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Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Sgraffito Earrings, Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies. Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry. Sgraffito enamelwork means drawing lines through the enamel, in any formation.

Torch Fired Sgraffito Earrings

by Karen Meador, Ph.D.
  • Category: Enamel
  • Technique(s): Enamel
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
Sgraffito enamelwork means drawing lines through the enamel, in any formation. It's a great way to transform your enamel work into your own unique designs.

Materials

Copper Shape, Oval, 17/32 by 23/32 Inch, 6 Pieces
MET-130.30
  • Lesson Quantity: 2.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 2.00 each
  • Price: $6.97
  • Gold Club Price: $5.23
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Opaque Counter Enamel CE 3
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Opaque Grape 1780 Enamel
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Opaque Mauve Pink 1720 Enamel
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
SANDING SPONGES ASST- 5PC- 1EA GRIT 100-400
ABR-600.90
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Klyr-Fire Holding Agent for Enamel
G11-7
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Price: $14.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.21
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Tools

Blazer GT 8000 Big Shot Torch
TRCH-8000
  • TRCH-8000
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $89.95
  • Gold Club Price: $67.46
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Fire Brick
SOL-485.00
  • SOL-485.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $15.95
  • Gold Club Price: $11.96
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7 Smooth Point Tweezers
TWZ-944.00
  • TWZ-944.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $3.95
  • Gold Club Price: $2.96
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Thompson 40 Mesh Sifter Small - Pack of 3
G11-4
  • G11-4
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Price: $21.85
  • Gold Club Price: $16.39
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Safety Glasses
G21-1
  • G21-1
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Price: $2.97
  • Gold Club Price: $2.23
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Thompson 1.25 Inch Trivet - Pack of 3
G11-2
  • G11-2
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Price: $21.85
  • Gold Club Price: $16.39
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Individually Packed Disposable Face Masks - Pack of 50
G21-2
  • G21-2
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Price: $7.95
  • Gold Club Price: $5.96
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Instructions
Step 1
Sgraffito: This word means "to scratch" in Italian and refers to the process of decorating by removing a layer of material to expose what is underneath it. When using the term in enameling for jewelry, we are purposely scratching through portions of an unfired layer of enamel in a decorative pattern to expose the fired layer below it.

Safety: Please work responsibly for your own safety in your enameling studio. At a minimum, this includes the wearing dark safety glasses when using the torch and a dust mask at least while sifting. A fire extinguisher should also be at hand.

Set-up: I torch enamel with a trivet atop a fire brick on a fire-proof surface using an oxygen/propane torch. Please use the enamel set up and torch that works best for you. If you have interest, you can see my set up at https://www.wirejewelry.com/jewelry_making_patterns_tutorials/Torch-Enameling-with-Opaque-Enamels_300.html
Step 2
Cut out and sand the edges of two ovals. Punch a hole in the top of each oval. Use your fingers to give the ovals a slight bend toward the back.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Sgraffito Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, paper pattern
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Sgraffito Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, cut out ovals
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Sgraffito Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, punch holes
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Sgraffito Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, curve the ovals
Step 3
Sift and torch fire two coats of Counter Enamel CE 3 or other opaque. After the pieces have cooled quench them in water to remove the fire scale.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Sgraffito Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, counter enamel
Step 4
Sift and fire a coat of opaque Grape 1720 on the top of the ovals. Add a second coat if needed.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Sgraffito Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, enamel the fronts
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Sgraffito Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, enamel the fronts
Step 5
Work with one oval at a time. Spray a light coat of Klyrfire on the piece and then sift a coat of opaque Mauve Pink 1720 on top. (Note: I often do this on top of the trivet since it is difficult to move the piece after I sgraffito.)
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Sgraffito Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, add another coat
Step 6
Allow this to dry slightly and then use a pencil or other tool to draw lines through this layer exposing the darker color below. (Note: I like to use a pencil because I can change the width of the point by making it more or less sharp.) If the enamel gobs up as you draw the lines, allow it to dry a bit more.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Sgraffito Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, draw through the enamel powder
Step 7
Fire the piece when completely dry. Warm the piece slowly by starting some distance below it and gradually moving the torch closer to the piece. This helps ensure the piece is dry.
Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Sgraffito Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, fire the enamel
Step 8
Repeat 6-8 for the second oval. Attach ear wires.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Sgraffito Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, add ear wires

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