Enamelled feather

Thought you might like to see what I've been working on. I found a feather in one of my craft boxes, drew it then cut it out of copper foil and enamelled it. I was really pleased with the result, it's the first time i've done anything like this before. I nearly ruined it though as I was showing someone and then dropped it. Thankfully it didn't crack apart from a very small piece of enamel on the reverse side where it had hit the floor. I popped it back in the kiln and it seems as good as new.

Buttons and pendant designs

While I was blogging I thought I'd share a few pics with you. These are some enamelled buttons I made, not the best picture I must say but the buttons looked really nice when I'd finished them.

These pendants are designs I did based on the work of Gustav Klimt. The one on the right wasn't quite finished. I painted this one with enamel overglaze paints after it had a base coat fired onto it a couple of times and then I re fired it several more times to get the colours right.

Element fixed

Well here we are into February already. I got my element fixed in the kiln - it was quite amazing. A chap had been on a course a few months ago and he popped in with his wife and grandson to pick up a few enamels. He's worked with kilns and when I told him about mine was only to happy to lend a hand and put the element in for me. He was a God send as I was wondering how I'd manage to do it, I didn't want to do anymore damage which is probably what I would have done. It's been one of those weeks. Read about it on my daily blog and you'll understand what I mean. I had 5 lovely ladies in this morning making pendants. They were such fun and enjoyed every minute of it. Pics will be coming soon. I've gained some shelves off someone that was throwing theirs out, really good condition so I've had a move round and hopefully later in the year will be able to get a good run of work surface. I've only been in the unit 11 months but it's taking shape. It's fairly quiet up at the craft centre and with the snow we've had I think it's been quieter during the week. Hopefully it will pick up when the warmer weather gets here.