Guest artist Pam East creates her own floral enamel beads using a blow torch. She shares her technique for creating the beads and stringing a bracelet -- as well as some safety tips -- below.Working with a Torch - Work in a well ventilated area; possibly vented with an exhaust fan.
- Keep all flammable materials clear of the flame. The torch should not face a wall or have items set in front of it.
- Carefully read and follow all manufacturers’ instructions for the use of their tools.
- Have a fire extinguisher within reach.
- Always wear safety glasses, preferably with filtering properties to reduce the glare of the torch flame. Wear cotton clothing which is less flammable than synthetics. Do NOT wear shorts. Tie back your hair if it is long.
- Always work over a nonflammable surface, such as a 12" tile.
- Set all tools down on the tile after using. Turn off your torch when work is complete. Cool at least 10-15 minutes before removing it from the canister.
- Wear a dust mask when using vermiculite to cool the beads.
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Use enamel beads to create unique necklaces, bracelets and earrings. In this demonstration, guest artist Pam West uses her beads to create a bracelet.
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Enamel Bead BraceletMaterials: 80 mesh enamel in white or clear
6/20 mesh enamel in white and other colors
Millefiori
Enamel wafers
Copper tubing
Trigger-Start Propane Torch
Torch holder
Propane cylinder - 400 g (14.1 oz)
Tube cutter
Pliers
Mandrel with tips
Business card
2 or 3 small spoons
8" ceramic tile
12" ceramic tile
Banding wheel (flat topped lazy Susan)
Large slotted spoon or wire mesh
Slow cooker/crock pot
Vermiculite (this is a soil lightener)
Fire extinguisher
Safety glasses
Dust mask
Setting Up- Heat the vermiculate 30 minutes prior to bread making. You can use either a small crock-pot or a coffee can and a hot plate. Don't forget to wear a dust mask when pouring your vermiculate.
- Use the tube cutter to cut the copper tubing into short pieces. The length of the tubing determines the length of the finished bead. I recommend starting with lengths between ½ and 3/4" long.
- Set up the torch. The torch head screws directly in to the top of the propane bottle. Use a torch holder to attach and bottle tightly to the edge of the table. Place your 12" ceramic tile directly under the torch.
- Lay out the enamel. Place your 8" tile on top of the lazy susan. Use small spoons to put the enamel on the tile, and use an index card to shape it into lines around the edges of the tile. You should have a line of 80mesh enamel, and a line of 6/20 mesh enamel.
- Along a third side, lay out your floral wafers spacing them so you can pick them up easily.
- Place a tip in the mandrel and tighten down the setscrew. Place the mandrel and pliers directly on your 12" tile. They will be very hot once you start working so placing them on the tile will protect your table.
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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
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Step-by-Step Instructions- Use pliers to pick up a piece of copper tubing and place it firmly on the tip of the mandrel and tighten it down. Position your 8" tile on the lazy Susan so the line of 80 mesh enamel is facing you.
- Light the torch, and heat the tubing, rolling it continuously in the flame.
- When the tubing begins to glow red, roll it in the 80 mesh enamel taking care not to get any on the mandrel (figure A). Return the tubing to the flame and roll it so that it heats evenly. Continue until it's completely melted and glowing a bit. You may want to repeat this step two or three times to be sure the tubing is completely covered.
- Turn the lazy Susan so the 6/20 mesh enamel is facing you. Begin building the bead by rolling it in the 6/20 enamel. Again, take care not to get enamel on the mandrel as this can cause the bead to stick. Put the bead back in the flame. Keep rolling the bead slowly in the flame and keep the mandrel level. Hold the bead fairly close in, but not in the blue portion of the flame (figure B). Add the enamel a layer at a time, melting each layer completely in the flame, until the bead reaches the desired size.
- Roll the bead onto the floral wafers, picking them up just as you would the other enamels (figure C). Melt the wafers into the bead
- Removing the bead from the mandrel: Turn off the torch but continue turning the bead, to prevent sagging, until the red glow has faded (figure D). Hold the bead over the vermiculate with the mandrel tip pointed down into the crock-pot. Place the pliers on the mandrel just behind the bead and push while turning the mandrel. Stir the bead down into the vermiculate with the mandrel. CAREFUL! Even after the red glow fades completely the bead will still be HOT HOT HOT! Do not touch the bead, or the end of your tools, with your fingers!
FinishingLeave your crock-pot or hotplate on while you make as many beads as you like. When you are done making beads, turn off your crock-pot or hotplate and allow the vermiculate to cool completely. Give it at least two or three hours before removing your beads. You can use a large slotted spoon to dig out your beads, or you can use a wire mesh screen to sift them out. Be sure to wear your dust mask when digging or sifting through the vermiculate.
GUESTS :
Pam East
Jewelry Artist and Host of the video Enamel Bead Making with Pam East
Pinzart
10945 State Bridge Rd., #401-277
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Phone: 888-335-9884
E-mail: info@pinzart.com
Website: www.pinzart.com
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