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This series of photos shows my first cloisonne piece in various stages of construction.
The first is of the domed fine silver disc after its second firing. The first firing was to apply clear enamel to the disc. Once the cloisonne wire has been adhered to the disc using Klyr-Fire, the second firing re-melts the clear coat and fuses the wire to the disc. The excess wire which overhangs the disc may safely be clipped off after two or more enamel applications, once you're certain they've been fused completely in place.
In the next photo, the first layer of colored enamels has been wet-packed into the cloisonne cells and dried, giving it the appearance of sugar crystals. For the sun, I began with an opaque yellow color. After fusing, I added shreds of gold foil with several subsequent layers and firings of a transparent orangey color. I apologize for the quality of this photo ... it was taken during class with my cell phone. :(
After several additional layers of enamel application, subsequent firings, polishing 'til my arms were ready to fall off and a final fire-polish ... the finished piece.
As my collection of Barb Plevan's handpainted miniature cat plates grows, I've framed a second set.
I found a pretty distressed wooden frame in muted peaches and sage greens and removed the easel back. I solved the problem of the glass having been glued into the frame by mounting some pretty embossed gold scrapbooking paper behind the glass to form an attractive textured background. Then I glued the plates directly onto the glass. The effect, to me, is very pleasing. The plates now pop and the display has extra depth.
I love Barb's work ... so whimsical, colorful, and filled with feline adoration! Barb's paintings are available for purchase in her Etsy shop:
http://BarbPlevan.etsy.com
... whether you're having fun or not! :D
Just realized it's been nearly a month since I last blogged. So much has happened -- we moved into a new home, began renovating in earnest, and added a beautiful new member to our family! This is Ivy, a seal point Ragdoll kitten. This photo was taken last week when Ivy was 11 weeks old. I can already see the difference in the length of her hair (especially her tail!) and she's growing like a weed. She and Bailey, our 16-year-old Maine Coon, are working toward peaceful coexistence. She wants to play and he's a grumpy old man ... but it gets better every day!
