Cool Tools | Basse-Taille Enameling by Jan Harrell

[@walshy2116]

Thank you very much for this information. You are such a great teacher. I’d be honored to be taught by you, you have a great personality for it. God Bless

[@jrtmomma7682]

This is just about the best video I've ever seen. So informative. I truly enjoyed watching this video! Now I want to try basse taille.

[@BraillestoneAFS]

What fantastic, interesting techniques/approaches to basse taille - so glad I stumbled onto your demos!

[@moodylicious]

fantastic lesson full of helpful hints, presented by a very poised and confident, yet gentile, Lady. Very nice! Thanks so much!!

[@maudale]

Thank you so much for sharing!!! The Fabergé guilloché pattern is achieved using some fairly large sophisticated engraving tools, but it's nice to see one can get faily decent engravings using rollers even if the finesse isn't always there :)

[@corystreat8037]

SUPER!!! I can't wait to start enameling and I would love to be able to attend your school/classes! Thank you,Cory

[@lass-inangeles7564]

What a good teacher you are! I have revised my view of Texans, heh, heh. I'm in California. I always wanted to do enameling. This is wonderful. All those cool tools and that great surfactant tip. Subscribed.

[@alwinwever8713]

I needed a new hobby, then someone gave me a kiln...guess this is it)) Will be back to learn more! Thanks to take the effort to upload those instructional clips.

[@marybulanova_jewelry]

You can use a torch as well as a kiln. There are videos how to.

[@roouwehand960]

Thank you for the video that's some really cool skills you have there

[@Kementiri]

WOW that is so amazing. I have been watching lots of videos on Fabrage eggs and wondered how to translate this to polymer clay. I have some ideas now! Ty for sharing yourgreat techniques :)

[@dtiydr]

13:16 That went way easier then I thought and I was surprised that the enamel still held onto the copper after that I mean glass is not exactly bendable, really cool.

[@leeannemesserschmidt731]

Thanks for the link Jan... love the video. Very helpful !

[@slick4401]

Beautiful work Ma'am. Thank you.

[@smac3662]

I was wondering what kind of jewelry you started making, if it was enamel due to the expenses. Thank you for your valuable knowledge.

[@CopycatStudiosLA]

such an informative video - awesome!

[@edspencer5122]

Phenomenal tutorial ! ! !

[@AnotherSpecialEdMom]

Wonderful video. This is absolutely the best enameling video on the internet. You are a wonderful teacher. Do you give in-person classes anywhere besides Texas?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hello, you can find more classes available by Jan on her website under "Workshops": www.janharrell.com/ Thanks for watching!

[@garyshirinian]

Nice video. Where can I buy those rolled pendants. They look like done by guilloche machine. Thx

[@Marcblur]

Beautiful work! I've never tried the sifting method for preparing the powder. I had always done the wash, settle and pour method until the water runs clear. I'll get some sifters like you have, there. Do you, by chance, have any videos about Thompson transparent red enamels on fine/.999 silver? I've had the darndest time keeping the enamel red without it blackening, even after washing the powder.

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hello, thank you for watching. Unfortunately we do not currently have videos on using the transparent red enamels. We will add this to our list of possible videos. Have a good day!

[@gouletlise4110]

Hi..I'm doing ceramics and I have little pots of powdered enamel and I am wondering if I can use these on my pottery pieces. Thank you in advance for your help.

[@terrygpuckett7434]

Nice video, Jan.

[@janharrell2188]

awwwww terry nice together your thumbs up

[@kenneths123]

Hi Jan. Mani's Husband here. Nice to see your work and progression!

[@janharrell2188]

wow-great to hear from you. Hope you all are doing well.

[@genevievechoiseul1810]

Amazing teacher!

[@agusbudisantosa4577]

Thank you for your sharing. But, help me How to make finished enamel not flat but convex ?

[@dimman77]

Great video, thanks! I have a question for colours requiring a flux base. Would you do 3 coats of flux just like the colours and fire, and then repeat the 3 coats in colour and fire again? Or would you do 1 coat of flux, and 2 coats of colour and fire? Thanks for the video.

[@janharrell2188]

I always like a separate coat for my flux.Some flux needs two firings to get it a pretty golden color and after I achieve that, my next coat will be transparent . Depending on the intensity of color that I desire, I might use 1-3 coats. Those smaller mesh sifters are the key! I also use the direct on and that saves a step.

[@amyjohnson7291]

Hi Jan, When do you do direct on and when do you use transparent flux under the transparent colors? Love the video! I have watched it many times! Thank you for taking the time to teach enamel techniques.

[@altar7885]

Great video thanks a lot. However, at 3:34 you say that the water "sheets up", and that's bad. Then at 4:14 the water "sheets up" and that's good. So is sheeting up good or bad? Could you do this on sterling silver or 14 gold without it blackening in the kiln?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Sorry for the confusion. When water flows over the metal with no interruptions it is clean. Sterling silver and gold alloys will always blacken in the kiln. The copper that is part of the alloy makes it oxidize when it goes in the kiln uncovered. Please, let us know if you have any other questions!

[@allenmgreen99]

Loved the lesson. In my experience, people used an 80-mesh sifter, whereas you used the 100-mesh. Please elaborate which applications to use 80 or 100. thanks

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

🌟☀a very clear,concise and interesting presentation of enamel on copper and silver, thank you. thesilverworkisparticulary beautiful with the base colour of the metal coming through it really makes that enamel shine beautifully.... ☀🌟

[@RiMix-ub8gi]

What product do you put on a copper plate before putting the enamel powder? Thank you in advance for your answer.

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi, this is surfactant. You can find it here: cooltools.us/products/surfactant-metal-prep-for-enameling-2-oz

[@BlissfulBirdStudio]

Could you “paint” klyr fire on with a paint brush and just fire between coats instead of spraying the klyr fire on all during one setting? Is there an advantage one technique has over the other? Thanks!

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Kacie, we do not recommend painting klyr fire on. It is meant for spray application. Thanks for watching!

[@shirleymason7697]

Thank you. Very helpful.

[@mary-annkieckhaben5026]

Thankyou for shering.

[@BlissfulBirdStudio]

Hi there! Another question, could I use dawn liquid as a surfactant? TY

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Kacie, we are not familiar with using Dawn soap as a surfactant. If you look into this, it's not recommended. Hope this helps.

[@moonbeamlucas2164]

Who sells these circular engine turned metal embosser, as shown in the thumbnail? Thanks

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hello, these shapes are cut from our fine silver mandala textured metal, which you can find here: cooltools.us/products/textured-metal-mandala-fine-silver Thanks for watching!

[@Maria-yr3tj]

Very informative video, thank you. I have the same question about where to buy the aerosol bottle and also what are the round texture plates, where to buy them. Many thanks.

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Maria, Cool Tools sells both of these. The aerosol bottle can only be shipped within the continental U.S. Here is the link: www.cooltools.us/Spra-tool-Spray-Gun-Kit-p/acc-217.htm The texture plates come in many different metal types. Jan used Fine Silver in the video. Here is a link to this plate in all the metal types we offer: www.cooltools.us/search_results_a/352.html?Search=textured+metal+-+mandala&Submit=Search

[@tyedye571]

so beautiful!

[@johnhowton2067]

Hi were do you get the spray can and container , I love your way of enameling and the quality thank you.

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi John, you can find this product here: www.cooltools.us/Spra-tool-Spray-Gun-Kit-p/acc-217.htm Have a good day!

[@arlynelauro9872]

Besides jewelry what do you use these for?

[@elainegarner8049]

I always get fire scale on the outer rims of my pendant. I'm wondering how you eliminate the fire scale.

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

youcantitsaby product of firing , the only way to stop it is to make sure the enamel covers the edges and make sure those edges are squeaky clean before you apply the glass. Any exposed copper or silver will otherwise have firescale....

[@mayl5386]

Can i use sterling? Do i need to prep it

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hello, you can enamel on sterling silver, but you would need to depletion gild it first. Depletion gilding is the process of heating sterling silver sufficiently to oxidize the copper in the surface layer of the alloy and then removing that oxidized copper layer by soaking in pickle (Silver Prep). Hope this helps!

[@MattyC0900]

Hi there, just wondering if it would be possibly to use a more volatile solvent than distilled water in order to speed up drying time? If so, any suggestions

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Matthew, we asked Jan your questioned and she replied: Some people use pump hairspray but base taille is dependent on clear enamels and anything added can affect the transparency-they should dry quickly put on a hot plate set at low temp or directly onto of the kiln- I believe in the layers of the wet spraying in between layers to also make the enamels settle into the pattern. Enameling sometimes is not a fast process- ;)

[@musashinagatsubo9574]

Where do you get the printed metal. Do you have a roller printer also or purchase from a supplier? A roller printer video would be nice!

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Musashi, the textured metal is sold already printed and can be found here: www.cooltools.us/Textured-Metal-by-Metal-Type-s/1902.htm If you are interested in all of the products used in this video, you can find the full list here: www.cooltools.us/Video-Basse-taille-Enameling-by-Jan-Harrell-s/2546.htm Thanks for watching!

[@rinocarrasco5669]

Where do you get your material?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hello, you can find everything used in this video below the video here: www.cooltools.us/Video-Basse-taille-Enameling-by-Jan-Harrell-s/2546.htm Thanks for watching!

[@kittenpusheen1976]

hello i enjoy your video; which ingredients do you use to clean out the rust of the copper with out damage the enamels?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hello, Jan uses a product called Silver Prep or "Pickle" to take the firescale off the copper. You can find this product here: www.cooltools.us/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SOL-101. For a complete list of the products used in this video click here: www.cooltools.us/Video-Basse-taille-Enameling-by-Jan-Harrell-s/2546.htm

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

The kill? I thought it was a kiln. Hah, never mind! I saw your reply to a similar comment further down the page - the vagaries of English, lol. I'm fascinated by etymology, so thanks for the info!

[@altar7885]

Doesn't flattening the piece with the mallet risk breaking the back enamel?

[@lisajarvis3820]

altar7 doing it on a wooden block and using the raw~hide mallet which is a special mallet stops that happening!

[@melaniebrown3001]

Hi Jan, why do you add a penny into the powder when you are sifting?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Melanie, placing a coin in the sifter helps push the enamel through the screen. Thanks for watching!

[@melaniebrown3001]

and the penny dropped😆what a great tip, thank you! Struggling to get that aerosol spray in the UK, wish we had cool tools....!

[@alexnikoo244]

Perfect job Mam, Thanks

[@jmay6064]

Do you recapture the enamel that sticks to your hands when you sift? I know enamel isn't supposed to go down the drain, so how are you doing clean-up, please?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hello, we generally let the enamel sift onto paper and reuse the enamel. You can simply brush your hands off onto the paper and reuse. Thanks for watching!

[@lisajarvis3820]

Have a wet cloth towel handy for wiping your hands through out working!!

[@lisajarvis3820]

Can you please tell me if a blow torch can be used?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Lisa, to learn how to torch fire enamels, please click here: www.cooltools.us/Torch-Firing-Enamels-by-Karen-Trexler-s/2731.htm Hope this helps!

[@jmay6064]

At about 14:50, Jan says "Thompson has a line of unleaded that look beautiful direct on copper". Do you have a link to that line? or a list, please?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hello, you can find all of Thompson Enamels here: www.cooltools.us/Thompson-Enamels-s/2565.htm

[@jmay6064]

@@cooltoolsvideos What specifically are the colors that are designed for copper, please? I can't read all the numbers on her sample sheets

[@cooltoolsvideos]

@@jmay6064 The list is as follows: 2615 Periwinkle 2625 Winter 2650 Heron 2660 Nitric 2680 Prussian 2755 Concord 2760 Mauve 2910 Elan 2915 Oil 2510 Cascade 2520 Aqua 2530 Water 2119 Wax Yellow 2115 Mars 2170 Van Dyke 2220 Chartreuse 2325 Gem Green 2429 Sea Green Have a good day!

[@jmay6064]

@@cooltoolsvideos Sweet! Thank you!

[@Sweetp45]

Have the same question as Jenny. I have looked everywhere for some kind of aerosol bottle. Can't find them.

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Cool Tools sells them, however, we can only ship this within the continental U.S. Here is a link: www.cooltools.us/Spra-tool-Spray-Gun-Kit-p/acc-217.htm

[@Sweetp45]

CoolToolsVideos I did see that last night. It is in my crosshairs. Thank you so much.

[@kper6318]

Instead of Klyr Fire can I use Gum Solution (diluted w/distilled water).

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hello! Yes, Gum Solution can be used instead of Klyr-Fire. Thank you for the question!

[@lindal8228]

Do you teach classes in houston

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Linda, Jan does not have any upcoming classes, but does have some upcoming zoom work shops. You can find them here: www.janharrell.com/workshops

[@JustJennysSandBox]

May I ask where you purchased the spray bottle(s)? Thank you.

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Cool Tools sells them and we purchase direct from the manufacturer, however, we can only ship this within the continental U.S. Here is a link: www.cooltools.us/Spra-tool-Spray-Gun-Kit-p/acc-217.htm

[@DianneCulbertsonJacques]

Hi! I am having trouble with the Spra Tool freezing (and clogging) up. I have tried all 3 tips to no avail. Any ideas? what is the correct ratio for Klyr fire/water? any help would be MUCH appreciated!

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Dianne, the recommended ratio of Klyr-Fire and water is about 60-40. 60 of distilled water and 40 of Klyr-fire. For enameling, use the red nozzle and throw the others away. Hope this helps!

[@woodwoman9130]

Great video well done thanks

[@ибрагаджиев-в6ш]

what kind of enamel what is the name of enamel,

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hello, these are Thompson Enamels. You can find them here: www.cooltools.us/Thompson-Enamels-s/2547.htm Thanks for watching!

[@nenacombs-kirkland639]

Cool Tools stated they don't have these sifters. Can you please tell me where you bought them? Thanks! nena

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Nena, we do carry the sifters. Here is a link to them directly: www.cooltools.us/search_results_a/352.html?Search=sifter+-+large&Submit=Search If you would like a whole list of the products used in this video please click here: www.cooltools.us/Video-Basse-taille-Enameling-by-Jan-Harrell-s/2546.htm Thanks for the question!

[@ffaubert1]

Is there a reason that the bottle has to be aerosol? Could it be just a spray bottle?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Frank, the bottle needs to be aerosol so that it sprays a finer mist and more evenly. Have a good day!

[@rajendrabhise2851]

धन्यवाद मॅडम 🙏💐🎁🙏🌹

[@Daniel-Aquino]

That's art

[@jaxpax2566]

so can you do this & wear gloves? would you be able to achieve the same results?

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi Jax, yes you should be able to achieve the same results with gloves. Thanks for the question!

[@josephm.6453]

In watchmaking, this is considered a hard and expensive method for dial finishing. It doesn't seem like that

[@roouwehand960]

I was thinking the same technique for watch dials. Have you tried it

[@lorenzobrivio4891]

yeah spray it on your hand

[@jdoxie2119]

You dump a piece fresh from a pickle into bare hands?! Even if it's citric acid, it's not going to be friendly to your skin. Nastier chemicals are often used in a pickle, plus pickles accumulate copper over time. Pickle pots are hot too. Why show people to use anything other than copper tongs? Then rinse the piece in water - or in rinse in water with baking soda to neutralize the acid, followed by clean water to remove the baking soda. Then you can handle it without worrying about chemicals damaging your skin, or being absorbed into your body. Some of us are new at this and could get hurt, thinking that's OK to do. I wouldn't want enamel powder (either wet or dry), or fiberglass brush bristles on my hands either.

[@pijnto]

It's interesting that 40 years ago before they had klyr fire we could still produce high quality enamel, this is one very complicated way of enameling does not need to be this complicated

[@Cody38Super]

From Houston, the word is Kiln, lady....there's an "N" in that mother!!

[@starboard7308]

What in the world is the CLICKING and POPPING noise in the background of these videos....

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hello, this noise is the kiln running in the background. Have a good day!

[@sgfluellen960]

I love this video, but not wearing a mask when sifting glass powder is unacceptable. PLEASE DON'T RISK YOUR LIFE FOR ART.

[@bakinka2727]

Its hard to talk through the mask. And Thompson's enamel unleaded. Lead is the most you have to worry about. True artist do risk their lives for the art.

[@ninakurrf9502]

HAHA!

[@pistolannie6500]

She also needed gloves on.

[@helenepoulin896]

No, the main risk with enamelling without a mask is developing silicosis from inhaling glass dust!

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

@@bakinka2727 Foolish to risk your life and well-being by skipping a simple step. And As Helene Poulin said, and as my first instructor impressed upon me, the mask prevents you from inhaling the tiny particles of glass that waft thru the air as you shake dry enamel onto your piece...once inside your lungs, those glass particles STAY inside your lungs, and can cause silicosis. NOT a pleasant way to go.

[@Ashy2000]

Very informative! Jan's frequent teeth kissing was distracting though.

[@katebuxton191]

Fabulous tutorial, so many great tips

[@grossleg123]

Ashley Ashbee I think the word is annoying

[@PSMITHjl]

Ashley Ashbee, How much did you have to pay to watch the video?

[@geraldinecurran4215]

i would say the word is tutting, maybe it`s a subject learned to be a teacher

[@4zengrl]

Jan's videos are so informative and she's an amazing teacher. The information is on point and the video quality is good. Publicly calling out what you personally see as distractions or annoyances is petty and rude. Keep it to yourself.

[@starboard7308]

I don't understand people who want to use translucent enamels on copper...Silver is the only way to go, IMO.

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

Depends on the look you're going for. Depends on the artist's vision. Not everyone is trying to achieve the same thing! But I do agree that if you're going for that fine enamel, Faberge egg look, you do need to use the cool, highly reflective surface of fine silver under the translucent enamel.

[@Emilmarch]

Cool but she sounds like tired of teaching it :( I honestly lost my hope to live as I was listening to her.

[@thepochade5992]

A 'KILL' ??? I'm sure you must mean 'KILN' !

[@cooltoolsvideos]

Hi April, The word kiln was originally pronounced kill with the n silent. Originally used by potters. Thanks for your comment!

[@roycewicks2523]

Both pronunciations are in my dictionary.

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

I just posted the same comment! Never heard anyone skip the final 'n' before. Live and learn, I guess!