Jennifer Friedman Studios

My Imagination is Working

jenenamel — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:30:25 +0000

Here is an easy project once you have done some soldering. I think it opens a wide range of possibilities for rings, necklaces, and bracelets ( why not more? ). Just think of the possibilities of just circles. You can even make thick and thin ring shapes to create a cuff bracelet. Some of the circles (made from wire) can be heavy guage and others thin. ( there is just no limit) You can hammer for texture, weave them together. (just keep thinking and opening your mind)

I love thinking of possibilities and stretching my imagination,

As a matter of fact, I’m stretching my imagination to think that my ankle is healed and not in pain, but it doesn’t seem to be working to well. Yes, it is getting better, but I want it done….Reality sets in and I realize I can’t just wish it better, just like “wishing” for solder joints to be perfect. Then having to file, check and file again.

Ah, life is so interesting.

exposure for work

jenenamel — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:19:10 +0000

Thank you for your comments on my blog. The other tip, is to create “tag line” for your work and Yahoo or google will pick them up. I have recently been working with PRWeb and they teach you and help you get your name out there. Give them a try.

choosing your metal

jenenamel — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:11:24 +0000

My view on metals to wear usually depend on your coloring. Redheads and blondes look better in gold, but these days days gold has gotten so expensive that I encourange my customers to buy the metal they can afford. I am a redhead and personally love working in Silver, I like to add color to my pieces either by adding a touch of gold, vitreous enamel or adding stones. That increased the possibilities of wearing either metal at any time.

What do I do with spare time?

jenenamel — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:01:02 +0000

What an interesting question. I had foot surgery 2 weeks ago and I decided a couple of months ago to prepare by making fine silver links for necklaces of different sizes. I also decided to order myself some wood for carving. So, I started carving a deep relief acanthus leaf. Okay, so surgery. Have I done anything in 2 weeks? I’ve slept, but I have a 3 month recovery and I’m hoping I get something done.

I sit here and draw designs and read and sleep. I guess that’s what I’m supposed to be doing. I will keep you updated as to my progress in chain making.

Jennifer

Loving metal

jenenamel — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:39:46 +0000

I find it very rewarding to take a piece of raw metal, manipulate it, clean it and finish it to a beautiful glow and wear it.

Jennifer Friedman

Pre Holiday Sale featuring Jennifer Friedman Studios

jenenamel — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 04:43:56 +0000

Where: PhotonConcepts, 522 E. Santa Clara St.

Ventura, CA 93001

When: Thursday, November 17, 2011

Time: 6:00PM to 8:30PM

RSVP: Karen 805-340-3490

Jennifer 805-647-1383

wine tasting, appetizers, and music

come join us in the fun.

History of Different Techniques in Enamel

jenenamel — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:31:13 +0000

Enamel was at its most important in European art history in the Middle Ages, beginning with the Late Romans and then the Byzantineswho began to use cloisonné enamel in imitation of cloisonné inlays of precious stones. This style was widely adopted by the “barbarian” peoples of Migration Period northern Europe. The Byzantines then began to use cloisonné more freely to create images, which was also copied in Western Europe. The champlevé technique was considerably easier, and very widely practiced in the Romanesque period. InGothic art the finest work is in basse-taille and ronde-bosse techniques, but cheaper champlevé works continued to be produced in large numbers for a wider market.

History of Enamel

jenenamel — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 05:09:19 +0000

The Greeks were enameling gold jewelry as early as the 5th century B.C. Caesar found the Celtic inhabitants of Britain enameling in the 1st century B.C. During the Byzantine era, 4th through 12th centuries, numerous enamel religious works were made. Fifteenth century artisans in Limoges, France, perfected the use of enamels in a painting technique. The 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and the early decades of the 20th century saw the production of a great volume of luxury and decorative enamels, made in many different centers. Since the last third of the 19th century, both Japan and China have exported an abundance of enamel as cloisonne – the name of the technique.

What Is Vitreous Enamel?

jenenamel — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 07:32:44 +0000

Vitreous enamel is glass bonded to a metal surface. The most common glass is a fusion of silica, soda, lime, and a small amount of borax. A wide range of colors are produced by incorporating certain elements, mostly transition metals. The physical properties of glass can be controlled to permit bonding to most metals, for example: gold, platinum, silver, copper, steel, cast iron, aluminum and titanium. The word “Enamel” refers to the glass material, as well as to the finished product.

What is Vitreous Enamel?

jenenamel — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:14:44 +0000

Often times we think of enamel and shiny paint or finger nail polish. But, I’m talking about the stuff we use of metal, copper, fine silver (.999% pure), or gold 18 k yellow or 22K yellow, that needs to be heated to allow it to stick to the surface.

Vitreous enamel is glass bonded by fusion to a metal surface. The most common glass is a fusion of silica, soda, lime, and a small amount of borax. Though normally transparent, various amounts of opacity can be produced by adding or growing crystals within the glass structure. A wide range of colors are produced by incorporating certain elements, mostly transition metals. The physical properties of glass can be controlled to permit bonding to most metals, for example: gold, platinum, silver, copper, steel, cast iron, aluminum and titanium. The word “Enamel” refers to the glass material, as well as to the finished product.