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Torch Fire Techniques for Basse Taille Enameling
Learn the art of sifting enamel onto low relief textures and firing using a torch in this demo-focused virtual workshop on the basse taille enameling technique. We will start by learning how to clear the enamels for transparent colors on copper. This will allow for a wide range of color usage that is often thought of as impossible to achieve on copper.
The course will start with a focus on textures, such as using the rolling mill or using hammers to create repetitive patterns within the metal, including some basic fold forming. Stamping will also be covered for layout and hand-position. During the class, students will have a chance to ask questions on the techniques at each step of the process.
The course will then move on to demonstrations on the enameling process itself. We will discuss grain division of enamels and why this is a critical step. Using spray and catch techniques, we will apply the enamel to the copper and do multiple firings with a torch on a trivet. Questions on kiln firing are encouraged as the instructor is very familiar both with torch and kiln usage for these techniques, though emphasis will be placed on the ever-accessible torch firing approach.
Meet the instructor
Deanna Pastel was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2010 she received her BFA in Jewelry/Metals from Kent State University. Upon graduating, she was offered a position as a bench jeweler and trainer at Heather B. Moore Inc. in Cleveland, OH. This is where she began fine-tuning her skills in soldering gold, setting stones and hand stamping on silver and high end gold jewelry works.
In 2012 she landed in Austin, TX, and began her career as one of the main teachers and as the studio director/coordinator at Creative Side Jewelry Academy. She spent 2012-2017 developing the school’s core curriculum, while working closely with other master artists and her students.
In 2018 she was granted an apprenticeship to spend two months working alongside artist Victoria Lansford doing macro chasing and repousse, and became a presence both artistically and professionally for the Society of North American Goldsmiths. For the past three years, she has expanded to teaching at multiple schools and colleges around the Austin and San Antonio area providing eclectic and diverse course offerings at all levels of experience. She also continues to work at her bench in her home studio doing commissions, custom and repair work, as well as her personal artworks.
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can view the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not required - observers are welcome.
Metal/raw materials:
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6"x6" min. x copper sheet - 22g (Rio Grande)
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2oz x 2040 high fusing clear (Rio Grande)
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2oz x 1995 opaque black (Rio Grande)
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2oz x enamel colors of choice - the following are recommended
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2836 raspberry
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2840 mandarin orange
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2680 prussian blue
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2335 peacock green
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2880 woodrow red
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2515 egg yellow
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Torch fire setup (NOTE any of the three working surfaces is fine and the instructor will cover the differences between them as well):
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1 x charcoal, vermiculite, or ceramic block (Rio Grande)
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1 x torch setup - Silversmith or similar style (Rio Grande)
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1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (Rio Grande)
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1+ x trivets - 1.75" recommended but larger for larger work (Rio Grande)
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1 x sifting screens - solid (Rio Grande)
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1 x sifting screens - 200 mesh (Rio Grande)
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1 x sifting screens - 325 mesh (Rio Grande)
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1 x sifter - 80 mesh - 1/2" from Thompson is preferred but 1" is fine (Rio Grande)
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1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
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1 x large enough torch tip for your size metal (Rio Grande)
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1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (Rio Grande)
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1 x soldering tweezers (Rio Grande)
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1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
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1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (Rio Grande or Amazon)
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1 x crock pot or lidded glass container (Rio Grande or Amazon)
Hand tools:
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1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 (Rio Grande)
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1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
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1 x half round hand file - #2 cut (Rio Grande)
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1 x center punch (Rio Grande)
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1 x rawhide / plastic mallet (Rio Grande)
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1 x chasing hammer (Rio Grande)
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1 x steel block / steel surface (Rio Grande)
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1 x ball peen hammer (Rio Grande)
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1 x dapping set - steel or wood - OPTIONAL (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
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1 x disc cutter - OPTIONAL (Amazon)
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1 x stamps of choice - OPTIONAL (Amazon)
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1 x crosspeen hammer (Rio Grande)
Other/miscellaneous items:
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hard work surface
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fan and open window - or ventilation system
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safety glasses
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pencil, Sharpie, notebook
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rags/towels
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pump hair spray - suave, etc.
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Preval system - instructor preference
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KlyrFire