Ready. Set. Go!

Heading out tomorrow to begin the journey to Baltimore for the ACC show.  I will be set up for both wholesale and retail – with lots of beautiful enameled jewelry on offer.

This Hugs+Kisses necklace is just one of many to choose from – along with Hugs+Kisses bracelets and earrings, gorgeous enameled earrings, Holey Moley! necklaces, and the latest idea to take shape: Enameled Choker necklaces in luscious colors as well as B+W.

If you are going to the show, stop and say “Hello” at Booth #5203.  Mention this post for a discount on your purchase.  

Prepping for ACC Baltimore

I’m excited to announce that Mozelle Fine Jewelry was accepted to the American Craft Council’s Baltimore show: February 17-22, 2016!!

I've been hard at work making new pieces (and some old favorites) for this prestigious show:  New enameled necklace designs, Hugs+Kisses (a popular idea for the past several years!), and lots of enameled earrings. 

There's a new line of necklaces I'm calling "Holey Moley!" because each colorful enameled disc is riddled with holes in random sizes and places. 

I've been experimenting with Black and White for this show – an elegant departure from my vivid colors.  

I will post photos from the show, and I really hope to see you there!  Stop in at Booth #5203.  Mention my blog and get 10% off your purchase!  

Getting ready for enamel

The process of enameling is one that intrigues me.  It feels like an alchemical experience. ​

Step 1: decide ​on the metal to use. In my current work, that is copper.

Step 2: ​decide on a shape.  Round, square, rectangular.  Big? Small? In between? 

The shape will also determine the final use – earrings, pendant, bracelet, cuff…​

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The bench, with some shapes in the works.

Step 3: Make sure the metal is clean by putting it into a pickle solution, then scrubbing with a brass brush and cleanser.

Earrings in the pickle.

Step 4 is the beginning of the fun!

Picking a color, prepping the piece with an adhesive spray, and sifting the color on.​

Earrings ready for enamel.

And now comes the alchemical part…

I set the piece up carefully on wire mesh on a fireproof stainless steel trivet (it’s actually quite small), and ignite the torch.​


The torch station.

Firing from underneath, the torch heats the piece, which transfers heat to the enamel that was sifted on.  Within a matter of minutes, the fine powdered enamel begins to change. First it darkens, then turns to a sugary look, next to the look of glossy orange peel, and finally to glass.  Now, I remove the heat, let the piece cool for a few seconds, and move it off onto a firebrick to cool on its own. ​

Although I had planned to get into the studio this weekend and do some enameling, life got in the way (as it often does!) and I didn’t make it to Step 4…​

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