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Torched Fired Enamel Head Pins

My first "How To Video."  I never thought I would do this but here it is!

 I wanted to share my findings with everyone.  Like I said earlier enameling head pins has never been easy for me.  Usually the enamel just bounces off the copper.  I guess it wasn't a love made to last.  However I think this time they may work things out and stick around.  LOL!

After balling up the 18 gauge copper ends I dip them into Thompson Enamel. Once the copper is covered in enamel I torch them using the end of the flame. I call it the fluffy part of the flame but it is basically at the very end. I'm heating the enamel slowly until it becomes red and then dip in enamel again. I do this at least three times. So far the enamel is not bouncing off the copper! Yay!

Have a great rest of the week.  Tomorrow is hump day so we are half way there!
Namaste
Kalaya

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  1. Amber Leilani April 5, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    that is soooo groovy! they turned out great!! the colors are fabulous!!!
    what gauge wire are you working with? and that flame was huge!! it scared me from way over here....

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kalaya SteedeApril 6, 2011 at 6:24 AM

    Just realized that I didn't post any details. Oops! I posted them on YouTube though. Anyways the copper is 18 gauge. and I'm glad I can reach out and possibly burn someone...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cinnamon JewelleryApril 6, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    Just watched your video, it was a real help!

    I tried enamelling headpins for the first time today and ended up with brown veins in the enamel. Not sure if I overfired them or what but gonna have another go tomorrow. I'm not gonna let it beat me :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kalaya SteedeApril 6, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    Glad the video helped. You just got to keep on burning...I mean trying. That's what I did. I had more luck using Thompson's Enamels. Good luck and let me know how it turns out...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cinnamon JewelleryApril 23, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    Hi Kayala, Just to let you know I changed my torch (butane/propane mix now, much bigger, hotter and louder!) and success! Just got to figure out how to use them now :D
    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kalaya SteedeApril 23, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    Yay! Now you have to torch something and post the picture. It IS loud, huh? I love the sound it makes. That's why I didn't cover the video with a song. The torch makes its own music!

    ReplyDelete

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