Associations
Associations
A volunteer arts organization founded in 1987 for the purpose of promoting the art of enameling.
Northern California Enamel Guild (NCEG)
A volunteer organization that supports the art of enameling through encouragement, information, instruction, fellowship and inspiration.
Enamel Process
Enamel Process
HOW THE LIMOGES ARE CREATED
HOW THE LIMOGES ARE CREATED
We keep our enamel pieces interesting by making each a one-of-a-kind creation.
The enamel technique of Limoges is an intricate process of layering and repeated firing to fuse the enamel powder to the metal base, copper is my metal of choice. I apply at first by sifting and then with a brush, a thin layer of various finely ground enamels, transparents, opalescents and opaques, onto the copper base; including counter enameling.
Between layers I incorporate pure gold and fine silver foils, paillons, granules and in some cases gold leaf. I finish by applying painting enamels (mixed with clear firing oils) with a crow quill pen for the very fine details and outlines. Each piece has between fifteen and twenty applications and firings at temperatures between at 1200⁰ - 1750⁰.
My husband Wolfgang will then create a hand fabricated setting for the Limoges jewelry using 14k, 22k, 24k gold and sterling silver.
Among other gems we often like to use opals because of the great depth and colors much like enamels, many of them are like paintings themselves and we feel they compliment the Limoges.
We have been working together for the last 20 years and collaborate on each design and the materials to be used.