The Art of Copper Enameling
The Spiral, Original Copper Enameled Art by Diane Wallace.
Enamel on Copper is one of the oldest arts in history. This art was taught to me by my mother, Violet Miller, and now my youngest daughter is carrying on the family tradition. .
Learning to enamel is not something that can easily be taught in a book or an article, so I am not going to try to explain the process here. Techniques also vary from artist to artist. It would be best for a beginner to take an introductory course, which is often offered by local art clubs or extension classes. My goal is to provide some history, examples of my mother's art as well as that of other artists, and offer resources for supplies and other information.
Many times throughout her life, my Mom would see something she liked, such as a sunset, a picture in a magazine,, or a colorful design, and would say, "that would make a great copper enameled piece." Often we did just that. Even today, I will look at something in nature or a design created in digital art and start to imagine how it would look as an enameled piece.
All photos were taken by myself, my husband, or mother, unless otherwise specified.
Learning to enamel is not something that can easily be taught in a book or an article, so I am not going to try to explain the process here. Techniques also vary from artist to artist. It would be best for a beginner to take an introductory course, which is often offered by local art clubs or extension classes. My goal is to provide some history, examples of my mother's art as well as that of other artists, and offer resources for supplies and other information.
Many times throughout her life, my Mom would see something she liked, such as a sunset, a picture in a magazine,, or a colorful design, and would say, "that would make a great copper enameled piece." Often we did just that. Even today, I will look at something in nature or a design created in digital art and start to imagine how it would look as an enameled piece.
All photos were taken by myself, my husband, or mother, unless otherwise specified.
When I Started Enameling
One of the pieces I sold on eBay. It now belongs to some lucky winner and I hope they are deriving the enjoyment that my mother intended for them.
My mother started teaching me how to copper enamel when I was about 11-12 years old. She had just started to learn about this art, and I learned along with her. We spent many an enjoyable day together, making bowls and plates and jewelry.
My parents owned a rock shop, and both of them were accomplished lapidaries. So this was another line that added to their inventory. Mom seldom kept any pieces, as they were always put up for sale in the store or at art shows. As I became more skilled, I exhibited my work as well. At one time we both had a nice selection of pieces for sale at Kansas Originals, a storefront that only featured original art by Kansans.
As a result, I have very few of my mother's enameled pieces, much to the dismay of my children. My mother always signed the back of her pieces with a VM for Violet Miller. I am always on the lookout for any enameling pieces that contain these initials. If any of my readers happen across one in their shopping, please feel free to contact me.
My parents owned a rock shop, and both of them were accomplished lapidaries. So this was another line that added to their inventory. Mom seldom kept any pieces, as they were always put up for sale in the store or at art shows. As I became more skilled, I exhibited my work as well. At one time we both had a nice selection of pieces for sale at Kansas Originals, a storefront that only featured original art by Kansans.
As a result, I have very few of my mother's enameled pieces, much to the dismay of my children. My mother always signed the back of her pieces with a VM for Violet Miller. I am always on the lookout for any enameling pieces that contain these initials. If any of my readers happen across one in their shopping, please feel free to contact me.
What Is Copper Enameling?
Kelvin Chen Lighthouse Enameled Miniature Tea Pot - ad
Enameling is one of the oldest arts in the history of man. In European countries, the art of enameling has been recognized much longer than it has here in America. If you mention the word enamel to most Americans, they might think of enamel paint or nail polish or the covering on our teeth.
To the artist or craftsman, enameling means just one thing - the process of applying a thin coat of powdered glass to a metal, then heating both to a high temperature so the glass melts and fuses to the metal at a temperature of 1500 to 1750 degrees.
Enameling has been known since the first century B.C. Pieces of Greek sculpture of that period show areas of inlaid gold covered with a form of glaze, which was enamel" (Kenneth Bates Enameling Principles and Practices)
The Celts of the British Isles, 700 or 800 years later, used enamel to decorate their shields and swords. Other countries or regions which developed copper enameling techniques include Turkey, Germany, France and Russia.
Until recently, there was not much interest in enameling as an art in the United States. The Cleveland Museum of Art and the Syracuse Museum of Art are credited for bringing it into the light. Kenneth Bates and Edward Winter are two of the best known enamelists in America.
To the artist or craftsman, enameling means just one thing - the process of applying a thin coat of powdered glass to a metal, then heating both to a high temperature so the glass melts and fuses to the metal at a temperature of 1500 to 1750 degrees.
Enameling has been known since the first century B.C. Pieces of Greek sculpture of that period show areas of inlaid gold covered with a form of glaze, which was enamel" (Kenneth Bates Enameling Principles and Practices)
The Celts of the British Isles, 700 or 800 years later, used enamel to decorate their shields and swords. Other countries or regions which developed copper enameling techniques include Turkey, Germany, France and Russia.
Until recently, there was not much interest in enameling as an art in the United States. The Cleveland Museum of Art and the Syracuse Museum of Art are credited for bringing it into the light. Kenneth Bates and Edward Winter are two of the best known enamelists in America.
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Enameling Principles and Practice A comprehensive enameling book written by one of the masters. Available at Amazon |
Learn More About These
Master Enamelists
Visual Arts 1963 / Cleveland Arts Prize
Kenneth Bates was often called the "Dean of American Enamelists" due to his tremendous influence on his students and those who followed after. Mr. Bates died in 1994.
The Enameled Arts Foundation - Edward Winter
History of Edward Winter's impact on enameling techniques in America. Includes photos of some of his work.
Kenneth Bates was often called the "Dean of American Enamelists" due to his tremendous influence on his students and those who followed after. Mr. Bates died in 1994.
The Enameled Arts Foundation - Edward Winter
History of Edward Winter's impact on enameling techniques in America. Includes photos of some of his work.
Getting Started
Delphi Glass Economy Enameling Kiln - ad
To get started you will need a kiln, unless you are lucky enough to find a club or art class that will let you use theirs. A kiln is a small oven specially designed to reach the high temperatures you need to melt the glass onto the metal. You will also need to get some basic enamels, copper pieces, and various tools.
I was very fortunate to have my own kiln, which is the same kiln that my mother bought all those years ago. She took very good care of it and it still works well, although the pyrometer, which measures the temperature inside the furnace, no longer works. I had to estimate when it was hot enough to fire or if it was getting too hot and needs to be cooled down a little. Mom also had hundreds of dollars of copper pieces and enamels to work with, so other than some basic items that I had to replenish, I was all set to go. My sister had been storing these things at her house after Mom went into a nursing home and had them shipped to me.
I've since given the kiln and supplies to my youngest daughter. My husband and I moved into an RV and there was just no room for it. She is very motivated to learn as much as she can to continue the family tradition.
Enamels can be fired on several kinds of metals, such as brass and gold. But I prefer copper. One reason is that I grew up in the Copper Country of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My dad used to work in the copper mines in the area. My parents also sold copper nuggets and jewelry made of copper in our shop. My dad hand-shaped copper bowls and trays and etched designs on them.
I was very fortunate to have my own kiln, which is the same kiln that my mother bought all those years ago. She took very good care of it and it still works well, although the pyrometer, which measures the temperature inside the furnace, no longer works. I had to estimate when it was hot enough to fire or if it was getting too hot and needs to be cooled down a little. Mom also had hundreds of dollars of copper pieces and enamels to work with, so other than some basic items that I had to replenish, I was all set to go. My sister had been storing these things at her house after Mom went into a nursing home and had them shipped to me.
I've since given the kiln and supplies to my youngest daughter. My husband and I moved into an RV and there was just no room for it. She is very motivated to learn as much as she can to continue the family tradition.
Enamels can be fired on several kinds of metals, such as brass and gold. But I prefer copper. One reason is that I grew up in the Copper Country of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My dad used to work in the copper mines in the area. My parents also sold copper nuggets and jewelry made of copper in our shop. My dad hand-shaped copper bowls and trays and etched designs on them.
Some Kilns to Choose From
Kilns range in size and price. The one you choose will depend on what you intend to use it for. They range from the more expensive ones which are used by those who enamel professionally to a small table top model.
Rapidfire Pro Kiln - ad
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Paragon Quikfire 6 Kiln - ad
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Introductory Enameling Books
Picking Out Your Enamel
The hardest part of buying enamels is that there are so many colors to choose from. I think my mother bought one of each!
There are some vintage enamels sold on eBay which probably contain lead, so notice what you are buying and use proper precautions such as a mask while working with the powdered glass.
There are some vintage enamels sold on eBay which probably contain lead, so notice what you are buying and use proper precautions such as a mask while working with the powdered glass.
Thompson Enamels Sampler
Most of the enamels my mother bought contained lead which is quite hazardous to your health. We began to switch over to the new lead-free enamels when they came out. Thompson Enamels, which produces most of the enamels used in the US, stopped making lead bearing enamels in 1990. So if you buy a vintage enamel on eBay, it probably contains lead. If you are buying from a supplier, you most likely are getting lead-free. Here is an article about the two types which you might find interesting."Are There Differences Between Lead Bearing and Lead Free Enamels?"
Websites That Describe the Enameling Process
Volcano Arts | The Muse | Enameling On Copper
Article: Enamels: Love at First Sight By Christine Cox
Contains more pictures of beautiful enameled pieces. Don't take my word for it, take a look!
Pat Johnson Enamels Enameling FAQ
Pat Johnson provides step-by-step instructions to create an enameled piece. Be sure to check out her gallery as well. I never get tired of looking what other people can accomplish.
Pat Musick - The Enameling Process
A Detailed Look At Pat Musick's Enameling Process, complete with pictures of each stage.
Take some time to wander around while you are there. Her work is magnificent.
Copperheart: Tutorial - Intro To Enameling
Alison Lesniak is an independent artist, teacher, and jeweler. She provides a very easy to follow tutorial that will teach you the basic first steps of enameling.
Article: Enamels: Love at First Sight By Christine Cox
Contains more pictures of beautiful enameled pieces. Don't take my word for it, take a look!
Pat Johnson Enamels Enameling FAQ
Pat Johnson provides step-by-step instructions to create an enameled piece. Be sure to check out her gallery as well. I never get tired of looking what other people can accomplish.
Pat Musick - The Enameling Process
A Detailed Look At Pat Musick's Enameling Process, complete with pictures of each stage.
Take some time to wander around while you are there. Her work is magnificent.
Copperheart: Tutorial - Intro To Enameling
Alison Lesniak is an independent artist, teacher, and jeweler. She provides a very easy to follow tutorial that will teach you the basic first steps of enameling.
The Mystery of Cloisonné
Poster Print of Bird Cloisonne Plate, from Amazon - ad
Whenever I think of a new design, my thoughts turn to, “What would Mom think of that?” She and I had completely different styles. She liked to make designs using cloisonné, whereas I like to use the painting technique, using different enamel colors next to each other without the separation of wire.
Cloisonné is a multicolor enameling process where each color is separated by metal wires that form little cups or cells. The word cloisonné comes from the French word, cloison, meaning cell. I remember Mom painstakingly bending silver wire to the desired shape and then filling the shape with the enamel. It produces dramatic and stunning look, but I have to admit, I have never learned the art.
There are many contemporary artists that do practice this technique. Unfortunately, I do not have a picture of any of my mother’s cloisonné pieces to show you. I recommend you look at some of the art galleries on-line to see what other people have accomplished with this technique. I am always amazed at the fine detailed work they do.
Cloisonné is a multicolor enameling process where each color is separated by metal wires that form little cups or cells. The word cloisonné comes from the French word, cloison, meaning cell. I remember Mom painstakingly bending silver wire to the desired shape and then filling the shape with the enamel. It produces dramatic and stunning look, but I have to admit, I have never learned the art.
There are many contemporary artists that do practice this technique. Unfortunately, I do not have a picture of any of my mother’s cloisonné pieces to show you. I recommend you look at some of the art galleries on-line to see what other people have accomplished with this technique. I am always amazed at the fine detailed work they do.
Cloisonné Enameling
My mother used plastic spoons for different colors just as shown in the video below.
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A step by step guide for cloisonné enameling with good photos |
Another Example of Cloisonné Enameling
This piece, by enamelist Elizabeth Adams, is called “Creature of Fire”
On her website she states, “I love the feel of metal moving under my hammer, and I LOVE working with enamel and watching the powder turn to glass during firing….
I try to infuse elements of whimsy and fantasy into my work, from coloring a flower a little unusually to (in the Different Worlds series) creating whole new planets. To me, imagination is the most important element of design.”
Image used with permission. See more of Elizabeth’s work at NightshadeRose Studio
On her website she states, “I love the feel of metal moving under my hammer, and I LOVE working with enamel and watching the powder turn to glass during firing….
I try to infuse elements of whimsy and fantasy into my work, from coloring a flower a little unusually to (in the Different Worlds series) creating whole new planets. To me, imagination is the most important element of design.”
Image used with permission. See more of Elizabeth’s work at NightshadeRose Studio
The Alchemy of Enameling
I believe that something happens in all forms of art, whether it is painting, writing, or sculpting. When you immerse yourself in the process, the world recedes and you find yourself connected to something deeper. In the case of enameling, the bonding of two materials, the glass and the copper, you create an alchemical reaction that changes not only the elements that make up the piece, but also the artist. It can also affect the person who looks at it, or holds it, as they, too, are touched by the energies that went into the process. For this reason it is important that your enameling not be done when you are angry or emotionally upset, for these energies too can be felt by others.
Julia Cameron talks more about this in the book The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. She calls it “spiritual electricity" and states, “The heart of creativity is an experience of the mystical union; the heart of the mystical union is an experience of creativity.”
Pictured above is one of the healing mandalas I created. In the bottom left hand corner, I embedded a small silver nugget. It is a piece I kept for myself and I don't consider it one of my better pieces. Most of the other pieces I gave away to friends and they often had pictures of their animal totems on them.
Julia Cameron talks more about this in the book The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. She calls it “spiritual electricity" and states, “The heart of creativity is an experience of the mystical union; the heart of the mystical union is an experience of creativity.”
Pictured above is one of the healing mandalas I created. In the bottom left hand corner, I embedded a small silver nugget. It is a piece I kept for myself and I don't consider it one of my better pieces. Most of the other pieces I gave away to friends and they often had pictures of their animal totems on them.
The Artist's Way: 25th Anniversary Edition available at Amazon.
The Artist's Way is a classic. It is designed as a workshop with exercises to follow, but can also be read just for inspiration. I particularly enjoyed reading the quotes in the margins.
Image courtesy of Pixabay
"What is essential in a work of art is that it should rise far above the realm of personal life and speak to the spirit and heart of the poet as man to the spirit and heart of mankind"
Carl Gustav Jung
More Violet Miller Enameling Pieces
Going With the Flow,
Or Just Draw a Fish
"Chance is always powerful. Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish.” Ovid
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” Scott Adams in the Dilbert Principle
So it was with the piece pictured here. I had started out with a general idea of what I wanted to do. I prepared the copper by cleaning it, and then applied the coating to prevent formation of black scale caused by oxidation. At the time I was using a product called Amacote. For some reason I was not getting the result I wanted. It did not come off easily after firing. Instead there were pieces of it that appeared to be permanently adhered to the copper, no matter how much I tried to clean it off.
In an effort to save this particular piece, I decided to cover it up with blue Crackle enamel. Crackle Base enamels, a liquid form enamel, are painted or sprayed on, and when heated the color pulls away, creating a “crackle” effect. I often find them useful to cover up mistakes, and I intended this to be the back of the piece. However, after it fired, the effect it produced reminded me of water. I decided to place a few fish in the water. And voila, a whole new piece was created, all due to a mistake!
The fish were applied using the painting technique. The enamels are mixed with an oil to make them wet. You can use Thompson Klyr-Fire, but you can also buy special painting oils.
The different colors are applied next to each other with a paintbrush and allowed to dry in between colors to keep them separated. I deliberately made the fish somewhat abstract and colorful. The surrounding vegetation was also painted on.
I later changed my oxidation inhibitor to Scalex and had much better results.
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” Scott Adams in the Dilbert Principle
So it was with the piece pictured here. I had started out with a general idea of what I wanted to do. I prepared the copper by cleaning it, and then applied the coating to prevent formation of black scale caused by oxidation. At the time I was using a product called Amacote. For some reason I was not getting the result I wanted. It did not come off easily after firing. Instead there were pieces of it that appeared to be permanently adhered to the copper, no matter how much I tried to clean it off.
In an effort to save this particular piece, I decided to cover it up with blue Crackle enamel. Crackle Base enamels, a liquid form enamel, are painted or sprayed on, and when heated the color pulls away, creating a “crackle” effect. I often find them useful to cover up mistakes, and I intended this to be the back of the piece. However, after it fired, the effect it produced reminded me of water. I decided to place a few fish in the water. And voila, a whole new piece was created, all due to a mistake!
The fish were applied using the painting technique. The enamels are mixed with an oil to make them wet. You can use Thompson Klyr-Fire, but you can also buy special painting oils.
The different colors are applied next to each other with a paintbrush and allowed to dry in between colors to keep them separated. I deliberately made the fish somewhat abstract and colorful. The surrounding vegetation was also painted on.
I later changed my oxidation inhibitor to Scalex and had much better results.
Image from Pixabay
"The marriage of glass to metal is a tempestuous one, which guarantees it is exciting - both for the artist and the beholder of the work. There is no other medium for me - it is vibrant, strong, temperamental, and supremely beautiful."
Paula Lewis
Scorched Eyebrow Studio
Enameled Wolf Wall Hanging
I made this enameled wolf plate as a gift for my daughter who loves wolves. I used a stencil and then painted in the colors. Then I attached the plate to the dream catcher which I bought as a kit.
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Exhibiting at Art Shows
My mom and I frequently exhibited our pieces at art shows. These pictures were taken in the early 1990′s at an art show in Kansas. My mom, Violet Miller, is in the top picture.
There I am, in the bottom picture, a lot younger and with curly hair
My mom, Violet Johnson Miller, passed on to the other side on May 20, 2009 at the age of 95. She had been suffering from dementia for many years. Not only was she a talented enamelist, she also created gemstone jewelry.
Continuing the Family tradition
I mentioned that both my mom and I had completely different styles. Now that my daughter Alexandra has delved into this art form, she has developed another totally different style. She often uses a 3-D approach to her work. Here are a few examples. The first one I like to call my Van Gogh piece and received it for Mother's Day.
My "Van Gogh" piece
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Starburst necklace
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3-D tree with gold flakes
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If you would like to see more of Alexandra's art, including new wire jewelry, visit her Facebook Page, Alexandra's Copper.
Image via Pixabay
As you can see, copper enameling can be more than just a hobby. It can become an addiction, partly because you are never really sure how something is going to turn out. Some artists have definitely perfected the craft and their work is beautiful to behold. But even if you just starting out, the process of putting glass on metal is a fun way to exercise your creativity.
I love to hear from visitors to my pages. Alas, this page does not allow for comments. I have created a blog post specifically for you to let me know your thoughts about enameling. Have you ever tried it? Are you an established artist? Jump over to the post "Copper Enameling - A Family Tradition" to share your thoughts. I answer every comment that is left.
I love to hear from visitors to my pages. Alas, this page does not allow for comments. I have created a blog post specifically for you to let me know your thoughts about enameling. Have you ever tried it? Are you an established artist? Jump over to the post "Copper Enameling - A Family Tradition" to share your thoughts. I answer every comment that is left.