16 March 2014

~brooches and i love torching beer bottle caps!

crusty torch enameled beer bottle cap in greens with a petra ceramic drop

i am so digging the beer bottle cap torching with enamels. last night i thought maybe i could show the process as i've grown so much in my enthusiasm & abilities & knowledge. different glass powders & frits melt differently, torch can't be too high or too low, how long to hold the flame, getting flare glasses, which caps are easier to get the plastic off of (which means more beer of that sort), burning off the paint & sanding it before enameling...but i ain't got the time. but i just told you how! kim turned me on to thompson enamel samples & i figured out the rest from trial & error, watching lots of videos (saw the set up, bought the supplies) & reading tutorials. i already had a torch since i used to be a silversmith in another life. just needed mesh pads from the jewelry supply (i use the ones to go in a kiln), a third hand & a metal protective sheet for my bench. i use paper to catch & reuse the frit... 
i've only found one other person doing this so far. where is everyone? anywho, new stock & a new look to my booth is in order when the shows start. xoxo

torch enameled beer bottle cap with a black striped glass bead & ojos!

8 comments:

  1. I think it's wonderful what you're doing and it's always exciting to be doing something that is truly your own!

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  2. Love those brooches, such a cool technique too.

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  3. great crusty effect you're getting on those beer caps. bonus! you're having fun getting the beer caps, having fun torching the beer caps, and making pretties out of those same beer caps. the circle of life-er art? enjoy!

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  4. That looks like fun! PLUS they're turning out great!

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how delightful that you came to visit. i love your kind comments of all shapes and sizes. thank you very much indeed! darlene