist, if only as a concept.

I LOVED creating this pendant and promise there will be more! The tree motif has held me captive for a long time and it isn’t letting go of me, I assure you! The patina turned out better than I could have dreamed!

Layered patina copper tree of life pendant with pink tourmaline

And some leaf earrings…

patina copper leaf earrings created in a form fold technique

Last but not least, a few new chains!

Sterling silver ball riveted metalwork necklace with round and square connectors

Patina copper and sterling silver hand crafted chain featuring amethyst and green Czech glass beads

Mixed metal patina copper, brass and sterling silver necklace, ball riveted with round and square connectors.

Plus matching earrings.

Sterling silver, patina copper and brass metal work earrings

What’s next? Spring time always sets me on a path of floral and natural elements, so you can definitely expect to see more of that.

Several cabochons in various shapes await their settings. I look forward to combining mixed metals with enamels as well as adding some mid century modern themed pieces to the mix.

What about you? Any favorite styles or pieces? I always love hearing your input!

Of course, be sure to stop by the shop anytime to see what’s new. I’m adding pieces regularly:)

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful and hopefully, creative day!

Karin

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Hello 2017!

This year I decided to break with tradition. Rather than looking back at all that the past year brought I want to look forward to 2017 instead.
Happy New Year!

The (porcelain) pig and red and white mushrooms are symbols of good luck in my native GermanyDon’t you just love the cute piggy? Pigs are a symbol of good luck in my native Germany, as are these mushrooms and chimney sweeps, but I didn’t have one of those handy!

Lots of exciting events and opportunities came my way in 2016 and my Etsy shop is getting busier month after month.

The past year has pointed me in new directions, equipped me with new skills, strengthened valuable friendships that have spurred me on to keep on refining and expanding. And even though there have  been a few challenges I have decided to keep on forging on, I guess literally, ha!


As we all step forward into this brand new year I just want to pass on a heartfelt thank you for your support and encouragement. Some of my favorite designs and best selling pieces came to life because of you!

I am working on some big projects, one of them involving this very blog.
Thank you for sticking with me. Your support means the world to me!
Now lets get out there and grab those opportunities:)

Big Happy New Year hugs and high fives from me to you and yours,

Karin

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Mixed metal mania

Just fresh off a wonderful jewelry show (do take a moment to check out Mythic Silver) and up to my eyeballs in Christmas orders, I wanted to pop in today to give you a small glimpse of what has occupied my time lately.

If you have read this post, you know that I am veering more and more towards the metal smithing spectrum of jewelry making. More specifically I absolutely adore anything created from mixed metals.
The look that is achieved by combining my three favorite materials, copper, silver and jeweler’s brass, is timeless and yields endless possibilities. My hunch that this might be popular with my customers was confirmed at my last event. Over and over I heard “I love mixed metals”. So do I my friends, so do I.
Why? Well, for one thing, they have been around for a long time. The combination of metals, especially the kind that sports a patina, is one that is equally at home with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, the outfit you wear to the office and your lbd. Speaking of patina, let me show you an example of patina that knocks it out of the park in my eyes.

image of rectangular mixed metal flower pendant on sterling silver neck wire

The effect on this pendant is, well, a cross between an accident and sheer luck. Don’t you just love the way it gives the background a painted effect?

Most recently, I have fallen into a bit of a rabbit hole creating several new pieces in the “married” metals technique. One day it just dawned on me that I should be able to solder two different metals together to create an entire new sheet. And by golly, once I got the hang of that, there was no going back. Here are some examples of what I have cobbled together using this technique so far.

image of patina copper and brass buckeye bracelet in married metal technique

image of patina copper and brass rectangular earrings on a seashell

patina copper and sterling silver rhombus bracelet created in a married metal technique

patina copper and sterling silver post earrings created with married metal technique

Well, I am off to create some more goodies. Love this time of year! There is nothing more exciting to me than the knowledge that many of the creations that come from my heart and were made with my hands will be someone’s special gift come Christmas morning or for Hanukkah. Thank you all for being so incredibly supportive, for putting the wind into my creative sails!

Karin

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Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Happy Thanksgiving from Echoes of Ela!

Somehow words always fail me when I try to express my gratitude for all I have been given. So for today I just want to leave you with the knowledge that I am thankful for every little blessing in my life as well as the tough times, because I would not be who I am today without them. I hope you get to enjoy the day with family and friends enjoying lots of wonderful food!

Karin

group of earrings and necklaces created various metal smithing techniques

 

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The journey

Back at last!

I recently had the opportunity to once again take a trip home to my native Bavaria to spend some much needed time with family I don’t get to see nearly enough. It had been four years since my last visit, nearly eight for the rest of my bunch.

It is a journey I have made often through the years. It was something I honestly hadn’t given much thought when I left, a young woman, so many many years ago, this need,  the desire to follow a homing beacon.
The urge to be close to what you knew growing up, people, places, food, I discovered, never abates. Yes, you become accustomed to the fact that “home” is not in the country of your birth, that you are entirely comfortable speaking in a language different from the one you heard and spoke growing up. You make new friends, come to love your new family just the same as though you had grown up with them. You consider this “new” place your home, almost feel a little guilty for calling it “home” in front of your parents, because you worry deep inside that they might consider themselves truly left behind.

I feel blessed to have had  this experience and know that my design choices are most definitely influenced by them. There is nothing like traveling to a different continent to get the creative juices flowing. Just like after last year’s journey to Cape Breton, I am once again inspired by all of the sights and sounds I got to experience. Germany has become ultra modern in many ways. But thankfully, in my native Bavaria traditional influences remain strong. I hope to be able to express both directions in my future designs.

Busy weeks lie ahead of me and I feel refreshed and ready to face them. So for today I’ll leave you with a few memorable places that inspire me again and again to forge ahead in my creative journey, the journey that is my life.

As always I find myself drawn to Mother Nature, discovering interesting color combos and textures, just like these unusual mushrooms/fungi. Mushroom hunting is more than a hobby for my family, it’s a passion! So much fun walking through the woods and discovering these little wonders!

orange-fungus

Interesting orange fungi on the forest floor.

trumpet-mushroom

Love the texture of these trumpet mushrooms with just a hint of gray-blue peeking through!

Then there is architecture. Some very unusual structures, like this tower designed by the Austrian artist Hundertwasser.

kuchlbauer-turm1

Kuchlbauer Turm, Abensberg, Lower Bavaria

This tower is actually only part of a most interesting place called Kuchlbauer’s Bier Welt (beer world). I was absolutely fascinated by the use of unexpected materials and shapes. The inside of the tower is said to be as interesting as its exterior. Here are a couple more shots:

kuchlbauers-tower-base

The base of Kuchlbauer’s tower. See the beer mugs?

 

Don’t adjust your monitor. This is one twisted building!

 

kuchlbauers-twisted-house

 

How fun it must be to be able to realize your artistic vision on such a scale!

But it doesn’t always have to be something big, even small details can lend an ordinary window artistic and organic flair!

kuchlbauers-treestump-window

Tree roots get new life!

Then there is traditional art and architecture…

kloster-plankstetten-church

Organ at Kloster Plankstetten

And finally to my very favorite place, the Berchtesgadener Land with it’s only German alpine National Park.

nationalpark-berchtesgaden

Entry to Berchtesgaden National Park

klausbachtal

Klausbachtal

This is what I consider the gateway to Heaven:)

gatewaytoheaven

What a beautiful day we had to hike down the valley!

To get to this lovely place, where cows are grazing on the meadows and chickens run underfoot.

ragertalm

Ragert Alm

I don’t think I could ever get tired of this view.

iconic-hintersee

Hintersee

rocks-in-the-water

Klausbach, a typical alpine creek with crystal clear, drinking quality water.

The textures are amazing!

bug-on-the-rocks

bug on the rocks

While I consider myself fortunate to be able to travel, there is plenty to see in your immediate area as well! As we are getting deeper and deeper into the Fall season with its abundance of deep, rich colors, I look forward to strolls through our local forests, leaves crunching underfoot!

You know what would look amazing with all the gorgeous Fall colors? Some brand new patina copper jewelry!

Echoes of Ela is back open on Etsy! You can check it out by clicking “My shop” up top!

I have a few exciting things coming up in the next few weeks! Be sure to take a moment to Like the EoE FB page for updates on upcoming events!

Karin

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