Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings

Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings

by Karen Meador, Ph.D.

Category: Enamel
Technique(s): Enamel
Skill Level: Intermediate

Crackle enamel is a technique that requires the building up of several layers of enamel, including a layer of liquid enamel. The heating of the layer of liquid enamel on top of the powder enamel causes it to crack and form a "crackle glaze" look. It's a very pretty look, and makes for beautiful components in earrings, pendants, and other jewelry.

Special Instructions: *Torches: Several types of torches work well for this project. Among these are propane, oxygen/acetylene and map gas. If you are using a small butane torch, you will want to use a lighter gauge metal (no less than 26g) and create a smaller piece since these torches don't get as hot as the others. While the butane torches may have worked fine when enameling just two or three layers, this piece requires at least five coats of enamel and each successive coat needs a bit more heat to reach maturity. The other butane option would be to use two torches as you heat the piece final coats.
**Please follow appropriate safety precautions. Wear some type mask when sifting enamel and always wear protective eye wear when firing pieces. Additionally, I also wear some type of apron (I'm currently using a leather one from a welding shop.) A trivet or red-hot piece of enamel that falls on your clothes may start a fire (yes, I've burned a hole in my dress before).
Procedure
Enamellists use various methods for applying and firing torch enamel. While the means described herein may differ from what you have learned, I will simply share what works for me. I believe there is no "right" or "wrong" if the method works.

Materials

24 Gauge 0.020 Dead Soft Copper Sheet Metal - 6x6 Inch

MET-705.24

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $6.93
Gold Club Price: $5.20

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Counter enamel

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Opaque enamel - 1560 Blue Jay Blue

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Clear Crackle Enamel - Transparent 2008 Crackle Base Clear

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Dry form liquid enamel – White 533 used here

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Sterling Silver Earwires 15mm w/ 1.5mm Bead - Pack of 2

K19-47

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Price: $0.97
Gold Club Price: $0.73

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Tools

Metal Cutting Shears

SHR-536.00

SHR-536.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $14.97
Gold Club Price: $11.23

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Euro Punch Plier 1.50mm

PLR-133.70

PLR-133.70
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $14.97
Gold Club Price: $11.23

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Handy Flame II Propane Torch

SOL-330.00

SOL-330.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $64.97
Gold Club Price: $48.73

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Fire Brick

SOL-485.00

SOL-485.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $11.97
Gold Club Price: $8.98

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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: $15.95
Gold Club Price: $11.96

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alundum stone

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each

Safety Glasses

G21-1

G21-1
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
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Price: $2.97
Gold Club Price: $2.23

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Face Mask - Pack of 50

G21-2

G21-2
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
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Price: $5.97
Gold Club Price: $4.48

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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: $11.25
Gold Club Price: $8.44

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Instructions

Step 1

These oval disks are 1" x 1.75" . You can draw them on paper to use as a pattern, or alternatively, draw them right on your metal If you use paper patterns, use two copies of the pattern putting liquid cement on the back of the pattern and on the copper to which you will attach it. Allow both to dry and then stick them together. Use metal cutters or a jewelry saw to cut out identical shapes for the earrings.

Pro Tip:

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, earring pattern

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, paste the patterns to the metal

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, pattern pasted on metal sheet

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, cut out the oval disks

Step 2

Drill or punch a hole in the top of each metal piece.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, punch a hole

Step 3

Sand the edges of the pieces and the holes if needed. At this point, some enamellists scrub the pieces with Penny Brite or another product. I have not found this necessary. Debris from the sanding can be wiped off or the pieces can be dipped in water and dried.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, sand the edges

Step 4

Give each earring a gentle convex curve with your hands or a pair of pliers. In my opinion, a slight curve helps the crackle do its work and makes the pieces a bit stronger.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, curve the metal

Step 5

Complete each step on both earrings throughout this process even though the photos only show one piece. Put on your protective mask and counter enamel the back sides of the earrings. Place a piece of paper or magazine page on the work surface to catch excess sifted enamel so you can put it back in the enamel jar. I balance each piece on my finger over the jar of enamel and sift counter enamel on the back, starting at the outer edge and working toward the middle. Since these pieces are slightly bent and the enamel may want to slide down the edges, manipulate them while sifting so that the part of the piece you are trying to sift on to is relatively flat. You will be changing this position as you sift.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, counter enamel the backs

Step 6

Carefully place the piece on a trivet.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, place disk on trivet

Step 7

Put on your safety glasses. Place the trivet on the corner of the fire brick so that as much of the piece as possible is exposed off the brick. Torch fire the piece from underneath until the entire piece has a reddish glow and is glossy. Try to keep the flame as close to perpendicular to the piece as possible to achieve the best heat. Gently move the flame back and forth under the piece as you heat the entire earring. Repeat for the second earring.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, position the trivet

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, hold the flame to the underside of the piece

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, torch until it glows

Step 8

Use tweezers or jewelry pliers to remove the piece from the trivet and let it cool until you can pick it up and add the second coat of counter enamel.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, remove from the trivet to cool

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, add a second coat of counter enamel

Step 9

Torch fire the second coat of counter enamel on each earring.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, torch fire the second coat of counter enamel

Step 10

Remove the pieces from the trivet and set on a fire proof surface (not on the paper!) to let them cool.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, cool the pieces

Step 11

Dip the pieces in water and dry them to remove the loose fire scale on the front of the pieces. Please be sure they have cooled somewhat or they may crack in the water. Note: The metal will still be discolored, but there is no need to try to sand it back to its original look.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, remove the fire scale on the fronts

Step 12

Sift the opaque color onto the front side of the pieces in the same method used for the counter enamel application.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, sift on a coat of opaque enamel

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, sift on the enamel

Step 13

Torch fire this coat in a manner similar to that used for the counter enamel. When I already have counter enamel fired on a piece, I like to gradually heat the piece when adding the front coats. I start with the torch about 5 inches below the piece and slowly inch it up as the piece gets hot. In my opinion, this helps preserve the looks of the counter enamel. I will “sneak up” on the piece with each firing after the second coat of counter enamel.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, torch fire the enamel

Step 14

Remove the pieces from the trivets and allow to cool. If you can still see copper below this coat of opaque, sift and fire another coat before proceeding. Then sift and fire a fairly thick coat of clear crackle enamel onto the top of the pieces (don’t forget to “sneak up” on them)

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, add a coat of clear crackle enamel

Step 15

Cool the pieces and then apply a very thin layer of white liquid enamel to the tops. Mix the liquid enamel with distilled water as described in the instructions for this product. Then add a bit of extra water to create a medium thin enough to roll down the piece. Put a couple of drops of liquid enamel on the piece and then tap it on the table until it is fairly well covered. If there are a few places that the liquid enamel doesn’t reach, you can dab a tiny drop on these spots, taking care not to make them thick.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, add water to the liquid enamel

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, add a coat of liquid enamel

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, tilt the pieces to roll around the liquid enamel

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, coated with liquid enamel

Step 16

Before drying, carefully check the back of the pieces for any liquid enamel that escaped onto your counter enamel. Use a brush dipped in water to remove this.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, check the backs

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, remove any stray liquid enamel

Step 17

Either allow the pieces to thoroughly dry or use a heat gun to aid this process. Protect the surface below the heat gun as some of these guns are strong enough to scorch a surface. Also, the pieces will become quite hot to the touch; so use tweezers or jewelry pliers to pick up the piece.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, dry the liquid enamel

Step 18

“Sneak up” on the pieces and torch fire them. This will likely require a longer, more intense firing than usual in order for the crackle to get going. Watch the piece and if you do not see ample cracking, move the torch to the top of the piece and fire a bit from that direction. Don’t stay too long as this tends to gray the piece.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, torch fire

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, torch from above if necessary

Step 19

The liquid enamel should have “cracked” and if it hasn’t you likely have not fired it enough. Also, it will not crack as much if you employed too thick a coat of liquid enamel.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, crackled enamel

Step 20

When the pieces have cooled, check the edges for rough spots. You may want to remove these using an alundum stone and water or a jewelry file.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, sand any rough glass edges

Step 21

Attach the ear wires and your earrings are finished.

Pro Tip: Below are other examples of the use of crackle enamel. You may note some dark spots on the orange pair. These likely occurred as a result of too thin a coat of the opaque Pumpkin Orange (1850) and it may have needed a second coat. It is also possible that I fired the pieces from the top for too long. I used the white liquid enamel over the crackle on this pair. The green pair was made with opaque Mistletoe Green (1380) and yellow liquid enamel (769). The blue diamond shaped earrings were made with the same BlueJay Blue as in the tutorial and a teal liquid enamel (935). You can see that the contrast of these two colors is subtler than the pair in the tutorial on which I used white liquid enamel.

Karen Meador, Ph.D.'s Torch Fired Crackle Enamel Earrings - , Enameling, Enamel Jewelry Supplies, Enamel, Enameling, Enameled Jewelry, crackle enamel earrings

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Karen Meador, Ph.D.

Karen Meador, PhD, is a retired professor, educational consultant and musician whose research endeavors focused on creative thinking and gifted education. Her numerous books and articles for teachers addressed these topics. Dr. Meador currently pursues art through wire work, enameling and metalsmithing.