Saturday, April 18, 2009

Saturday Night at 1000 Markets - 04/18/09


The new category shopping has been live for about a week now at 1000 Markets, and when combined with the ability to search within a category, finding just what your heart desires is now a piece of cake!

What my heart desired this week was color and enameled jewelry. I've always admired the technique of enameling, and as I progress further in my own metalwork, I can feel the need to embellish with color getting stronger and stronger. I purchased Linda Darty's book, The Art of Enameling: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration just to see if it is something I can add to my work without breaking the bank. I haven't had time to do much other than skim, but it looks like torch enameling is going to be what I try first.

I decided to see what enameled lovlies I could find (jewelry, of course) so I went to the jewelry category, then did a category search on the word enameled. What inspiration I found!!


Bullfinch & Barbury's shop caught my eye right away because of the name - I automatically love anything that even sounds English (I'd so love to live there!) The shop is filled with simply luscious cuffs in every color of the rainbow.

Her work is beautiful, yet with a touch of shabby chic. It's hard to pick a favorite, but at this moment, I think the lovely English Orchard enameled bracelet set is my choice. Delightful shades of orange, pink, cranberry, green and purple grace a stack of 5 fabulous bangles. Another piece I love is the spectacular green moth that I found in her post on "Beautiful Bugs". This pendant is just stunning, and in my favorite shade of green, to boot.


Another shop filled with 'to die for' enamel work is Kyle Anne Metals, where I found this elegant cherry blossom in a dreamy opalescent pink on pure sky blue. Heavenly, to say the least! Kyle Anne uses the cloisonne technique in her enameled pieces, creating intricate and beautiful detail in her designs.

Another piece I really love is her classy little Fantastically Deco pendant in black and white.

These pieces are but a small taste of the wonderful world of enameling. I'll be exploring further over my morning coffee as I think about adding color to my work. Here are a few more places to visit for inspiration and info....

Glass on Metal magazine
Ganoksin article - Enameling Copper Balls
Ganoksin article - Torch Fired enamel

Well, I'd better get busy down in the studio and stop playing around here on the computer. Much to do today!!

1 comment:

  1. oooo enameling! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

    ReplyDelete