Enamelling is the ancient art of creating images with finely crushed glass powders.
Enamelling is the colourful result of fusing glass onto a substrate through the process of firing - typically the enamelled item is fired to temperatures between 750°C and 850°C. The glass melts and flows to harden as a smooth, durable vitreous coating on metal or ceramic. It is often applied in a paste or powder form and may be transparent or opaque when fired.
Enamel can be used on metals like copper, silver, gold and (stainless) steel - crafters and artists tend to enamel onto copper and silversmiths will use precious metal.
The bright, jewel-like colours have also made enamelling a favoured choice for designers.
Hobby Enamelling
Country Love Crafts launched the concept of "Hobby Enamelling" as a suitable additional creative activity for "Paint Your Own Pottery" studios and craft businesses in February 2007.
The principle is to sprinkle lead free enamelling powders (Sprinkles) onto copper blanks in various designs. Further decorating of the blanks is undertaken by the addition of glass chips or stripes.
The decorated blanks are then fired in a small enamelling kiln for about 1 minute. After about 5 minutes the piece has cooled completely and may then be mounted onto "findings" to create jewellery, brooches, pendants, key rings etc.
Two starter kits (a hobby kit and studio kit) are available for businesses.
Enamelling Training Courses are also available and basic techniques are easily taught in a few hours - thereafter the fun begins!
Our enamelling kiln is portable and supplied with a standard 13amp domestic plug. It is therefore suitable for mobile operations as well as static site businesses.
Hobby Enamelling is suitable for anyone over the age of 6 years (with supervision) to adults. It is simple creative fun that provides almost instant results!
Why not offer enamelling as a party option (adults or children)? The craft certainly has the WOW FACTOR and will easily draw a crowd at any event!