Creating Cloisonne-Enameled Jewelry with Ricky Frank

[@slangren3606]

How do you thank someone for so generously sharing their knowledge. I hope one day to take a class from you. You're an amazing teacher and your work is fascinating, beautiful, stunning. Thank you.

[@neetudileep]

😅

[@neetudileep]

😅

[@mpgfoo]

Well done, Ricky. I had a class with you about 8 years ago. This video was great to see. You have a very clear and direct teaching method, and you dont 'dumb it down'. Thank you.

[@larryrichards3668]

The best instructional video I have every watched on enameling. You are truly a gifted teacher. Thank you so much for sharing your time and expertise.

[@rfenamels]

You can learn more about my enameling process at www.enamelchannel.com

[@emilycarmany8600]

I cannot thank you enough for your detailed, gentle and patient teaching

[@robertwoods4281]

Sir, you are simply the coolest. I mean wow. I am in a old folks home now and there is not a lot I can do any more. I collect watchs and I was looking into an enameled dial Seiko. Seiko puts out little segments on there craftsmanship. They are great. Anyway looking into that brought me to you. Thank you so much for what you do. Sharing your talent, thoughts and experience is a gift that blesses us all.

[@rfenamels]

Thanks so much. I'm so glad you shared your feelings with me. My 89 year old father is in an assisted living home, and he struggles to find anything of value in his life, outside of his family. What an honor that I can do something which touches your life and enriches it.

[@gracenmg]

00:26 Chapter 1 -Preparing your piece 21:31 Chapter 2-Bending wires 34:10 Chapter 3- Enamelling your piece 1:02:43 Chapter 4- Finishing your piece

[@CONEHEADDK]

Rain water is an easy way to be sure of it being clean.

[@jameswburke]

What an excellent, professional video. Such a change from the shaky offerings usually seen. Fascinating process too.

[@sugarj85]

I followed this step by step and paused the video as I went along. I had incredible success on my first try!! This video is a Godsend! I dont think i have ever had success with anything on my first try before. I am hooked

[@lydialock9752]

I absolutely love this video, everything is explained and shown in detail. I am new to enamel but used this video to aid me in my first attempt at cloisonné. I wasn't too displeased with the result, but by watching back your video, I was able to work out what I did wrong and how to improve, thank you so much.

[@RioGrande1944]

Hi Tracey! That's so wonderful to hear! Let us know if you have any questions we can help you with :)

[@stephaniemichaud6954]

Fantastic tutorial. Very seasoned teacher prepared for virtually any questions and explains the why-s quite well. Love it! Well done!

[@Viviancanderson]

My gosh, this guy is a wonderful teacher!!! Thank you!

[@nealabornman294]

From South Africa. A brilliant teacher. My nephew attended a course and has since then made some beautiful pendants. He was well taught.

[@101mosioatunya]

Marvellous! I have just done a 3-day enamelling course and it is so useful to see a process like this through from start to finish. Thank you very much :-)

[@holywaters7577]

What an informative video!!! Thank you sir for taking the time to film this and share it with inquiring minds. I so appreciate it!

[@kathleensmith377]

I did some enamel projects at camp when I was a kid and I've always wanted to do it again. I see by your video that it is possible! I can't wait to order my materials and get started. You're an awesome teacher!

[@vidaliatheonionqueen]

this is the most detailed and useful tutorial I've ever seen. i wish all tutorials were like this

[@RioGrande1944]

Wow, thanks!

[@daveydillon]

Excellent tutorials Ricky, very detailed, informative and clearly explained succint steps. Definately gave me the push to start enameling my designs and stop dithering. Many thanks for sharing.

[@rfenamels]

yes, you can do it! i like to look at what i'm doing as a "sketch". Some things i will like, some things i won't and will want to change or do differently the next time. There is certainly enough info in this tutorial for you to "just start" on one of your designs. my suggestion is to pick out something simple to begin. there will be less variables to consider and you can slowly build your confidence.

[@rehanadesoysa7513]

Very.comprehensive introduction thankyou R de Soysa Sri Lanka

[@sunhunter48]

Thank you very much for this video! You are a gifted and generous teacher Ricky Frank. Thank You!

[@221b-Maker-Street]

What a brilliant tutorial - thank you so much, Ricky for sharing your obvious expertise. Back in the day before YT was all about monetisation and algorithms and influencers...

[@AndyDaviesByTheSea]

Thanks for this Rickey, This looks like a complete demonstration, just what I wanted. Nine years on and you're still helping folks to create, keeping it alive. Kind regards . . . Andy

[@RioGrande1944]

Hello. We are glad you found this helpful.

[@tonipeers8165]

Love this. I am an Enamelling tutor in the U.K and sometimes I second guess my explanations to students, but I am so pleased to hear your explanations and instructions are similiar to what I say as I really admire your work. Thanks for sharing,

[@rebeccatrotman2455]

After watching numerous videos and reading several books, I FINALLY HAVE SEEN THE LIGHT. This video is fantastic. I can't wait to start my first piece. T^hank you

[@Nutty...]

How did your first piece go?

[@violetvioletviolet1]

you had me at the purple kiln! thank you so much! I love this! I was trying to decide if I could get into anaglyph enameling! YES!!! LOVE THE WAY YOU INSRUCT!!

[@RioGrande1944]

Hey there. Thank you for the kind words!

[@cyndifoore7743]

I’m going to watch this when I have supplies and work along with you.

[@RioGrande1944]

Great!

[@ZvikaDror]

Great course! I did that in school when I was about 12-13, all those stages are in my memory and I'd like to do this today to many surfaces which will do them honour, not just jewelry - thank you for providing this video to the art enthusiasts! cheers!

[@101mosioatunya]

So very helpful. I've made copious notes as you've been talking 🙂

[@soniaborni7402]

Thanks so much Riky excellent video clear steps. You gave à push to start enameling. Would you advise Wether I torch fire I stead of usi g à kiln and list the supplices flux and type of enamel you using. That would Be very helpful. Thanks so much

[@mathusulah]

Wonderful and clear presentation, you have done a great job, and I really appreciate your time and that you shared such a good tutorial. Thanks

[@RioGrande1944]

Thank you for the kind words! We are glad you liked the video. The items used in the video can be located in the show notes.

[@victorresp]

You are an amazing teacher, thank you so much!

[@101mosioatunya]

Brilliant video - so clear and reassuring.

[@mycupoftea12]

Well, you certainly held my interest and I just happened to come upon this video after watching one before it. You are such a good teacher. Your explanations are so clear, precise and interesting. Kudos to you!

[@rfenamels]

+mycupoftea12 thank you so much.

[@spavliskojr]

Id love to learn this for watch dial making!

[@berniesmith9758]

I watched the whole tutorial and didn't get bored! I don't do enameling but am impressed with the time and skill involved but mostly the sheer volume of information pouring out in such a relaxed way. You clearly love what you do, with all it's intricacy and make it look easy. Thank you. (most interested to pass on your polish to my partner who loves playing with glass)

[@htchtc203]

Thank you Sir for clear instructional video. Sir, how thick is that piece at the end? Or let's askit another way, how thin it can be made?

[@vikneumann4148]

This has inspired me to take up enamelling. Ricky is a great teacher!

[@rodneyfrost1674]

Excellent video. Clear instructions, Thank you, Sir.

[@RioGrande1944]

Thank you for the kind words! We are glad you liked the video.

[@godaimeyuuki]

I am the fifth generation of a family that has been carrying on the tradition of Japanese cloisonne enamel art for generations, since 1883. It's all very interesting!

[@booksquotes948]

U on Instagram

[@nemocacihlas4876]

You are awesome! To see how you start to relax and flow thru work...like glass on steel. Here Here

[@rubyswanjewelry3095]

Thanks for SO much great detail! I'm curious about the wire you use. I see it is flat, and not round. Is cloisonne wire the same as bezel wire? I too am starting to use Argentium for my jewelry, but I've failed to find a source for Argentium 'cloisonne wire' or even a nice selection of plain bezel wire sizes. I'm certain that I can just make my own if I know what size sheet to start with. Do you think 28 gauge would work?

[@rfenamels]

+Ruby Swan Jewelry Cloisonne wire would be a generic description of any wire you use within enamel to separate areas. the wire I used in this project was fine silver, .004 by .05. it is similar to a bezel wire only shorter and thinner: a flat ribbon. the thinner the wire, the less you see it. the thicker the wire the more you see it and it therefore becomes more of a visual element. the higher the wire the more depth is created; depends on what you want. i have not seen anybody stock argentium wire, for good reason. very few, if anyone, is doing that. i've fused fine silver cloisonne wire onto argentium backsheet with no problem. thinner wires create more opportunities to melt your wires, though. you can make your own wire by rolling down round wire through a rolling mill. trial and error will help you figure out what to use to get what you want.

[@sophienelson6966]

perfect demonstration for all skill levels thanks for sharing

[@bitfreakazoid]

Am I understanding it correctly that these enamels are like a glass powder? Like a more super fine glass frit? I've got a little experience in flameworking glass and really enjoyed it and this enameled jewelry has caught my eye. Does the glass just stick/fuse to copper and silver? When flameworking one important thing is the COE of the glass as you can't fuse rods of different numbers, is enamel normally all the same? Also "unleaded enamel" get's mentioned a lot on what is being used, so I am assuming that means there is a "leaded enamel"? Is there a use difference between them or anything?

[@thomasquentin7995]

Amazing, calm and precise talk, thanks a lot!

[@LittleCherryHill]

Brilliant video! So happy to have found it. A question - do you think the Ultralite Kiln would be good enough for enamelling small pieces of cloisonne jewellery? I am not finding many reviews on it for enamelling. Thank you!

[@rfenamels]

Little Cherry Hill - Metalsmith Yes, it will work just fine for small pieces. you will probably need to the prep coats (flux and counter enamel) a little differently as a large trivet will act as a heat sink and cause the piece to take forever to fire. better to construct a hand made trivet out of nichrome or stainless steel wire to use less metal and keep it closer to the kiln floor. you only heat the piece from the bottom when using a hot plate type kiln. i used one for about a year before i bought my first larger kiln.

[@reets612]

Thanks so much for this very detail oriented video. I just bought a kiln and am looking at all the great stuff I can create with it!

[@FriendOfChrist]

Wow, so glad I found this. Thank you for sharing this information with us!

[@lpskittycheese]

Fantastic video, just what I needed with great explaining !!

[@RioGrande1944]

Hey there. Thank you for the kind words. Glad it helped answer your questions.

[@WestBlvdVet]

Great video. How tall is the flat wire? Is the height and width of this wire always the same? Do you need to keep adding glass until the surface is even with wire..if so what about the edges that have no wire? So interesting.

[@alanryanhall994]

Your experience and skills shine out. Thanks

[@jeanneogata8626]

What a natural teacher. Ricky Frank is very specific and clear. Is the glue a specific glue?

[@RioGrande1944]

Hello Jeanne, we will send your question over to our Tech Team and get you an expert answer.

[@rfenamels]

@@RioGrande1944 blue stick

[@RioGrande1944]

Hello sorry for the delayed response here is a link to where you can fid the Blue Stick glue that Ricky used. here www.riogrande.com/product/thompson-enamel-blu-stic-cloison-adhesive/119764gp We hope this is helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@possiblyhuman3114]

Awesome video! Thanks for freely sharing this information.

[@jennygordon3645]

Hi there, I found your tutorial really helpful. Thank you for sharing it. Quick question, I know you're in the US but where did you get the piece of heat proof mat from? Can't find it anywhere for use inside a kiln. Many thanks

[@RioGrande1944]

Hello! We think this is what you are looking for: www.riogrande.com/product/woven-fiber-4-12-kiln-disc-set/350049GP/?code=350049

[@katiedoxsie600]

Thank you for making this video, the process was not as hard as I thought.

[@eileenwright8927]

Mr. Frank I have a question about repairing enamel perfume flask .Is it possible to repair the enamel on one side with out hurting the enamel on the other side. And i very much enjoy your you tube classes

[@RioGrande1944]

Yes it is possible to repair an enamel on a perfume flask. It will take specific trivets to hold the piece during enameling that will hold the flask without damaging the other side.

[@marknelson7451]

Well done. What is the glue stick you are using?

[@daynagarcia4307]

Do you have a video of how you put this in a bezel? Is a bezel the only way to hang these pieces? I love watching your work, you are very easy to follow, thank you!

[@roseleslie8857]

Love the videos that you are showing. Now have a question about copper. Cleaned and ready to go. Have a copper bezel around it also. It is a min pin figure head piece Use it just like any thing else or is there another way. It needs to be done.

[@rfenamels]

from your question, i cannot understand what you are asking. it doesn't sound like it is related at all to the cloisonne video. sounds like a completely different enameling question for another topic

[@valwhitney6661]

Super lesson. Thank you

[@corystreat8037]

Thank you Mr.Frank ! Wish that I was able to take your classes in Albuquerque. Cory

[@rfenamels]

You can learn more about my enameling process at www.enamelchannel.com

[@silentscribes1905]

very nice I like this guys style and he knows his stuff

[@janettroiano7797]

Great helpful video, thank you. Where can I find a firing pad?

[@RioGrande1944]

Hello. Thank you for the question. Here is a link: tinyurl.com/45cuwjrk

[@richardstursa6711]

Very nice video. Very concise. One thing I was wondering about was that you do not use any of the diluted enameling adhesive from Rio but use distilled water. What might be the reason for your preference? The distilled water rinsing of the fines out of the mix does seem like one less step than mixing with adhesive. Thank you so much.

[@rfenamels]

Richard Stursa my mindset is, the less steps the better. And I do whatever it takes to get the result I want. Glue is not necessary to bond the enamel to the metal; it just holds it in place until the enamel begins to melt. Glue might be helpful on a more domed or 3 D form, or if it helps the design process (how the enamel is applied to create the imagery I desire). For this project it is unnecessary. I use distilled water instead of tap water if my tap water source contains elements which may discolor my enamel or make it cloudy. This tends to happen more frequently in desert like climates (Albuquerque, Tucson). Many of the places where I teach or have taught (atlanta, North Carolina, parts Of Florida, Tennessee,California, Dallas, Austin, and Washington DC, have had tap water which was fine and didn't cause any problems. I always test my tap water whenever I teach in a new location.

[@rfenamels]

Richard, i see that you have sent me a message on my youtube channel, but my reply is probably not accessible to you since those videos you saw were not meant to be made public and have since had their settings changed. if you would like to email me privately, please use my [e-mail] address. thanks

[@katencebt]

Thank you very much Ricky for the detailed instructions and techniques. This is the first complete video with so much dedication and love of creativity. I wish to learn more from you. Is there some chance to hold workshops in Singapore? Best Regards Katerina Ilieva

[@feltonnative]

Thank you, Ricky! Excellent job!!

[@cloudz10LA]

Thank you so much for the video, it really fills in the information that I didn't get written down in class. Now I just need to go do it. I loved making these in class, but I'm a big coward when it comes to trying it alone. I only have a butane torch and ultralight and am nervous about knowing how to use it for the enameling part. There isn't much in the way of instruction on it. Thanks for being there thru this video.

[@lauraburk8112]

This is better than watching a movie on. Friday night!

[@sass2387]

Thank you. Really enjoyed and learned a lot.

[@sunhunter48]

I absolutely love this video! I have one question on the time marker 20:17 you used the chemical for cover counter enamel. What kind chemical are you used? Thank you!

[@rfenamels]

that is called scalex. rio grande sells the same thing and the product is called Amacote. it's sort of like firing dirt or clay into your enamel surface. when the enamel surface melts, the clay base sticks, sealing the glass with material which doesn't adhere to metal or the fiber cloth i use underneath.

[@JudiChristopher]

Great job... Beautiful... ... When I saw Rio Grande I knew it was ABQ (I just moved from there, back to Carlsbad NM)... I'll move back there again... Good to know you're in New Mexico... .... You do a Beautiful job. ;)

[@rfenamels]

Judi Christopher I actually live in Georgia

[@JudiChristopher]

Really, because I thought you "Said" in this video that you were in ABQ... ?

[@RioGrande1944]

Hi, Judi! We're located in Albuquerque and we were lucky enough to have Ricky Frank come by to shoot this video! :)

[@JudiChristopher]

I love Rio Grande... I used to order the tiny gold boxes for my Gold Rush Liniment... Can you send me a catalogue? Can I call you for one? I love your products... and I'm getting ready for an expansion ... so this is perfect timing for our conversation... ;)

[@remka3650]

Fantastic stuff.

[@darlavanhorne7997]

Hi Ricky, What a terrific video. I've played with enamels but never thought I would attempt the cloisonne technique. You've explained it so well and have given me confidence to give it a shot. Many thanks. PS: Hoping i might take your class at The Ranch in November :)

[@mccarthyhome]

Ricky Loved this video! Thank you Can you explain a little more the Amaco clay stuff you painted on your counter enamel. I don't have a pad like you use only trivets should I still use this if I have trivets only?

[@rfenamels]

this is another name for Scalex. i paint it onto the backs of my pieces so that i don't need to use trivets. the pad is a type of fiberglass and is sold by Rio Grande. the scalex on the back is sort of like firing dirt into the enamel surface. it keeps the glossy enamel from sticking to whatever it is touching. trivets can be very frustrating and limiting. of course i only use this technique when i am going to set the piece into a bezel and the back will not be seen, or especially on test pieces where it really doesn't matter what the back looks like.hope this clears it up for you.

[@nyandayekwai2974]

what kind of glasses are you wearing to prevent cataracts? Please and thank you!

[@aidamaghuly]

Thank you so much for this amazing video! I recently took a 2days workshop class, the teaching was bad and I came home with more questions than answers. This video answered all of them! Now I know that actually we were half done and the piece was incomplete! Thank you so much! I have a question, can we use wet/dry sandpaper instead of the diamond pad?

[@RioGrande1944]

Hi There, Thanks for your question. It is possible to polish and sand enamel with wet/dry sand paper; however, it may not be the most efficient method. We would recommend as Ricky shows here - this method offers beautiful results. Thanks again for watching!

[@rfenamels]

I learned to grind and polish more than 40 years ago using wet/dry sandpaper, starting with 220 grit and going up to 600. actually a worn 600. You ask the question "can we?". My automatic response to this type of question is always "Yes, you can do anything. Everything works". You may or may not like the result. In short, try it, see what happens, if it has potential, play around with it to get the result you like. You may even get a result you wouldn't have imagined and like it better than you originally intended. This would be about anything, not just polishing. In fact, it applies to everything in life, not just enameling!

[@aidamaghuly]

@@rfenamels Thank you so much for the great response! I asked becaus I live in Iran and some of the tools are not available or are available in different forms or have different names so I will take your advice and experiment. That is the best way thanks

[@rfenamels]

send me your email address and I will let you know when my new online enamel class series is launched.

[@aidamaghuly]

@@rfenamels I have done that already I was so eager! Thank you so much

[@ruthsacks6594]

Great video and very clear. Why did you mix the flux with water to apply, but sifted the counter enamel. What is the difference between the two?

[@rfenamels]

Ruth Sacks It's all about the clarity! the flux is transparent enamel. when i wash the fine particles out, i get better clarity due to the smaller amount of air bubbles within the enamel layer. air bubbles get trapped around each grain, and the more (smaller) grains in a layer, the more air bubbles, and therefore less clarity. If i wanted to sift flux onto the front, i would use finer screens to remove the very fine grains. trying to sift just large grains onto a surface causes them to bounce and move across the surface of the metal, often falling off the edges. So I like to apply wet in order to use just the largest grains and get best clarity. sifting onto the back is not an issue since i don't make my pieces so that the backside will be visible (it is set into a bezel). I'm also using opaque enamel, so that the air bubbles trapped within the layer are not visible because you can't see through the top grains (it is opaque).

[@alangoldin]

+Ricky Frank I'm confused; wouldn't sifting with a finer screen have the effect of removing the larger grains and only letting through the finer grains?

[@rubyboulton-raymond8450]

Fantastic video! You are a gifted and generous teacher Ricky Frank. Thank You! Just wondering what weight fiber glass cloth you are using here and where one may purchase such a thing. Looks like the edges are fixed so they don't fray. Does it come that way? Fantastic idea! Thank you again.

[@rfenamels]

rio grande sells the fiberglass cloth i use: #350-049. it's called a woven fiber disc. it is fairly thick and the ends are not fixed but does not fray much at all. but here is the WARNING not given in the product description (at least to my knowldege). IT MUST BE FIRED FIRST SEPARATE FROM ENAMEL since there are oils in it which burn out during the first firing. It will turn brown, and then white again, and then it is ready. this only needs to be done one time. if you don't do this, the oil burning away may discolor your enamel, making it cloudy. happened to me and that's how i figured this out

[@rubyboulton-raymond8450]

+Ricky Frank Many thanks!

[@renib1159]

Thank U for this education on enameling jewelry..I never knew the process. Now I have much, much more respect for the beautiful pieces I see. I am an artist, painter, glass & crystal engraver & carver, & author. This is my 1st education into what enameling is. I always thought it was "baked paint" ...Mr Frank your video is excellent. Whatever made you start doing this tedious work? Thank you.

[@rfenamels]

+Reni B Amazingly, it doesn't feel tedious to me. It's very relaxing to lose myself in detail. Funny how people can be so different. For some reason it's one of the few ways in which I am able to slow myself down and not rush through life. I was first exposed to enameling in the mid 1960's when I had a copper enamel trinkit kiln and I would sift colors onto pre-stamped copper shapes like doves and owls. It was one of many hobbies, and probably the only artistic one, if you could call that process "artistic". Later, after earning a degree in Psychology, I pulled out my copper enamel kit from my parents basement and began to play with it. I saw my first cloisonne when attending a craft show (Gael and Howard Silverblatt....simply amazing pieces) and couldn't believe they could make something so beautiful with the same materials I was playing with. I've been hooked ever since (almost 40 years).

[@renib1159]

+Ricky Frank Hi, &Thank you for the reply.You do beautiful work..

[@RafaelGomes-xf9lv]

what a great video!!

[@enyoc3d]

excellent tutorial! thanks! how does on enamel the surface of a cylinder? e.g. a ring or bracelet

[@clauskadrnoschka553]

Currently i‘m fighting against (black) oxidation on my wires; how do i tackle this problem? Thank you for these videos…😊

[@nancyburrowes8940]

Probably firing too hot, or wire isn't fine silver.

[@lkirkeby]

Thanks! Can you look into a solution for my question about grinding? I’m clueless on what to use. Can I just use wet/dry sandpaper’s to do it or does glass require a special type of sandpaper? Thanks!

[@aidamaghuly]

Lisa Kirkeby that is my question also. Did you get the answer?

[@lkirkeby]

A M Yes. Item 201465 3M PSA 1” diamond sanding disc 1200-grit, 337234 rubber mandrel rough grinding, 338494 Edenta Ceragloss mounted diamond polisher, green, coarse. I ordered the first 2 listed but should’ve also gotten the Edenta because the diamond sanding disc grit was too fine - it’s more for finishing before you flash fire the piece. Since I didn’t order the Edenta, I used my alundum stone, which worked just fine, although a power option would be faster. If you choose to use an alundum stone, wear nitrile gloves and try not to rub it against your skin or it will abrade your skin.

[@aidamaghuly]

thank you! I do have a lapidary motor. I can't order from Rio since I live in Iran. I'm trying to find some of them here or the replacements.

[@charrlotteho2793]

Hi Ricky, thanks for sharing such an awesome video . It really helped me with my first try on enamelling, Hope to see more video from you soon ! Unfortunately, im facing some problems to create a constant colour within a single disc. As the colour often turns out having some shades of a darker tone. Do you have any tips on how to obtain a single constant colour through out a single disc of metal ? Thanks so much !

[@rfenamels]

Charrlotte Ho lots of factors to consider. type of metal, firing temperature, size of piece, transparent or opaque enamel, color of enamel, number of firings, etc. this is not a quick or easy medium to master. try to isolate variables and repeat unil you can predict what will happen. that develop a hypothesis as to what one change might do, test it, observe, and repeat. this is an efficient way to learn

[@Zaurika85]

Hi Ricky, you video is rely helpful, thanks for shearing you knowledge and experience. can you make video about different and more hard techniques and tips and tricks of wire shaping for Cloisonne Enamel?

[@rfenamels]

yes, that will be in the future. i'm currently planning a dvd series (not youtube) on more advanced cloisonne techniques!

[@Berkbz]

Hi Ricky, Greetings from United States. What is the brand of glue you are using? I couldn't find out a good glue yet. Thanks.

[@RioGrande1944]

Hey there, +Berk Bozbeyoğlu ! Thanks for reaching out! In this video, Ricky is using Thompson Enamel Blu-Stic Cloison Adhesive, 1-oz. Let us know if that helps! www.riogrande.com/Product/thompson-enamel-blu-stic-cloison-adhesive/119764

[@altar7885]

Great video, thanks a lot. I have always wondered something that you might know. How are enamel bands made? I mean, it's made with powdered glass, so how do they get it to hold onto the band until it's heated? Bit by bit using a torch and turning the band around each time? Sorry I realize this is off-topic but I'm really curious about enamel bands are made.

[@RioGrande1944]

We're glad you enjoyed it! To answer your question, you can use the enamel adhesive or the Thompson Klyr-Fire® A-1 Holding Agent, Water-Based Item #: 119111. This helps keep the enamel in place so it can all be fired at one time.

[@rfenamels]

regarding the question about setting: I fabricate bezels from sterling/fine silver for almost all of my enamels. fine silver bezel wire soldered to a sterling backsheet.

[@Mangakuray]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I wanted to ask what kind of wire do you use for this and where does one buy it?

[@RioGrande1944]

Hey there! Thank you for the question! Here is a link to the wire used in this video: ow.ly/z80X50HnKSZ

[@geewizz3335]

VERY well presented thankyou

[@starvingartistscollective]

Excellent video instruction!! Older video so not sure if I can still get an answer.......recently bought several kilos of lead based enamels from a yard sale, they were probably made in the 1970's. Are they still ok to use? (With appropriate precautions of course). Everyone's using lead-free now so I can't find much info on lead based ones. Is your process or firings much different for lead based enamel? Safety yes, but anything else?

[@rfenamels]

Most of the people I know use leaded enamel. The only way to know about the quality is to try it. You can learn more about my enameling process at www.enamelchannel.com

[@annkleckner9488]

You could use lead free clear enamel for the top coats and that will seal the leaded colors inside. Old enamels should work fine. Are they in powder form?

[@isabelleyang4336]

Hi Ricky, Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I found this video very helpful yet I have some questions which I hope you can kindly answer. The colours you used on the sky are purples in different shades but when the piece was finished, they tend to look brownish, why is that? will they be more purple if fired on gold? I got some Thompson clear silver flux 2020 and it's 200 mesh... yes, now I know why I always got this cloudy surface, here's the second question, what can i use the flux powder for? I tried use it as counter enamel and it tends to get dark after each firing. have a nice day and thanks again.

[@rebeccacooner2200]

lovely, very helpful video! How deep in mm do you think opaque enamel layers can safely be? I am enameling a gold ring with a .75mm deep channel to fill with opaque enamels; do you think I can do this as one layer or should I aim for several? thanks! Rebecca

[@rfenamels]

Rebecca Cooner it depends on metal thickness and if you have put counter enamel,on the back. There is no specific answer independent of other variables. As I always tell my students, it depends.......

[@zamis21]

I love your videos. I don't understand a lot of it most of the time that that will come in time. My question is: I like making eyes on glass cabochons and I use my nail polish and Gels for the "paint" can I enamel them instead?

[@RioGrande1944]

Hello zamis21, Thanks for watching. The process you are referring to is known as fusing, and it can be done in a kiln. You should follow the appropriate fusing schedule for the glass cabochon you are using. You may also fuse fine silver cloisonne wire in place then add enamel. It is important to remember that the glass cabochon underneath has to be considered since you do not want to damage it as it is going in and out of the kiln. We hope this helps!

[@Lightness108]

_Can you give tips on torch enamelling in a easy way, if it is possible?_

[@2012rusya]

Dear Ricky, thank you for such a great video! What kind of glasses do you use? I am only a beginner and thanks to your lesson I learnt that one has to protect eyes

[@rfenamels]

+2012rusya i think that they are either made of something called calobar or a plastic substitute for it.

[@dobromiryanakiev5240]

I love this video !! I learned a lot of things I need to know to start enameling. I have some questions - How long it should be in the klin and at how many degrees ? Is it the same with the flux and the enamels? And do you put the item in before the klin is turned on or after it is at certain temperature?

[@rfenamels]

get kiln up to temperture hot enough to melt the enamel. between 1350 and 1500 F. flux is enamel, but all enamels do not melt at the same temp. most do however melt within the range I mentioned in the beginning of this response. leave in the kiln until you get the result you want. there is no rule about what temp to fire at or how long. You need to become a scientist and learn to both play and set up experiments to learn this stuff. no easy answer, except "it depends...." sorry

[@rfenamels]

You can find out more about my enameling process at www.enamelchannel.com

[@ClassyGeek]

Please continue on with this - now how would you finish this? Set it?

[@MrDEagle69]

Beautiful presentation, thx!!

[@iksherman12]

Wow! Thanks so much. Your concise tutorial made cloisonne look easy! Can't wait to get started on a new chapter of enameling. I noticed you didn't have a hole or bail. What do you do about that (if anything) if you don't do it before starting enameling process?

[@rfenamels]

+Irene Sherman I set the finished enamel in a bezel. i don't like the look of bare metal showing on the edges. if i'm going to spend time and precision making a really nice cloisonne enamel, i want the quality of the setting to reflect the quality of the enamel. when i was first learning to make cloisonne i made about a dozen pieces with holes in them. almost 40 years ago.

[@iksherman12]

+Ricky Frank thank you again. I agree. Do you solder bezel? If so, how do you protect project from heat?

[@rfenamels]

the enamel is set into the soldered/fabricated bezel AFTER all the soldering has been completed. similar to making a setting for a large cabochon.

[@altar7885]

Thank you Ricky. What's the advantage of using a kiln instead of a torch like in your video about the reaction of flux on copper?

[@RioGrande1944]

Hi there, Thanks for your question. Both methods have advantages, here's what our Jewelry Tech Team has to share: The kiln allows firing of more than one piece at a time. It also allows better temperature control. This helps control how fast the glass melts and prevents over-firing quite as easily. When firing with a torch, it is easier to watch the glass soften and flow. You can stop the process at any time during the process, so you have a lot of control. The torch requires you to be more careful so you don’t over heat the glass or burn the edges of the metal/glass (because the edges heat faster due to the nature of the flame). Hope this information is helpful!

[@WestBlvdVet]

Do you have a video on how to set them in a bezel?

[@lyndahosie882]

Hi, I have watched this video so may times now and it has been an enormous help in giving me the confidence to give it a go. One thing though I have found it hard here in Scotland to find some of the products you use and seem only to be able to source them from America, do you know if these things have other names that they may go by?

[@rfenamels]

which products are you trying to find?

[@lyndahosie882]

Hi, I need to buy the clay that you paint on the reverse side of the piece to stop it sticking to the kiln